• pSivida(Perth, Australia) said that “excellent” results have been received from the proof of concept study being performed in collaboration withEpiTan(Melbourne, Australia). Recent data obtained from thein vivostudy conducted at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (Adelaide, South Australia) indicated that a single injection of pSivida’s porous BioSilicon technology successfully released Epitan’s Melanotan over a sustained period. The proof-of-concept study tested four different formulations of the Melanotan/BioSilicon combination in a model system (in vivo). A sustained-release solid injectable implant was used to compare the two methods. The blood was then measured over a 14-day period to test the levels of Melanotan. The results showed sustained levels of Melanotan in the blood for all four formulations over the test period. The results also showed thatin vitroexperiments closely mimic thein vivoresponses.

• R2 Technology (Sunnyvale, California) reported the launch of its ImageChecker CT Lung Version 2.0 computer aided detection (CAD) software system and AutoPoint temporal comparison feature for use during review of multi-slice CT chest exams. The second-generation software is designed to maximize physician accuracy and efficiency in finding actionable lung nodules early – when treatment can be most effective – and tracking nodule changes over time. The system also features expanded PACS integration for increased workflow efficiency. The ImageChecker CT Lung Version 2.0 CAD software system and AutoPoint temporal comparison tool will soon be made available as the only CT Lung CAD option integrated into the Vitrea workstation’s CT Lung visualization package, developed by Vital Images (Minneapolis).

• ReGen Biologics (Franklin Lakes, New Jersey), an orthopedic products company, said that five year follow-up data from its feasibility study regarding its Collagen Meniscus Implant (CMI) has been published as the lead article in the May issue of Arthroscopy. In the study, a five- to six-year clinical follow-up was conducted on eight patients who had undergone reconstruction of one injured medial meniscus with the CMI. The patients underwent arthroscopic placement of the CMI to reconstruct and restore the irreparably damaged medial meniscus of their knee. Among the study findings: patient activity levels measured by the Tegner score improved significantly from an average of 3.4 at the time of surgery to 5.3 at 24 months and 6.0 at 5.8 years; and imaging studies further confirmed that the chondral surfaces of the medial compartment had not degenerated further since the placement of the implant five to six years earlier.

• Royal Philips Electronics (Andover, Massachusetts) reported the launch of its new IntelliVue Telemetry System, featuring bidirectional communication between patient-worn transceivers and bedside monitors, and a central station with remote clinician access. Part of Philips’ IntelliVue patient-monitoring portfolio, the telemetry system uses cellular technology to ensure seamless information management and more flexible patient monitoring. The IntelliVue Telemetry System, which operates in the protected 1.4 GHz Wireless Medical Telemetry Service band, coexists with Philips digital telemetry systems, wireless bedside and transport monitors, and even a hospital’s own WiFi systems. The IntelliVue Telemetry System features Smart-Hopping technology to avoid interference and seek out the strongest available signal for seamless data transmission as patients roam within the hospital. Philips also reported new updates to its IntelliVue Information Center and enhancements to Philips Telemetry System transmitters. The newest release of the IntelliVue Information Center supports flexible wired/wireless access and integration with existing Philips telemetry solutions. Lighter and smaller transmitters enhance the capabilities of the existing Philips Telemetry Systems, according to the company.

• Trimedyne (Irvine, California) reported receiving FDA clearance to market its new VaporMAX Side Firing Laser Fiber which, based upon animal tissue bench testing and published data, vaporizes tissue faster and lasts longer than other currently marketed side firing laser fibers. Marketing of the VaporMAX Fiber will commence next month. The VaporMAX Laser Fiber has been cleared for sale for use with Trimedyne’s 80-watt Holmium lasers and Lumenis’ (Coherent) 60- to100-watt Holmium lasers, which are cleared for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The company said laser vaporization of the prostate is rapidly replacing surgical resection of the prostate, because it typically eliminates the one- to three-day hospital stay and reduces the bleeding, general anesthesia risk, impotence and incontinence of the surgical procedure.