AorTech Issued US Patent for

RNS Number : 2902W

Aortech International PLC

27 July 2009

 



For Immediate Release

July 27, 2009

AorTech Issued Patent for Polymer Heart Valve in United States

AorTech International plc (AIM: AOR) the biomaterials and medical device development company, today announces the grant of the United States Patent for its Polymer Heart Valve ('PHV'). The addition of this patent expands AorTech's Heart Valve portfolio to include manifestations for percutaneous (catheter delivered), a minimally invasive surgical valve and a conventional open-heart surgically implanted device.  AorTech has previously been issued PHV patents in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Studied in-vitro and in-vivo since 2002, the AorTech Polymer Heart Valve has shown to have excellent durability and hydrodynamic characteristics comparable to the market leading tissue valves. In these studies, it has consistently demonstrated a remarkable freedom from calcification or thrombus formation. Additionally, the PHV exhibits significant manufacturing cost advantages over conventional valves, positioning it well for emerging economies in addition to Western Europe, the United States and Japan. 

'The issuing of this patent further strengthens our position in the polymer heart valve field. This technology, in combination with our existing Elast-Eon™ polymer portfolio, creates significant value for the Company and its shareholders,' said Frank Maguire, AorTech CEO.  'The development of this polymer heart valve remains an active project at AorTech and we look forward to its future contributions to revenues and earnings.'

The worldwide market for surgical heart valve products is in excess of $1 billion, growing at a rate of 8% per year. The catheter-delivered heart valve market is tracking at $200 million and is expected to ultimately eclipse the market for conventional surgical valves.

AorTech develops and manufactures proprietary biostable, implantable polymers, including Elast-Eon, the world's leading long-term implantable copolymer. With more than one million implants and three years of successful long-term human implant experience, Elast-Eon is currently used in cardiology, orthopaedic, urological and gastroenterological applications, including pacing leads, cardiac cannulae and stents.  Devices manufactured from Elast-Eon have multiple US FDA PMA approvals, CE Marks, Australian TGA and Japanese Ministry of Health approvals. AorTech also manufactures a range of components from its biomaterials.

Elast-Eon's biostability is comparable to silicone while exhibiting excellent mechanical, blood contacting and flex-fatigue properties. It can be processed using conventional thermoplastic extrusion and molding techniques. The firm's 20,000 sq/ft. ISO-certified facility provides a range of materials in a variety of application-specific formulations for use in medical devices and components.

-Ends-  

For further information please contact:

AorTech International plc

Frank Maguire, Chief Executive

Tel: + 1 801 201 4336

Evolution Securities
Bobbie Hilliam

Tel: [phone]

Chris Clarke

Tel: [phone]

AorTech International plc

Sarah Price, Investor Relations

Tel: + 1 801 649 4163

e-mail [e-mail]

 

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