Zimmer Launches New Medical Education and BioSkills Training Program

The Zimmer Institute Redefines Industry-driven Training





WARSAW, Ind., July 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZMH; SWX: ZMH) today announced the launch of the new Zimmer Institute. Over the past year, Zimmer has collaborated with teaching surgeons and subject matter experts to develop a unique model for surgeon and clinician training. Combining its Medical Education, BioSkills Training and Surgeon-to-Surgeon programs under one, consolidated service offering, the enhanced Zimmer Institute provides a highly interactive environment for surgeon and clinician education that the Company believes sets new standards for the industry.


A continuum of courses is available through the Zimmer Institute, spanning online learning modules, interactive small group discussions, intensive case study reviews, hands-on cadaver-based training and surgeon-to-surgeon training programs. Course modules have been tailored to match an individual surgeon's experience level, providing in-depth knowledge on products and procedures. Zimmer Institute courses have a high faculty-to-student ratio and incorporate new technologies, promoting greater interaction with faculty trainers and participant collaboration. Courses are offered at many regional locations worldwide, minimizing the time participants will have to spend away from their practices.


"Advanced professional training is in great demand and our ability to meet this need is vital to supporting our customers," noted Audrey Beckman, Senior Vice President, Zimmer Institute. "We recognize the importance of being at the forefront of professional education and are committed to providing medical and dental professionals with unparalleled training and course offerings that will not only teach them how to use our products safely and effectively, but will also give them the opportunity to hone and refine their surgical skill sets."


Courses conducted using the new format have been underway since 2008, and are being rolled out globally, with more than 800 events scheduled in 2009, training more than 12,000 medical professionals and more than 8,000 dental professionals. Additional information regarding the enhanced Zimmer Institute is available at zimmerinstitute.zimmer.com.



About the Company


Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Zimmer designs, develops, manufactures and markets orthopaedic reconstructive, spinal and trauma devices, dental implants, and related surgical products. Zimmer has operations in more than 25 countries around the world and sells products in more than 100 countries. Zimmer's 2008 sales were approximately $4.1 billion. The Company is supported by the efforts of more than 8,000 employees worldwide.


For more information about Zimmer, visit www.zimmer.com


Zimmer Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the orthopaedics industry, management's beliefs and assumptions made by management. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "assumes," "guides," "targets," "forecasts," and "seeks" or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our compliance with the Corporate Integrity Agreement through 2012; the impact of our enhanced healthcare compliance global initiatives and business practices on our relationships with customers and consultants, our market share and our overall financial performance; the success of our quality initiatives; the outcome of the informal investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission into Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters announced in October 2007; price and product competition; changes in customer demand for our products and services caused by demographic changes or other factors; dependence on new product development, technological advances and innovation; shifts in the product category or regional sales mix of our products and services; supply and prices of raw materials and products; control of costs and expenses; our ability to obtain and maintain adequate intellectual property protection; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses; our ability to form and implement alliances; challenges relating to changes in and compliance with governmental laws and regulations affecting our U.S. and international businesses, including regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and foreign government regulators and tax obligations and risks; the impact of temporarily suspending U.S. distribution of one of our key hip replacement products; product liability and intellectual property litigation losses; reductions in reimbursement levels from third-party payors and cost-containment efforts of healthcare purchasing organizations; our ability to retain the independent agents and distributors who market our products; changes in general industry and market conditions, including domestic and international growth rates and general domestic and international economic conditions, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the costs of defending or resolving putative class action securities litigation and lawsuits, investigations or other proceedings resulting from our September 2007 settlement with the U.S. government and other matters. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see our periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be set forth in our periodic reports. Readers of this document are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, since, while we believe the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document.






SOURCE Zimmer Holdings, Inc.

