PreMD Submits 510(k) to the FDA for Expanded Regulatory Claim for PREVU(x) POC
06 Juin 2007 - 4:38PM
PR Newswire (US)
Intended to aid in the assessment of carotid wall thickness (CIMT)
and in the identification of the presence of carotid plaque -
markers of future risk for heart attack and stroke TORONTO, June 6
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Predictive medicine company PreMD Inc.
(TSX: PMD; Amex: PME) today announced that it has filed a 510(k)
application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
seeking an expanded claim for its skin cholesterol test PREVU(x)
POC. The submission seeks to obtain broader clearance for PREVU(x)
POC in the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk in individuals
without known or suspected disease. The approval of a broader claim
would make PREVU(x) POC the first cost-effective, non-invasive test
on the market to aid in the assessment of carotid wall thickness
(CIMT) and the presence of carotid plaques - established markers
for future heart attacks and strokes - in patients without known
coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease or peripheral
artery disease. "This is an important milestone for PreMD and
reinforces the strength and utility of the PREVU(x) technology,"
said Dr. Brent Norton, President and Chief Executive Officer of
PreMD. "An expanded claim could dramatically increase the market
potential of PREVU(x) POC and provide the healthcare community with
an inexpensive tool that could save lives. Our discussions with
potential marketing partners are advancing and the compelling PASA
data used in the 510(k) helps to underpin the importance and value
of the PREVU(x) product line. One of our stated goals for this year
is to increase the market opportunity for PREVU(x) and an expanded
regulatory claim is a core piece of this strategy. This filing
demonstrates that we are executing on our strategic initiatives and
on track to achieve our stated objectives." The FDA submission
included data from the PASA (Predictor of Advanced Subclinical
Atherosclerosis) study, which examined the relationship between
PREVU(x) POC and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), an
established predictor of heart attack and stroke. Results from this
study have been submitted for publication in the scientific
literature. Typical response times for 510(k) submissions are
approximately 90 days if there are no questions or other issues.
About PREVU(x) POC Skin Sterol Test PREVU(x) non-invasively
measures the amount of cholesterol (sterol) that has accumulated in
the skin tissues, as opposed to blood. There is no fasting or other
patient preparation required for the test. Clinical studies have
shown that as cholesterol accumulates on artery walls it also
accumulates in other tissues, including the skin. High levels of
skin sterol are correlated with higher incidence of coronary artery
disease (CAD). PREVU(x) POC is cleared for sale in Canada, the U.S.
and Europe. About PreMD PreMD Inc. is a leader in predictive
medicine, dedicated to developing rapid, non-invasive tests for the
early detection of life-threatening diseases. PreMD's
cardiovascular products are branded as PREVU(x) Skin Cholesterol
Test. The company's cancer tests include ColorectAlert(TM),
LungAlert(TM) and a breast cancer test. PreMD's head office is
located in Toronto, Ontario and its research and product
development facility is at McMaster University in Hamilton,
Ontario. For further information, please visit
http://www.premdinc.com/. This press release contains
forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and
unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's
actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include,
among others, the success of a plan for regaining compliance with
certain continued listing standards of the American Stock Exchange,
successful development or marketing of the Company's products, the
competitiveness of the Company's products if successfully
commercialized, the lack of operating profit and availability of
funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and
timely completion of clinical studies, product liability, reliance
on third-party manufacturers, the ability of the Company to take
advantage of business opportunities, uncertainties related to the
regulatory process, and general changes in economic conditions. In
addition, while the Company routinely obtains patents for its
products and technology, the protection offered by the Company's
patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or
circumvented by our competitors and there can be no guarantee of
our ability to obtain or maintain patent protection for our
products or product candidates. Investors should consult the
Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S.
securities commissions for additional information on risks and
uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors
are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.
PreMD is providing this information as of the date of this press
release and does not undertake any obligation to update any
forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise. (x)
Trademark DATASOURCE: PreMD Inc. CONTACT: Brent Norton, President
and CEO, Tel: (416) 222-3449 ext. 22, Email: ; Michelle Rabba,
Manager, Corporate Communications, Tel: (416) 222-3449 ext. 25,
Email: ; Rhonda Chiger, Rx Communications Group, LLC, Tel: (917)
322-2569, Email:
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