LYON, France, Feb. 15, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- EDAP TMS SA (Nasdaq:EDAP), the global leader in therapeutic ultrasound, announced today that Ablatherm(r)-HIFU was featured in presentations at three major U.S. medical conferences. Each lecture underscored Ablatherm-HIFU's unique clinical superiority in terms of efficacy, safety, and long-term data.
The following urological experts showcased the benefits of Ablatherm-HIFU as a minimally invasive treatment for early-stage prostate cancer: Dr. Enrico Finazzi Agro of the University of Rome Tor Vegata at the Jackson Hole Seminars meeting on Jan. 26; Dr. William Orovan of Maple Leaf HIFU at the Advances and Controversies in Cryotherapy meeting Feb. 2-4; and Dr. Cary Robertson of Duke University at the 18th International Prostate Cancer Update Feb. 7-10.
Dr. Cary Robertson of Duke University and leading investigator for EDAP's Ablatherm-HIFU U.S. trials, commented, "Feedback from the 18th International Prostate Cancer Update demonstrated the high level of interest and excitement surrounding HIFU. In an era of frequent detection of early-stage, low-grade prostate cancer, a minimally invasive treatment such as HIFU is likely to play a major role in the treatment of an aging male population. HIFU has great promise as an important therapy in the future. This is already being realized in Europe and many other countries, and a multicenter clinical research study is underway in the United States to determine the safety and effectiveness of HIFU prior to submission for approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration."
Marc Oczachowski, EDAP's Chief Executive Officer, said, "The annual International Prostate Cancer Update meeting is perceived as one of the most respected annual urological meetings. Featured presentations at the meeting highlighted cutting-edge issues in urology and, specifically, the management of prostate cancer. We believe that Dr. Robertson's presentation was well received by a multinational audience, including world-renowned experts in radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy. Since EDAP was the only HIFU company participating in the three conferences, we believe Ablatherm-HIFU's increased visibility in the United States is underscored. We are pleased that Ablatherm-HIFU is building momentum in the United States, based on our unique expertise in HIFU as we continue to actively enroll patients for our U.S. clinical study."
EDAP's Ablatherm-HIFU is not approved for the treatment of prostate cancer in the United States and is currently undergoing evaluation in a multicenter Phase II/III clinical trial under an Investigational Device Exemption granted by the FDA.
About EDAP TMS SA
EDAP TMS SA 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. Ablatherm-HIFU treatment is in clinical trials, but not FDA-approved or marketed in the United-States. The company also is developing this technology for the potential treatment of certain other types of tumors. EDAP TMS SA also produces and commercializes medical equipment for treatment of urinary tract stones using extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). For more information on the company, please visit http://www.edap-tms.com and http://www.hifu-planet.com or http://www.urotoday.com/HIFU.
Forward-Looking Statements
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 FDA-approved or marketed in the United States.