Economy is Driving Many Osteoporotic Women to Retire Later - But Their Ability to Work May Be Undermined by Sub-Optimal Management of Their Disease

National Census Data Shows Osteoporosis Rates to Increase by an Estimated 22(1) Percent Among Ohioans by 2020 -

- Special Council of Health and Women's Groups Formed to Encourage Women to Make Bone Health a Priority Before They Break a Bone -






CLEVELAND, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 340,000(2) women suffer from postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) in Ohio and more than 900,000(3) are at risk for the disease. According to a census report on the prevalence of osteoporosis, the number of women suffering from the disease is predicted to increase in Ohio by more than 22 percent by 2020. Despite this predicted increase, a national Harris Interactive survey commissioned by the Know My Bones Council showed (n=889 with PMO; n=912 without PMO) that many women suffering from osteoporosis are not optimally managing their disease despite the need and desire to work longer, putting them at greater risk for fracture. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation fracture may lead to chronic pain, disability, and even death(4).


The Council, led by the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the Society for Women's Health Research, announced results from a national survey of more than 1,800 American women, which revealed that one-out-of-five women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) are retiring later than anticipated and nearly half (48 percent) blame the current economy. Despite the need to work longer, half of the women with PMO are fearful that the disease will limit their ability to work. However, the research shows that many women are not optimally managing their osteoporosis.


"It concerns me that the number of Ohioans who will suffer from osteoporosis will only grow in the coming decade, but it is more concerning that women suffering from the disease today are not optimally managing their bone health," said Chad Deal, M.D., Head, Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease, Cleveland Clinic Foundation. "I have been practicing medicine for over 20 years and never has it been more important for women to be passionate about their bone health given their desire and need to remain active as they age. For those with postmenopausal osteoporosis, optimally managing their disease means knowing their bone density score, being vigilant about their treatment and talking to their doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional about their disease."


Women like Olmsted Falls resident Pat Lindamood know all too well the impacts of PMO. Lindamood realized she had osteoporosis when her dentist refused to work on her due to the frailty of her jaw. She quickly sought treatment from area doctor, Chad Deal, M.D. and, thanks to her active lifestyle and the benefits of medications, she is able to live a happy and functioning lifestyle.


"I really didn't think osteoporosis was a serious disease until I suffered a rib fracture while opening my classroom door. As a result, I had to take time off from work and lived the reality of the true physical, emotional and financial disruption of a broken bone in my life," said Pat Lindamood. "Women who suffer from osteoporosis like me must be proactive about how they manage their bone health before they break a bone. I encourage them to be more proactive in speaking with their doctors and seeking information from reliable sources like the Know My Bones Council."


National survey results show many women with postmenopausal osteoporosis are not optimally managing their disease:

Less than half (46 percent) of women with PMO knew their bone density score
Women with PMO were no more likely to know their bone density score than those without the disease (46 percent versus 44 percent)
More than a quarter (27 percent) of the survey respondents reported that they often do not take their osteoporosis medication
Only a little more than one-third (35 percent) of women reported initiating discussion of the disease with their doctor



The Council is unified with the goal of encouraging women living with PMO, including those in Cleveland, to prioritize their bone health and to seek information that will empower them to fight the disease. The Council, led by the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the Society for Women's Health Research, also includes the American Association of University Women, the American Business Women's Association, the National Women's Health Resource Center, and the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health with sponsorship and participation from Amgen. Dr. Deal has received funding from Amgen for activities not related to this program.


The Council encourages women to seek information and to take charge of their osteoporosis by visiting KnowMyBones.com, a Web site that will grow overtime and provide alerts and information about bone health and optimally managing osteoporosis.


