• Aethlon Medical (San Diego) reported that researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of the Aethlon Hemopurifier in capturing the highly-fatal H5N1 strain of the Avian Flu Virus (Bird Flu). In pre-clinical studies, high concentrations of H5N1 flu virus (~ 3 million flu virus/ml) were observed to be rapidly depleted from cell culture fluids when circulated through the Hemopurifier. The study data indicated that during a six-hour testing period, the Hemopurifier removed up to 99.4% of infectious H5N1 flu virus. Verification of viral capture was documented by both real-time PCR and conventional plaque assay (TCID 50) measurements. The recent discovery that H5N1 avian influenza virus can spread via the bloodstream to organs and other regions of the body typically not attacked by influenza viruses explains in part, the high virulence of H5N1 infection and why it remains a serious pandemic threat. Aethlon Medical makes therapeutic devices for infectious disease.

• The recently acquired medical imaging (MI) business of Avista Capital Partners (North Billerica, Massachusetts) reported that the FDA has granted pediatric exclusivity for studies conducted on Cardiolite (Kit for the Preparation of Technetium Tc99m Sestamibi for Injection) under Section 505A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355a) as amended by the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA). This grant extends the marketing exclusivity of Cardiolite for an additional six months beyond patent expiration on Jan. 29, 2008. Avista invests in medical imaging businesses.

• Cardica (Redwood City, California) reported the launch of its new C-Port xA X-Change Distal Anastomosis System in the U.S. The C-Port is a cartridge-based, reloadable C-Port system allowing surgeons to attach multiple blood vessel grafts using the same handle during a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure. The C-Port accommodates cartridges pre-loaded with staples, allowing a surgeon to complete multiple anastomoses using the same CO2-powered handle. Each device in the C-Port system product line is designed to enable automated, reliable and reproducible connections of blood vessels during cardiac bypass surgery. Unlike most hand-sewn anastomoses, Cardica’s C-Port systems create compliant anastomoses that can expand and contract with blood flow. In addition, the C-Port anastomosis systems, whether used during on- or off-pump surgery, offer surgeons unique access to a wide range of coronary arteries, particularly small coronary arteries, which, in the past, have been difficult or impossible to connect effectively. Cardica makes automated anastomosis systems for CABG surgery.