Message #86 From:
NewsBot Date: December 14, 2006 05:33:00 AM
BTN News Biophan Releases Positive Animal Study on MYO-VAD(TM)
ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Biophan Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: BIPH;
FWB: BTN), a developer of next-generation biomedical technology, in
conjunction with MYOTECH, LLC, recently presented results of animal
studies that indicate the potential of the MYO-VAD cardiac support
system to significantly improve the treatment of heart failure. This
devastating disease currently has no cure and affects an estimated
5,000,000 Americans each year.
Heart failure is a progressive condition that involves the heart
re-shaping, or “remodeling”,
into a less effective blood pump. This occurs after the heart has been
damaged by any disease or condition that puts extra stress on the heart’s
muscle or deprives it of blood. High blood pressure, coronary artery
disease and heart attacks are typical causes. For example, within 6
years of a recognized heart attack 22% of men and 46% of women will be
disabled with heart failure, according to the American Heart Association.
The animal study presented at the recent Cleveland Clinic symposium on
heart failure suggests that the MYO-VAD can significantly improve the
ability of failing hearts to pump blood, while simultaneously reducing
the stress on the heart that accounts for the vicious, progressive cycle
of heart failure.
Researchers found that key biomarkers of heart failure increased in
animal hearts with induced heart damage, but decreased in animals whose
damaged hearts were supported with the MYO-VAD. Investigators concluded
that the device “can significantly augment the
failing heart while reducing myocardial stress,”
and that the device “can provide adequate
hemodynamic support while favorably altering the maladaptive
pathophysiology of heart failure.”
According to the American Heart Association, 550,000 new cases of heart
failure are diagnosed annually in the U.S. and an estimated 15 million
new cases are reported yearly worldwide. Direct and indirect costs of
heart failure in the U.S. in 2006 have been estimated at $29 billion.
“Heart failure is most commonly treated with
pharmaceuticals, but this approach is ineffective and heart failure
remains the number one killer and the most costly condition for the U.S.
health care system,” said Jeffrey Helfer,
President of Biophan’s Cardiovascular
Division.
According to Mr. Helfer, “The MYO-VAD
technology has already demonstrated its ability to support suddenly
failing hearts (such as in a heart attack). By favorably altering the
progression of heart failure that follows, we believe these results
indicate potential for the MYO-VAD to treat a much wider range of
patient conditions.”
The MYO-VAD can be implanted on an arrested or weak heart in
approximately three minutes, restoring cardiac output. It consists of a
flexible polymer cup that fits around the heart, compressing and
expanding both ventricles. Because it does not come into contact with
circulating blood, the MYO-VAD promises to eliminate the serious and
potentially fatal complications of clotting and stroke, bleeding, and
infection that plague all other Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs).
Due to its technically simple installation and removal requirements,
anticipated lower rates of patient complications, and lower device cost,
the MYO-VAD is expected to provide a significant reduction in the cost
of treating heart failure patients. This promises to extend the physician’s
ability to treat heart failure and help save thousands of lives.
About Biophan
Biophan is dedicated to providing technologies that offer innovative and
competitive advantages to the medical device industry. The Company
licenses its technologies which improve the MRI safety and image
compatibility of medical devices to leading device manufacturers. In
addition, the Company is commercializing the MYOTECH MYO-VAD(TM), a new,
cardiac support system which has significant potential to improve the
treatment of many forms of heart disease. Biophan is traded on the OTC
market under the symbol BIPH, and is also listed on the Frankfurt Stock
Exchange under the symbol BTN. For more information on Biophan, please
visit our website at www.biophan.com.
Certain statements included in this press release may constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities
laws. These statements reflect what Biophan anticipates, expects, or
believes may happen in the future. Biophan's actual results could differ
materially from the outcome or circumstance expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors
including, but not limited to: Biophan's ability to develop its
technologies; the approval of Biophan's patent applications; the
successful implementation of Biophan's research and development
programs; the ability of Biophan to demonstrate the effectiveness of its
technology; the acceptance by the market of Biophan's technology and
products incorporating such technology; the ability of Biophan to
effectively negotiate and enter into contracts with medical device
manufacturers for the licensing of Biophan's technology; competition;
the ability of Biophan to raise capital to fund its operating and
research and development activities until it generates revenues
sufficient to do so; and the timing of projects and trends in future
operating performance, as well as other factors expressed from time to
time in Biophan's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC"). As a result, this press release should be read
in conjunction with Biophan's periodic filings with the SEC, which are
incorporated herein by reference. The forward-looking statements
contained herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and
Biophan undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking
statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