About Osteoporosis

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis, often referred to as a "silent disease,"(5) is increasing in significance as the population of our nation both increases and ages.(6) The World Health Organization, the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the U.S. Surgeon General have officially declared osteoporosis a public health crisis. (7) In fact, osteoporosis and associated fractures are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity.(8)


In the US today, nearly eight million women suffer from osteoporosis(9)
Almost 34 million Americans are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis(10)
Half of women over 50 in the US will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime(11)
The impact of breaking a bone is significant and often leads to a downward spiral for the patient
A woman who has broken a bone as a result of osteoporosis has more than an 8 out of 10 greater chance of breaking another bone(12)
One in four women who have broken a bone will fracture again within a year(13)
Half of the women who break a hip will permanently need assistance to walk(14)
Nearly one in four women who have broken a hip will die within one year(15)
By 2025, the annual direct costs of treating osteoporosis fractures in the US are estimated at $25 billion(16)



With menopause, bone loss occurs faster than new bone can form as a result of lower levels of estrogen, leading to osteoporosis.(17) In fact, women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density in the five to seven years after menopause begins.(18) This decreased bone mineral density weakens the bone and puts women at higher risk for fractures or broken bones.(19)


About the Know My Bones Council

Guided by the belief that the path to optimal bone health can be found through educating and empowering women to more actively manage their disease, six leading women's advocacy groups have joined forces to create the Know My Bones Council. The Council, formed in 2009 with sponsorship and participation from Amgen, unified with the goal of encouraging women living with PMO to prioritize their bone health and to seek information that will empower them to fight the disease.


The Know My Bones Council includes the following groups:

National Osteoporosis Foundation: Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is the nation's leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. The NOF's mission is to prevent osteoporosis and related fractures, to promote lifelong bone health, to help improve the lives of those affected by osteoporosis and to find a cure through programs of awareness, advocacy, public and health professional education and research. More information is available at www.nof.org.


Society for Women's Health Research: The Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of all women through advocacy, education and research. The Society encourages the study of sex differences between women and men that affect the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. More information is available at www.womenshealthresearch.org.


American Association of University Women: Since 1881, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been the nation's leading voice promoting education and equity for women and girls. The foundation's mission has been advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. More information is available at www.aauw.org.


American Business Women's Association: Founded in 1949, the American Business Women's Association's (ABWA) mission is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership with education, networking support and national recognition. More information is available at www.abwa.org.


National Women's Health Resource Center: The not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) is the leading independent consumer health information source for women. Through nationwide public education campaigns and personal assistance, NWHRC has helped women be informed health care consumers for more than 20 years. More information is available at www.HealthyWomen.org.


National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health: The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) was founded in 1980. NPWH represents nurse practitioners that provide care to women in the primary care setting as well as in women's health specialty practices. More information is available at www.npwh.org.


Amgen: Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.

About the Survey

The survey was conducted online between March 25 and April 1, 2009, by Harris Interactive. There were 1801 completed surveys received from respondents who met the screening criteria. The survey included 889 U.S. women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and 912 postmenopausal women who did not have osteoporosis; all women were aged 50+. The data were weighted to reflect age, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' likelihood to be online.



About the NOF Report "America's Bone Health"

America's Bone Health: The State of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass in Our Nation is an update to the National Osteoporosis Foundation's (NOF) first prevalence report published in 1997. This report, like the 1997 version, highlights the estimated number of women and men age fifty and older in the United States who have or are at high risk for developing osteoporosis due to low bone mass. Prevalence estimates are based on 2000 Census data and are presented for the year 2002, 2010 and 2020. Prevalence percentage increases are reflective of women with osteoporosis between 2002 and 2020.



