Statement okays Medtronic's Meniett
Medtronic (Minneapolis) said that the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery approved a policy statement concluding that the use of micropressure for Ménière's disease including the Medtronic Meniett device is appropriate when other medical treatments fail.
In the policy statement both the Equilibrium Committee and board conclude that "... there is convincing and well-controlled medical evidence to support the use of micropressure therapy (such as the Meniett device) in certain cases of Ménière's disease. Micropressure therapy is best used as a second level therapy when medical treatment has failed. The device represents a largely non-surgical therapy that should be available as one of the many treatments for Ménière's disease."
2 more states screen newborns for cystic fibrosis
Illinois and Vermont have joined 37 other states and the District of Columbia in requiring that all newborns be screened for cystic fibrosis at birth, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Washington). In addition, the Nevada Department of Health has decided to begin regular CF screening as well. Routine screening will be implemented when state lawmakers set an implementation date.
"Early diagnosis for cystic fibrosis is critically important because it gives every newborn a better chance for better health and a longer life," said Robert Beall, PhD, president/CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "We congratulate the 40 states in the country who are now screening for the disease, and look forward to every state in the union joining this important effort."
World Heart gets 'going concern' notice
World Heart (Oakland, California) said that its recently filed financial statements for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31 contain a going concern qualification received from its accounting firm, Burr Pilger & Mayer.
The company was given time to provide a plan to achieve compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, including a time frame for completing the plan. If the corporation's plan does not address the issues noted, NASDAQ will provide a written notification that its securities will be delisted.
Report: Obesity affects employers
The rate of obesity in the U.S. has doubled in the last 30 years, and those extra pounds weigh on companies' bottom lines, according to a new report from The Conference Board (New York). Today, 34% of American adults fit the definition of "obese." Obese employees cost U.S. private employers an estimated $45 billion annually in medical expenditures and work loss.
The report examines the financial and ethical questions surrounding whether, and how, U.S. companies should address the obesity epidemic.
The Conference Board conducts research, convenes conferences, makes forecasts, assesses trends and publishes information and analysis.
AdvaMed encourages company applications
Med-tech companies interested in raising capital, partnering products or initiating alliances are encouraged to apply for a presentation slot at AdvaMed 2008, sponsored by the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed; Washington).
Open to companies at all stages of development, presentation applications will be competitively evaluated and selected by a committee of industry leaders and stakeholders. In 2007, 44 companies from around the world were competitively selected to provide company presentations.
Applications can be submitted online at www.AdvaMed2008.com and will be evaluated on a variety of criteria including: stage of development, IP protection, timing of next capital raise, whether the technology is available for license, and overall appeal. Selected companies will be assigned a 14-minute time slot on Sept. 23rd to present to investors and potential partners attending AdvaMed 2008.