Hologic Unveils Next Generation NovaSure Endometrial Ablation System

BEDFORD, Mass., May 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hologic, Inc. (Hologic or the Company) (Nasdaq: HOLX), a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of premium diagnostics products, medical imaging systems and surgical products dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women, announced today the availability of its next generation NovaSure^® system -- a 90-second, minimally-invasive, outpatient treatment for women suffering from excessive menstrual bleeding. The next generation NovaSure system is designed to offer the same customized technology as Hologic's current NovaSure system trusted by physicians across the United States, but with even more control and confidence for the physician and more comfort for the patient.  

"We have worked closely with our customers to incorporate a number of physician and patient-focused enhancements resulting in a device designed to offer more leverage and control with significantly less manipulation. This next generation system is designed to provide the physician with improved procedure efficiency and offer the patient even greater comfort," said Steve Williamson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Hologic GYN Surgical Products. "More than one million women have been treated with the NovaSure procedure. We believe the new NovaSure enhancements will expand the number of women who are offered the NovaSure procedure as a solution for excessive menstrual bleeding."

Excessive menstrual bleeding affects approximately 10 million women in the United States and is one of the most common afflictions in contemporary gynecology. The NovaSure procedure reduces or eliminates excessive bleeding by safely removing the endometrial lining of the uterus responsible for menstrual bleeding.

"In my practice, the majority of my patients are looking for an end to their problem periods, which is why I recommend the NovaSure procedure," said Dr. Scott Schade of the Rockwood Clinic in Spokane, Washington, who has performed more than 600 NovaSure procedures in his office to date. "The new device is extremely easy to insert and seat and requires less maneuvering of the device during the procedure, which increases patient comfort and reduces procedure time. I believe that the learning curve for physicians will be significantly shortened -- overall this next generation device will deliver substantial benefits to NovaSure procedures performed in the physician's office."

Many patients who choose NovaSure endometrial ablation have the procedure performed in a physician's office or outpatient setting and typically return to their normal activities within a day or two. The NovaSure procedure provides an effective and minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy, while avoiding the potential side effects and long-term risks of hormonal drug therapy.

More than 150 years ago, the first hysterectomy was performed.  With modern medicine advances, there are now safe and simple alternatives to invasive surgery. As this week marks National Women's Health Week (May 9-15) coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health, we celebrate a less invasive option to treat excessive menstrual bleeding. This week-long observance empowers women to make their health a top priority and encourages them to make appointments with their OB/GYN to discuss their gynecological health and to schedule a mammogram as well as cervical cancer and osteoporosis screening tests.  

About the NovaSure System

The NovaSure endometrial ablation system, manufactured and marketed by Hologic, Inc., is a next-generation, minimally invasive treatment for excessive menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia. The NovaSure system works by applying a 90-second, precisely-controlled dose of radio-frequency energy to remove the lining of the uterus. Unlike other endometrial ablation treatments, the NovaSure procedure is customized to each patient and requires no hormonal pre-treatment, which is often associated with side-effects and treatment delays. It can be performed in an outpatient setting or doctor's office at any time during the menstrual cycle, increasing flexibility for both the patient and physician. The NovaSure procedure provides a safe and effective alternative to hysterectomy and oral contraceptive therapy for women suffering from excessive menstrual bleeding. For more information, visit www.novasure.com.

About Hologic, Inc.

Hologic, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of premium diagnostics products, medical imaging systems and surgical products dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women. Hologic's core business units are focused on breast health, diagnostics, GYN surgical, and skeletal health. Hologic provides a comprehensive suite of technologies with products for mammography and breast biopsy, radiation treatment for early-stage breast cancer, cervical cancer screening, treatment for menorrhagia, permanent contraception, osteoporosis assessment, preterm birth risk assessment, mini C-arm for extremity imaging and molecular diagnostic products including HPV and reagents for a variety of DNA and RNA analysis applications. For more information, visit www.hologic.com.

Forward Looking Statement Disclaimer

This News Release may contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, including statements about the use of the NovaSure system. There can be no assurance that the system will achieve the benefits described herein and that such benefits will be replicated in any particular manner with respect to an individual patient as the actual effect of the use of the NovaSure system can only be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the particular circumstances of the procedure and patient in question. Hologic expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to the data or statements presented herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such data or statements are based. Certain factors that could adversely affect the Company's business and prospects are described in Hologic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Hologic and NovaSure are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Hologic, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.

SOURCE Hologic, Inc.