LYON, FRANCE, 17 December 2009 – EDAP TMS SA (Nasdaq:EDAP), the global leader in therapeutic ultrasound, announced today that two major hospitals in Europe have placed orders for the Ablatherm-HIFU device. The Ablatherm-HIFU orders were placed by La Pitie Salpetriere Hospital in Paris, France, and Azienda Hospital in Pordenone, Italy.
The two new Ablatherm-HIFU sales were recorded with hospitals transitioning from EDAP's RPP (revenue per procedure) model to direct ownership. This reflects the enormous success in the adoption of HIFU technology, and validates EDAP's strategic marketing approach to initially offer Ablatherm-HIFU for physician evaluation at an accessible cost through the RPP model. As new sites treat a growing number of patients using HIFU and become convinced of the benefits for both the hospital and its patients, machine ownership becomes economically practical.
In addition, EDAP is successfully increasing market penetration outside of Europe and finalizing additional HIFU device sales. The expansion of Ablatherm-HIFU into new markets around the globe reflects the adoption and acceptance of HIFU's minimally invasive technology for localized prostate cancer.
Following Ablatherm-HIFU's recent approval and first sale in Taiwan, the Company is pleased to report that the first successful Ablatherm treatments were performed in the Republic of Taiwan, one of the largest medical device markets in Asia.
Marc Oczachowski, Chief Executive Officer of EDAP, commented, "We are pleased with the progress of our Ablatherm-HIFU business and specifically the ability of our RPP model to drive increased revenue and long-term machine purchases. We are confident that our business model positions us to continue gaining broader recognition and expansion into new and existing markets with our safe, proven and non invasive treatment option for localized prostate cancer."
Marc Oczachowski concluded, "As we approach year end, our strong order flow is contributing to a solid full year 2009 performance. We are committed to driving the continued growth of our business while pursuing our efforts in offering HIFU as a minimally invasive solution to patients and physicians across the globe. We are confident that we will continue to increase market penetration given Ablatherm's extensive track record of safety and efficacy in treating over 20,000 patients to date."
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. Approved in Europe as a treatment for prostate cancer, Ablatherm-HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is currently undergoing evaluation in a multicenter U.S. Phase II/III clinical trial under an Investigational Device Exemption granted by the FDA, the ENLIGHT U.S. clinical study. 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, http://www.hifu-planet.com and http://www.pcaresearch.com.