• Dynatronics (Salt Lake City) reported that it has begun shipping the new Dynatron X5 soft tissue oscillation therapy unit. The X5 creates an electrostatic field within the patient, resulting in a highly effective treatment for pain. Dynatronics expects to announce a return to profitability in the fourth quarter ended June 30, 2007 as a result of the X5 introduction. Dynatronics develops advanced-technology medical devices, orthopedic soft goods and supplies, treatment tables and rehabilitation equipment for the physical therapy, pain management, sportsmedicine, chiropractic, podiatry, plastic surgery, dermatology and other related medical, cosmetic and aesthetic markets.

• The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (Geneva) and Dade Behring (Deerfield, Illinois) introduced a next-generation D-dimer coagulation test, Innovance D-dimer, in Europe, Canada, and the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions. The company also anticipates introducing a similar test in the United States in the future. The Innovance D-dimer test has a validated sensitivity for exclusion of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism conditions associated with blood clots in the human circulatory system. The test benefits clinical laboratories of all types and sizes because it is a fully automated test that can be run on multiple coagulation systems offered through Dade Behring. "By using a simple blood test to help diagnose a patient with a possible blood clot, physicians are able to more quickly initiate proper treatment," said Jim Reid-Anderson, president/CEO, Dade Behring. "One of Dade Behring's priorities is to develop new tests such as this one, which assist healthcare providers around the world in offering differentiated care to their patients." DVT and PE are serious medical conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide every year. DVT is caused by the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs, pelvis or upper extremities, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. PE occurs when a clot breaks loose and travels to pulmonary arteries. Both conditions could cause death if they are not diagnosed and treated properly. Studies have shown that measurement of D-dimer may also be valuable in the evaluation of rethrombosis risk, to monitor potential coagulation disorders in pregnancy, and as an aid in the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Dade Behring continues to evaluate Innovance D-dimer for these potential clinical indications.

• Medical Informatics Engineering (Fort Wayne, Indiana) reported the addition of the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) module to its Webchart electronic medical record system. This module automatically generates the data required for the PQRU voluntary program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, making it easier for practices to qualify for the 1.5 percent PQRI bonus payment. The WebChart PQRI module was developed with significant physician input. As patient encounters are documented, WebChart automatically populates the PQRI module based on 74 unique measures identified by CMS for the 2007 PQRI program. WebChart also makes it easy to document allowable performance exclusions. The WebChart PQRI module then generates specific CPT II quality-data codes associated with each measure, which are submitted as part of each claim. MIE delivers customized EMR, RIS/PACS, and medical-document management solutions designed to support and improve practice workflow.

• Omrix Biopharmaceuticals (New York), a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company that develops and markets protein-based biosurgery and passive immunotherapy products, reported the FDA approved the company's use of Cryoprecipitate from Talecris Biotherapeutics (Research Triangle Park, North Carolina). Cryo is a plasma fraction containing coagulation proteins and the raw material from which Omrix manufactures BAC, the fibrinogen component of its marketed fibrin sealants, Evicel and Quixil, and Omrix' Fibrin Patch, a biological-device convergence product candidate that addresses severe bleeding, an unmet medical need. The company's passive immunotherapy product line includes antibody-rich products and product candidates for the treatment of immune deficiencies, infectious diseases and potential bio-defense applications. Omrix Biopharmaceuticals develops protein-based biosurgery and passive immunotherapy products.