QualiMed "Biodegradable Stent Technology Platform" to be Used for "BIOMAGSCAR"

HAMBURG, Germany, February 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• €5.3m EU Framework Programme 7 Grant Award
• QualiMeds biodegradable stent technology to be used as part of a broader platform to study the use of tissue regenerative technologies in combination with a Biodegradable Regenerative Stent "BRS" in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

QualiMed Innovative Medizinprodukte GmbH is pleased to announce it has received notice of the award to participate in the €5.3M EU Framework Programme 7 Grant with a consortium of Universities including elements of the Yale-UCL Research Collaborative (Departments of Yale University (Cardiology), University College London (UCL) and Queen Mary College London) and the University of Eastern Finland as well as a small group of companies focused on this research programme over a four year period.  The programme is focused on the development of leading edge biotechnology in the coronary stent area including the potential use of biodegradable polymers and alloys combined with new methods of enhancing arterial regenerative potential to deliver novel innovative therapeutics to patients suffering from heart disease.

The successful grant application was one of an estimated 40+ applications from across Europe

The grant will fund research that combines the technologies of the participating companies and Universities including but not limited to:

1. QualiMed's Biodegradable, Stent, Coating, and other know-how for implantable devices and delivery for use in the Cardiology, Peripheral Vascular, Non Vascular, Orthopaedic, and General Surgical Areas
2. Ark Therapeutics Group plc. (AKT:LSE) technology and know-how concerning adenoviral-delivered gene therapeutics, which will be delivered to the coronary artery after heart attack to restore the integrity of the artery; and
3. Use of pro-healing magnetic innovative app targeting approaches from Magnus Inventions Ltd.
4. UCL's novel method for improving endothelial regeneration in the stented artery.

The objective will be to stimulate a healing process such that a Biodegradable Regenerative Stent "BRS" will undergo a predictable degradation to leave a wholly biologically healed artery through regeneration of native tissues.

The research programme is scheduled to commence in February 2012. QualiMed will receive almost €700k for its contribution to the project.

Eric Mangiardi, Board of Directors of Qualimed commented: "This EU funded project showcases QualiMeds biodegradable capabilities for implantable devices in combination with a number of novel leading edge technologies in the areas of Magnetism, Gene, and Stem Cell Therapy. We are very excited to participate with this esteemed group of partner and this tremendous opportunity to push the limits of science and technology to improve the treatment outcomes for patients with cardiac disease. "

Professor John Martin, Chief Scientific Officer at Ark commented: "Heart disease is the biggest market for new biotechnology with a large continuing unmet medical need. These inventions offer new hope for a disease from which over half the population suffers from during their lifetime."

QualiMed Innovative Medizinprodukte GmbH

QualiMed was founded in 1997 in Winsen, Germany near Hamburg, where it develops, manufactures, and sells implantable medical devices in the Cardiology, Peripheral Vascular, Non Vascular, Orthopaedic, and General Surgical Areas. The innovations are focused primarily in the Biodegradable Products, Drug Device Combination, Catheter, and Mechanical implant areas.  Originally founded as an OEM, the company's products are now sold in over 40 countries worldwide through its OEM, Private Label, and Own Brand Networks.  The company and its development partners have obtained CE and FDA approvals for more than 70 different products including 3 different drug eluting stents. QualiMed expects its next generation drug device combination and biodegradable technologies to receive regulatory approvals during the next 12 months

This announcement includes "forward-looking statements" which include all statements other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, those regarding the Group's financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including development plans and objectives relating to the Group's products and services), and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include forward-looking terminology such as the words "targets", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "aims", "intends", "will", "can", "may", "anticipates", "would", "should", "could" or similar expressions or the negative thereof. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors beyond the Group's control that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Group to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Group's present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Group will operate in the future. Among the important factors that could cause the Group's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include those relating to QualiMed's funding requirements, regulatory approvals, clinical trials, reliance on third parties, intellectual property, key personnel and other factors. These forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this announcement. The Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based. As a result of these factors, readers are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statement.

For further information please contact:

    QualiMed Innovative Medizinprodukte   Tel: +49(0)417165780 office
    GmbH                                       +49(0)1722439649 Mobile
    Eric K Mangiardi, Board of Directors
 

SOURCE QualiMed Innovative Medizinprodukte GmbH