Biophan Technologies, Inc., a developer of next-generation medical technology, in conjunction with MYOTECH, LLC, recently presented results of animal studies that indicate the potential of the MYO-VAD, a cardiac support system to significantly improve the treatment of heart failure. The MYO-VAD restores cardiac output on an arrested or weak heart. The device can be implanted in approximately three minutes.
Researchers found that key biomarkers of heart failure increased in animal hearts with induced heart damage, but decreased in animals whose damaged hearts were supported with the MYO-VAD. Investigators concluded that the device ?can significantly augment the failing heart while reducing myocardial stress,? and that the device ?can provide adequate hemodynamic support while favorably altering the maladaptive pathophysiology of heart failure.?
The results were presented in a scientific poster at the Cleveland Clinic Kaufman Center for Heart Failure and The American Association for Thoracic Surgery?s Conference: “21st Century Treatment of Heart Failure: Synchronizing Surgical and Medical Therapies for Better Outcomes” in Cleveland, Ohio.
The poster, entitled ?Non-Blood Contacting Biventricular Mechanical Actuation for the Failing Heart,? was authored by Curtis J. Wozniak MD, Aaron M. Campbell, Anthony J. Pothoulakis MD, Lawrence J. Prochaska PhD, Rebecca J. Darner, Shawn M. Gargac, and Mark P. Anstadt MD. The studies were conducted on New Zealand white rabbits and were performed at the Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio.
Heart failure is a progressive condition that involves the heart re-shaping, or ?remodeling? into a less effective blood pump. This occurs after the heart has been damaged by any disease or condition that puts extra stress on the heart?s muscle or deprives it of blood. High blood pressure, coronary artery disease and heart attacks are typical causes. Within 6 years of a recognized heart attack 22% of men and 46% of women will be disabled with heart failure, according to the American Heart Association. This devastating disease currently has no cure and affects an estimated 5,000,000 Americans each year.
According to Jeffrey Helfer, President of Biophan?s Cardiovascular Division, ?the MYO-VAD technology has already demonstrated its ability to support suddenly failing hearts (such as in a heart attack). By favorably altering the progression of heart failure that follows, we believe these results indicate potential for the MYO-VAD to treat a much wider range of patient conditions.?
?Heart failure is most commonly treated with pharmaceuticals, but this approach is ineffective and heart failure remains the number one killer and the most costly condition for the U.S. health care system,? said Mr. Helfer.
According to the American Heart Association, 550,000 new cases of heart failure are diagnosed annually in the U.S. and an estimated 15 million new cases are reported yearly worldwide. Direct and indirect costs of heart failure in the U.S. in 2006 have been estimated at $29 billion.
The scientific presentation can be found on the company website at http://www.biophan.com/myovad_results1206.
About the MYO-VAD
The MYO-VAD can be implanted on an arrested or weak heart in approximately three minutes, restoring cardiac output. It consists of a flexible polymer cup that fits around the heart, compressing and expanding both ventricles. Because it does not come into contact with circulating blood, the MYO-VAD promises to eliminate the serious and potentially fatal complications of clotting and stroke, bleeding, and infection that plague all other Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs).
Due to its technically simple installation and removal requirements, anticipated lower rates of patient complications, and lower device cost, the MYO-VAD is expected to provide a significant reduction in the cost of treating heart failure patients. This promises to extend the physician’s ability to treat heart failure and help save thousands of lives.
About Biophan
Rochester, NY-based Biophan is dedicated to providing technologies that offer innovative and competitive advantages to the medical device industry. The Company licenses its technologies which improve the MRI safety and image compatibility of medical devices to leading device manufacturers. In addition, the Company is commercializing the MYOTECH MYO-VAD(TM), a new, cardiac support system which has significant potential to improve the treatment of many forms of heart disease. Biophan is traded on the OTC market under the symbol BIPH, and is also listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol BTN.