HAMBURG, Germany, February 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
- €5.3m EU Framework Programme 7 Grant Award
- QualiMeds biodegradable stent technology to be used as part
of a broader platform to study the use of tissue regenerative
technologies in combination with a Biodegradable Regenerative Stent
"BRS" in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
QualiMed Innovative Medizinprodukte GmbH is pleased to announce
it has received notice of the award to participate in the €5.3M EU
Framework Programme 7 Grant with a consortium of Universities
including elements of the Yale-UCL Research Collaborative
(Departments of Yale University
(Cardiology), University College London (UCL) and Queen
Mary College London) and the
University of Eastern Finland as
well as a small group of companies focused on this research
programme over a four year period. The programme is focused
on the development of leading edge biotechnology in the coronary
stent area including the potential use of biodegradable polymers
and alloys combined with new methods of enhancing arterial
regenerative potential to deliver novel innovative therapeutics to
patients suffering from heart disease.
The successful grant application was one of an estimated 40+
applications from across Europe
The grant will fund research that combines the technologies of
the participating companies and Universities including but not
limited to:
- QualiMed's Biodegradable, Stent, Coating, and other know-how
for implantable devices and delivery for use in the Cardiology,
Peripheral Vascular, Non Vascular, Orthopaedic, and General
Surgical Areas
- Ark Therapeutics Group plc. (AKT:LSE) technology and know-how
concerning adenoviral-delivered gene therapeutics, which will be
delivered to the coronary artery after heart attack to restore the
integrity of the artery; and
- Use of pro-healing magnetic innovative app targeting approaches
from Magnus Inventions Ltd.
- UCL's novel method for improving endothelial regeneration in
the stented artery.
The objective will be to stimulate a healing process such that a
Biodegradable Regenerative
Stent "BRS" will undergo a
predictable degradation to leave a wholly biologically healed
artery through regeneration of native tissues.
The research programme is scheduled to commence in February 2012. QualiMed will receive almost €700k
for its contribution to the project.
Eric Mangiardi, Board of
Directors of Qualimed commented: "This EU funded project
showcases QualiMeds biodegradable capabilities for implantable
devices in combination with a number of novel leading edge
technologies in the areas of Magnetism, Gene, and Stem Cell
Therapy. We are very excited to participate with this esteemed
group of partner and this tremendous opportunity to push the limits
of science and technology to improve the treatment outcomes for
patients with cardiac disease. "
Professor John Martin, Chief
Scientific Officer at Ark commented: "Heart disease is the biggest
market for new biotechnology with a large continuing unmet medical
need. These inventions offer new hope for a disease from which over
half the population suffers from during their lifetime."
QualiMed
Innovative Medizinprodukte GmbH
QualiMed was founded in 1997 in
Winsen, Germany near Hamburg,
where it develops, manufactures, and sells implantable medical
devices in the Cardiology, Peripheral Vascular, Non Vascular,
Orthopaedic, and General Surgical Areas. The innovations are
focused primarily in the Biodegradable Products, Drug Device
Combination, Catheter, and Mechanical implant areas.
Originally founded as an OEM, the company's products are now
sold in over 40 countries worldwide through its OEM, Private Label,
and Own Brand Networks. The company and its development
partners have obtained CE and FDA approvals for more than 70
different products including 3 different drug eluting stents.
QualiMed expects its next generation drug device combination and
biodegradable technologies to receive regulatory approvals during
the next 12 months
This announcement includes
"forward-looking statements" which include all statements other
than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation,
those regarding the Group's financial position, business strategy,
plans and objectives of management for future operations (including
development plans and objectives relating to the Group's products
and services), and any statements preceded by, followed by or that
include forward-looking terminology such as the words "targets",
"believes", "estimates", "expects", "aims", "intends", "will",
"can", "may", "anticipates", "would", "should", "could" or similar
expressions or the negative thereof. Such forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
important factors beyond the Group's control that could cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of the Group to be
materially different from future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous
assumptions regarding the Group's present and future business
strategies and the environment in which the Group will operate in
the future. Among the important factors that could cause the
Group's actual results, performance or achievements to differ
materially from those in forward-looking statements include those
relating to QualiMed's funding requirements, regulatory approvals,
clinical trials, reliance on third parties, intellectual property,
key personnel and other factors. These forward-looking statements
speak only as at the date of this announcement. The Group expressly
disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates
or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this
announcement to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with
regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances
on which any such statements are based. As a result of these
factors, readers are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking
statement.
For further information please contact:
QualiMed Innovative Medizinprodukte Tel: +49(0)417165780 office
GmbH +49(0)1722439649 Mobile
Eric K Mangiardi, Board of Directors