The SP854 pressure transducer will be integrated into
Therakos breakthrough photoimmune therapy systems
Grenoble, France and Durham, North Carolina, December 14, 2005 – MEMSCAP (Euronext: MEN), the leading provider of innovative solutions based on MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) technology, today announces it has been selected by the Photoresis therapy specialist, Therakos, a Johnson&Johnson company. According to the agreement, MEMSCAP will provide its SP854 pressure transducer to Therakos, for integration into their breakthrough Photoresis therapy systems.
Therakos’ pionneering technology that enables treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), i.e skin cancer, is based on photopheresis therapy. Approved by the FDA, this innovative cellular therapy involves the extracorporeal exposure of peripheral white blood cells (WBCs) to photo-activatable drug UVADEX, through the fully automated UVAR® XTS™ system, while the patient red blood cells and plasma are automatically returned to his body during the process. The company is actively engaged in basic research, has an expanding program of clinical trials, and is supporting innovative independent studies within the academic and medical community. Therakos will use MEMSCAP pressure transducers at the most crucial step of the procedure, for measuring the blood pressure going in and out of the patient body and thus ensure the safety of the patient during blood collection and reinfusion of the treated cells.
"We have selected MEMSCAP because we need extremely highly accurate and precise instruments when it comes to safety of our patients, yet we strive to reduce our costs in order to maintain reasonable price," ²declares Cynthia Star, Engineering Program Manager at Therakos. "MEMSCAP offers us both quality and
cost-effectiveness".
MEMSCAP high-end SP854 physiological pressure transducer is the most reliable solution for pressure measurement during surgery, intensive care and specific treatments. Matching medical standards, this transducer results from a unique process, giving it unmatched precision measurements, extreme stability and
reliability, high frequency response, direct coupling of the sterilised dome to the transducer, and the highest hygiene and cleanliness. It is today the best performance transducer on the market.
"MEMSCAP sensors division is dedicated to offering high-end products at cost effective price in fields related to the protection of human lives." explains Jan Hallenstedvt, VP &GM of MEMSCAP Sensors division." We feel very strong about enabling Therakos systems to improve patient survival and overall quality of life."
About Therakos
Therakos is a Johnson & Johnson company headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, USA. It has developed, marketed, and licensed an innovative cellular therapy, Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP). The introduction of THERAKOS Photopheresis represented a significant expansion of the treatment options for this serious and potentially life-threatening disease. While there is no cure for CTCL, photopheresis has demonstrated the ability to significantly improve patient survival and overall quality of life. The therapy has been proven effective in well over a quarter of a million treatments in the United States and Europe, with an unparalleled safety and side effects profile. THERAKOS Photopheresis is approved by the FDA, and in many other countries around the world for the palliative treatment of the skin manifestations of CTCL.
About MEMSCAP
MEMSCAP is the leading provider of innovative micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based solutions. MEMSCAP solutions include components, component designs (IP), manufacturing and related services. MEMSCAP customers include Fortune 500 businesses, major research institutes and universities. The company's shares are traded on Euronext Eurolist (FR0004155455-MEN), where MEMSCAP belongs to the Next Economy segment. For more information on the Company’s products and services, contact:
Aurore Foulon
Vice-President, Corporate Communications
MEMSCAP
Tel. : +33 (0)4 76 92 85 00
aurore.foulon@memscap.com
Jan Hallenstedvt
General Manager, Sensor Solutions
MEMSCAP
Tel.: +47 33 08 40 00
jan.hallenstedvt@memscap.com
