GreenLight™ Laser Therapy achieves substantial systems savings(1)

New report estimates the Ontario health system could save $14 Million annually by using GreenLight^TM Laser Therapy over the TURP procedure for the treatment of enlarged prostate.

GUELPH, ON, Aug. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - A new report released by Health Quality Ontario (HQO) offers the first comparative analysis between two procedures that are used to treat a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). The landmark study reveals that GreenLight^TM laser therapy, an innovative PVP technology, is a cost-effective alternative to TURP providing similar clinical benefits to patients with a lower cost to the health system.^1a

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is the enlargement of the prostate gland and can cause urinary symptoms due to urethral constriction.² According to the American Urological Association (AUA), by 60 years of age, BPH prevalence is greater than 50 percent and by age 85 is as high as 90 percent.  BPH is so common it has been said that all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough.³  The treatment of BPH, considering Ontario's aging demographic, is of growing importance to the future of Ontario's healthcare system.

GreenLight^TM laser therapy's leading-edge PVP procedure is an effective treatment for BPH⁴ and may improve patients' quality of life by carrying fewer risks and medical complications.^1b GreenLight^TM is often performed in out-patient clinics, freeing-up needed hospital beds across the system.^1b Comparatively, TURP, which was introduced in the 1930's and has been widely considered the standard in treating BPH, is an invasive surgical procedure and requires multiple days of hospitalization.^1b

"GreenLight^TM laser technology is one of the most significant advancements in the treatment of BPH that I have seen," explains Dr. Paul Whelan, a urologist at St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, and contributor to the HQO study.  "It's a leading-edge solution that has a lower incidence of post-operative complications^1b and requires less hospitalization³, and with an aging demographic, it's also good for the future of Ontario's healthcare system. That's why the findings of the HQO report are so significant."

The HQO report is based upon a two-year study conducted at three Ontario hospitals and finds that:

• Using GreenLight^TM laser therapy to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia could save Ontario's healthcare system approximately $14,000,000 per year based on an estimated case volume of 12,335 TURPs^1a
• Ontario could save 28,213 days per year in hospital beds alone if PVP was deployed province-wide;^1c
• Compared to TURP, PVP has better perioperative safety, shorter catheterization time, shorter hospitalization, faster symptomatic improvement, and less morbidity;⁴
• PVP patients are generally able to return to work and normal daily activities faster than TURP patients;^1b
• PVP side effects are significantly less than TURP;² and
• For the majority of patients, PVP can be performed in an outpatient setting, and has a lower incidence of post-operative complications.^1b

"This report, along with the recently announced results of the GOLIATH⁵ study, demonstrate that GreenLight^TM laser therapy offers patients worldwide an innovative minimally invasive option to TURP," said Camille Farhat, president of AMS. "Left untreated, BPH, and the resulting symptoms, can cause permanent damage to the urinary system. We look forward to helping more men who undergo surgery for BPH recover faster and potentially return to their active lifestyles more quickly."

To speak with Dr. Paul Whelan or a local urologist in your area about enlarged prostate and the benefits of laser treatment, please contact:  Erin Trnkus, Citizen Optimum: T. 416-934-8422, E. [email protected]

About GreenLight^TM

The GreenLight™ laser system is intended for incision/excision, vaporization, ablation, hemostasis and coagulation of soft tissue, including photoselective vaporization of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The laser system is contraindicated for patients who: are contraindicated for surgery, contraindicated where appropriate anesthesia is contraindicated by patient history, have calcified tissue, require hemostasis in >2mm vessels, have uncontrolled bleeding disorders, have prostate cancer, have acute urinary tract infection (UTI) or severe urethral stricture. Possible risks and complications that include, but are not limited to, irritative symptoms (dysuria, urgency, frequency), retrograde ejaculation, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, hematuria - gross, UTI, bladder neck contracture/outlet obstruct, urinary retention, perforation - prostate, urethral stricture.

About American Medical Systems

American Medical Systems (AMS), headquartered in Minnetonka, Minn., is a diversified supplier of medical devices and procedures to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other pelvic disorders in men and women. AMS continues to develop new therapies to restore bodily functions and to enable people to regain control of their lives. These therapies provide new options for patients, providers and payers, and are often inspired by the urologists, gynecologists and urogynecologists who choose AMS as their solutions partner. AMS is part of Endo, a diversified healthcare company that is dedicated to improving care through a combination of branded products, generics, devices, technology and services. Learn more at www.endo.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements including words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "plan," "will," "may," "look forward," "intend," "guidance," "future" or similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Because these statements reflect our current views, expectations and beliefs concerning future events, these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Investors should note that many factors, as more fully described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Endo Health Solutions' Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and as otherwise enumerated herein or therein, could affect our future financial results and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements contained in the Endo Health Solutions Annual Report on Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these risk factors. These are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. We assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

References:

1.Bowen JM, Whelan JP, Hopkins RB, Burke N, Woods EA, McIsaac GP, et al. Photoselective vaporization for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Ont Health Technol Assess Ser [Internet]. 2013 August;13(2):1-34. Available from: http://www.hqontario.ca/evidence/publications-and-ohtac-recommendations/ontario-health-technology-assessment-series/pv-for-treatment-of-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia

2. Carter HB. Prostate Disorders: The Johns Hopkins White Papers. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Medicine; 2010:1-24.

3. Enlarged prostate. US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000381.htm.  Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.

4. Bachmann A, Schurch L, Ruszat R, Wyler SF, Seifert HH, Muller A, et al. Photoselective vaporization (PVP) versus transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): a prospective bi-centre study of perioperative morbidity and early functional outcome. Eur Urol. 2005 Dec;48(6):965-71.

5. Bachmann A, Tubaro A, Barber N, D'Ancona F, Ameye F, et al.  A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Study Comparing GreenLight XPS™ Laser and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. [Abstract]  American Urological Association Meeting, Late Breaking Science, Abstract 1970.  May 2013.  http://www.aua2013.org/abstracts/search.cfm. Accessed June 4, 2013.

SOURCE: American Medical Systems