Three-year data from the largest, multi-center, prospective voluntary registry on any procedure for benign uterine fibroids showed that 90% of the women participating avoided a hysterectomy and of these, 85% had a substantial improvement in symptoms and quality of life. The FIBROID registry, sponsored by the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation (Fairfax, Virginia), included three-year data on 1,278 patients from 26 sites who had this minimally invasive interventional radiology treatment for symptomatic fibroids, showing uterine fibroid embolization is a durable treatment for fibroids with sustained improvement in quality of life and symptom relief.

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that can cause prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding that can be severe enough to cause anemia or require transfusion, disabling pelvic pain and pressure, urinary frequency, pain during intercourse, miscarriage, interference with fertility, and an abnormally large uterus resembling pregnancy. UFE is a minimally invasive interventional radiology treatment that blocks the blood supply to the fibroid tumors, causing them to shrink and die, and symptoms to subside.

QMed concludes special needs plan

QMed (Eatontown, New Jersey) said that its subsidiary, QMedCare, is concluding its involvement in the special needs plan in New Jersey. The company is working closely with the New Jersey department of banking and insurance and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to have an orderly wind down of the operations of the New Jersey special needs plan.

The Company is continuing the process of refocusing efforts on its disease management business and government demonstration projects.

QMed also reported receiving a letter from Nasdaq indicating, that for the last 30 business days, the bid price of the company’s common stock has closed below the minimum $1 a share requirement for continued inclusion under Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(4). The company will be provided until June 16, 2008, to regain compliance. If, at any time before June 16 the bid price of the company’s common stock closes at $1 a share or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, the company will be provided written notification that it complies with the rule.