LYON, France, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EDAP TMS S.A. , the global leader in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of prostate cancer, announces the sale of an Ablatherm HIFU medical device to "La Mutualite Francaise" (French Mutual Clinics), the second device sold to this major French Healthcare Group. The previously placed unit is being successfully shared among six clinical sites within the system. The device sale was recorded in the fourth quarter.
The Mutualite Francaise decided to purchase a second Ablatherm unit to meet growing demand for HIFU therapy. By placing a new integrated imaging Ablatherm-HIFU device at Institut Mutualiste Monsouris (IMM), Paris, recognized as the leading prostate cancer center in France, Ablatherm-HIFU will be made available to a greater number of patients as it will be used mainly in Paris, but also will be mobilized for use at other Mutualites clinics in Northern France, further easing access to this therapy under a mobile model.
Mr. Jean-Jacques Monteil, Managing Director of IMM, Paris, commented, "The acquisition of this second Ablatherm device will enable our centers to be at the forefront with the latest technologies in prostate cancer. By offering the best in class surgery together with the latest minimally invasive therapies, we will further enhance our leading position and dedication toward offering the best to our patients. With this second machine, we will be able to serve more of our clinics while optimizing our costs."
EDAP Chief Operating Officer Marc Oczachowski stated, "We are excited to secure further support within the French medical community based on the strong demonstrated performance of the Ablatherm HIFU in a clinical setting. This additional purchase reflects the positive experience of the Mutualite in successfully sharing the Ablatherm for the past two years among its clinics. This purchase also reflects the many years of positive experience by Pr. Guy Vallancien at IMM in Paris. Pr. Vallancien, Head of the Urology Department at IMM and an internationally renowned expert in prostate cancer, has used the Ablatherm for more than 10 years with excellent patient outcomes. We continue our strong focus on expanding Ablatherm-HIFU in key European countries, including France where interest for Ablatherm-HIFU is clearly growing."
Pr. Guy Vallancien commented, "HIFU has definitely emerged as a minimally invasive treatment of choice for patients with prostate cancer who are not good candidate for radical surgery. Additionally, Ablatherm-HIFU is on its way to become the treatment of reference for the numerous patients who failed radiotherapy. With Ablatherm-HIFU and its in-line imaging system, the urologist can perform and control a highly standardized and effective tissue ablation of the prostate. Furthermore, treatment is typically less than 2 hours, recovery is rapid and we are able to determine success within months of the treatment. Data compiled so far in multiple long-term studies have shown good results with a low side effect rate using the Ablatherm-HIFU device. I will be pleased to further share my long-term HIFU experience with physicians who will be using our Ablatherm device on a shared basis."
"We continue to gain support throughout the French health system for Ablatherm HIFU," said Hugues de Bantel, Chief Executive Officer of EDAP TMS. "Very clearly Ablatherm answers an unmet need in the French medical system. We are grateful for the support of the French urological community in making this therapy available to ensure preservation of their patients' quality of life. Not only is the therapy considered an excellent choice for many patients, but Ablatherm offers a very safe and cost effective option to the health providers. We continue our efforts to secure the French reimbursement needed to make this therapy available to every man with prostate cancer in our home country."
About EDAP TMS S.A.
EDAP TMS S.A. develops and markets Ablatherm, the most advanced and clinically proven choice for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of localized prostate cancer. HIFU treatment is shown to be a minimally invasive and effective treatment option with a low occurrence of side effects. Ablatherm-HIFU is generally recommended for patients with localized prostate cancer (stages T1-T2) who are not candidates for surgery or who prefer an alternative option, or for patients who failed radiotherapy treatment. The company is also developing this technology for the potential treatment of certain other types of tumors. EDAP TMS S.A. also produces and commercializes medical equipment for treatment of urinary tract stones using Extra-corporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
For more information on the Company, contact Halliburton Investor Relations at (972) 458-8000, the Corporate Investor Relations Dept at +33 (0) 4 78 26 40 46 or see the Company's Web sites at http://www.edap-tms.com/ and http://www.hifu-planet.com/ .
In addition to historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These include statements regarding the Company's growth and expansion plans. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ablatherm-HIFU treatment is in clinical trials but not yet FDA approved or marketed in the United States.
CONTACT: EDAP TMS S.A. Halliburton Investor Relations
Blandine Confort Matt Kreps
+33 4 78 26 40 46 972 458 8000
