BioSphere Medical Sponsors Uterine Fibroid Workshop at Brigham and Women's Seminar
BioSphere Medical is sponsoring a Uterine Fibroid Workshop at Brigham and Women's Hospital's fifth annual Women's Health Forum, to be held on November 8, 2003.
(PRWEB) November 5, 2003
ROCKLAND, Mass.--(PRWEB)—November 3, 2003--BIOSPHERE MEDICAL, (NASDAQ:BSMD) announced today that it is a sponsor of Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s highly acclaimed fifth annual Women’s Health Forum 2003, to be held on Saturday, November 8, 2003, at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. A wide variety of women’s health issues will be discussed, including a presentation by Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Richard Baum, MD, chief of the division of angiography and interventional radiology, and Elizabeth A. Stewart, MD, clinical director of the center for uterine fibroids, on less invasive treatment options for the treatment of non-cancerous uterine fibroids.
It is estimated that 20 to 40 percent of women in the U. S. 35 years or older experience non-cancerous uterine fibroids. It is also estimated that up to 80 percent of African American women experience these fibroids.
Currently, most fibroid symptoms are relieved by hysterectomy – the surgical removal of the uterus – or by myomectomy – the surgical removal of the fibroids.
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Drs. Baum and Stewart, MD to speak on UFE
However, both are in-patient procedures and require a six to eight week recovery time.
Drs. Baum and Stewart will discuss several options for the treatment of fibroids, including an out-patient, uterus-saving procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist (IR), who is specially trained to use catheters to access blood vessels. The IR makes a small “nick” in the skin in the upper thigh and inserts a catheter into the arteries that supply the fibroids. A number of small, inert particles, such as BioSphere Medical’s Embosphere® Microspheres, are injected at the base of the fibroid’s blood supply to stop the blood flow to the fibroids. By stopping the blood flow, the fibroids will shrink and the women’s symptoms regress and/or disappear.
Recent studies support the conclusion that uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), myomectomy, and hysterectomy have similar rates of symptom control. However, these studies indicate that women who have UFE have the added benefits of reduced hospitalization, lower complication rates, a shorter recovery period, and quicker return to normal activities than women who experience myomectomy or hysterectomy.
If you are interested in attending Drs. Baum and StewartÂ’s seminar on UFE and a full-spectrum of other seminars on current womenÂ’s health issues contact Brigham and WomenÂ’s Hospital at 1-800-BWH-9999, Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.
For more information on UFE call toll free: 1-877-ASK-4UFE or the Web site: www. ask4ufe. com.
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About BioSphere Medical, Inc.
BioSphere Medical, Inc., based in Rockland, Massachusetts, is a medical device company focused on applying our proprietary microsphere technology to medical applications using embolotherapy techniques. Our core technologies, patented bio-engineered polymers and manufacturing methods, are used to produce miniature spherical beads with uniquely beneficial properties for a variety of medical applications. Our principal focus is the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids using a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE. Our products are already beginning to gain acceptance in this rapidly emerging procedure as well as in a number of other, new and established medical treatments. Our strategy is two fold. First, we are seeking to grow the embolotherapy business worldwide, specifically the UFE procedure, by increasing awareness of availability of this procedure. Second, we are seeking to maintain our current technology leadership by the continuous introduction of new products and product improvements, both through internally developed and externally acquired technologies, that improve and broaden the use of embolotherapy techniques.
We have received clearance in a number of countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and the European Community, which allow us to sell our products for use in general embolization procedures, including uterine fibroid embolization.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements - This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements with respect to the safety and effectiveness of products such as our EmboSphere ® Microspheres. The Company uses words such as "plans," "seeks," "projects," "believes," "may," "anticipates," "estimates," "should'" and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based upon the Company's beliefs and assumptions. There are a number of important factors that may affect the Company's actual performance and results and the accuracy of its forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond the Company's control and are difficult to predict. These important factors include, without limitation, risks relating to: the failure of the Company to successfully develop, commercialize and achieve widespread market acceptance of the Embosphere® Microspheres and EmboGold(TM) Microsphere technologies for uterine fibroid embolization, targeted liver embolization and other applications; the failure of the Company to achieve or maintain necessary regulatory approvals, either in the United States or internationally, with respect to the manufacture and sale of its product candidates; risks relating to the Company's ability to obtain and maintain patent and other proprietary protection for its products; the absence of or delays and cancellations of, product orders; delays, difficulties or unanticipated costs in the introduction of new products; competitive pressures; the inability of the Company to raise additional funds to finance the development, marketing, and sales of its products and general economic conditions. These risk factors are further detailed in the in the Company's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and other periodic reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's estimates as of the date of this release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its forward-looking statements to change. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise these forward-looking statements as a result of changed events or circumstances after the date of this press release.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bob Palladino (Investor Relations) Sandi M. Duxbury
(781) 681-7925 (781) 681-7951
Bpalladino@biospheremed. com sduxbury@biospheremed. com
