Press Release Source: Misonix, Inc.
Misonix Launches Prostate Cancer Product at European Urology Association Meeting in Vienna
Wednesday March 31, 6:00 am ET
New Data Show 88% Success Rate in Treating Cancer
FARMINGDALE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 2004--Misonix, Inc. (Nasdaq:MSON - News) today announced that it has launched the Sonablate 500 in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Russia, for the treatment of prostate cancer, enlarged prostate and other prostatic tumors. The product launch came in conjunction with the release of new data at the European Urology Association meeting in Vienna, Austria presented by Dr. John Rewcastle, a prominent figure in the field of urology. The report, which was sponsored by Misonix, includes data showing that the Sonablate 500 is 88% effective in producing PSA measurements below 1.0 within one year following treatment using the Sonablate 500. The data also showed the product had a very favorable safety profile compared to other methods of treatment.
Misonix has exclusive distribution rights for the Sonablate 500, which is licensed from Focus Surgery, Inc. based in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition, Misonix owns 20% of Focus Surgery, Inc. and manufactures its product.
The Sonablate 500 uses High Intensity Focused Ultrasound ("HIFU") in the non-invasive treatment of prostate cancer, enlarged prostate and other prostatic tumors. The device has a CE mark, has been successful in treating more than 150 patients in Germany to date and has been used in clinical applications throughout Europe.
Dr. Joachim Deuster, MD from the Prostata Therapie Tageslink fur Urologie in Heidelberg, Germany stated, "Over the past 2 years with the help of the Sonablate 500, I have treated over 180 prostate cancer patients using the Sonablate without any major complications. This system preserves the quality of life. Patients do not suffer the same level of incontinency and impotency using the Sonablate 500 in comparison to other treatment methods. I believe that the HIFU is the treatment method of the future for prostate cancer. The system is simple and is used on an outpatient basis."
Michael A. McManus Jr., President and CEO of Misonix, Inc. stated, "We are very excited about starting the distribution effort for the Sonablate 500. We feel the new scientific evidence showing the importance of this product to patients in Europe will significantly aid sales and marketing efforts. We believe the Sonablate 500 will be a very competitive product on the European and Russian markets to treat prostate cancer. Our sales and marketing team has done a great job of preparing for the product launch so quickly after we secured the rights to market the product."
Misonix develops, manufactures, and/or markets medical, scientific and laboratory equipment and air cleaning systems and maintains a minority equity position in Focus Surgery as its exclusive manufacturer of the Sonablate 500.
Forward Looking Statements: Statements in this news release looking forward in time are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including general economic conditions, delays and risks associated with the performance of contracts, uncertainties as a result of research and development, potential acquisitions, consumer and industry acceptance, litigation and/or court proceedings, and regulatory risks including approval of pending and/or contemplated 510K filings.
Contact:
Misonix, Inc.
Michael A. McManus, Jr., 631-694-9555
www.misonix.com
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates, Inc. (Investor Relations)
Kim Sutton Golodetz, 212-838-3777
kim@lhai.com
Bruce Voss, 310-691-7100
bruce@lhai.com
www.lhai.com
Source: Misonix, Inc. |