CONTACT:
Heather Rabinowitz
National Osteoporosis Foundation
(202) 721-6359

Karen Young
Society for Women's Health Research
(202) 496-5001

Leslie Bryant
Hill & Knowlton
(310) 633-9435



References
(1) National Osteoporosis Foundation. America's Bone Health: The state
of osteoporosis and low bone mass in our nation. 2002; Percent change
from 2002 - 2020. Pgs 18 and 24
(2) National Osteoporosis Foundation. America's Bone Health: The state
of osteoporosis and low bone mass in our nation. 2002; page 18
(3) National Osteoporosis Foundation. America's Bone Health: The state
of osteoporosis and low bone mass in our nation. 2002; page 18
(4) National Osteoporosis Foundation
(5) National Osteoporosis Foundation. Bone Tool Kit: Osteoporosis. It's
Beatable. It's Treatable. Available at:
http://www.nof.org/awareness2/2007/images/Bone_Tool_Kit.pdf,
accessed, 3/27/2009: Page #4, Paragraph 4
(6) Burge R, et al, Incidence and Economic Burden of Osteoporosis-Related
Fractures in the United States, 2005-2025. Journal of Bone and
Mineral Research 2007; 22: 465, Paragraph 1
(7) http://www.iofbonehealth.org/iof-
articles/articledetail.html?articleID=5, accessed 3/18/2009:
Parapgraph 3
(8) Kanis, OG et al. An Estimate of the Worldwide Prevalence and
Disability Associated with Osteoporotic Fractures. Osteoporosis
International 2006; 17:1726
(9) http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm, accessed,
3/18/2009: Main bullet #5
(10)http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm, accessed,
3/18/2009: Main bullet #5
(11)http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm, accessed,
3/18/2009, Main bullet #26
(12) Kanis JA, Johnell O, De Laet C, et al. (2004) A meta-analysis of
previous fracture and subsequent fracture risk. Bone 35:375.
(13) Clinical subsequent fractures cluster in time after first fractures.
T A C M van Geel, et al, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
2009;68:99-102.
(14)http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00121, accessed
3/19/2009,accessed, 3/18/2009: Bullet #1
(15)http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm, accessed,
3/18/2009: Main bullet #35
(16)http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm, accessed,
3/18/2009: Main bullet #28
(17)http://www.iofbonehealth.org/patients-public/about-
osteoporosis/facts-about-bones.html, accessed, 3/18/2009: Paragraph
#8
(18)http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm, accessed,
3/18/2009: Main bullet #24
(19)http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm, accessed ,
3/18/2009: Paragraph #1






SOURCE National Osteoporosis Foundation

Knowing Yourself Can Improve Your Health and Happiness

Anthropedia introduces DVD program designed by scientists and educators to teach viewers to understand their personality, manage stress, and build psychological resilience


NEW YORK, July 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Anthropedia Foundation, a non-profit organization based in New York and St. Louis, has introduced Know Yourself, an innovative DVD series designed for people interested in learning how to develop happier and healthier lives. The series is a step-by-step guide to improving well-being, integrating methods from various fields. Each part focuses on straightforward concepts and simple exercises that foster calmness, well-being, and mind-body health. The first three parts of the Know Yourself series are now available on Anthropedia's website and have been donated to clinics and non-profit organizations.


Know Yourself Part 1: Exploring Your Personality examines three ingredients for lasting satisfaction and fulfillment in life. The course provides viewers with the opportunity to use the online version of the TCI, an internationally renowned personality test. The resulting personality profile allows viewers to determine how their character and temperament both help and hinder their well-being.


Part 2: Understanding Thought examines the three steps of thought. Understanding these steps and potential traps in thinking helps people adapt more easily to stressful events and challenges in everyday life.


Part 3: Quieting the Mind introduces the "Silence of the Mind" meditation, a technique to calm the agitation of the mind and cope with mental tension and struggles. Parts 4 and 5 of the program are scheduled to be released this fall.


Each part of Know Yourself follows a clear sequence, including an introduction, feature discussion, brief review, and description of recommended exercises. Interspersed throughout each portion of the program are clear visual aids that help viewers retain and integrate information and important concepts. Natural imagery and an original soundtrack have been carefully arranged to promote learning and relaxation, an approach that makes the Know Yourself series a powerful and innovative tool for increasing health and happiness.


The series builds on research in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and neuroscience, specifically on the research and clinical work of Dr. C. Robert Cloninger, Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Genetics, and Director of the Center for Well-Being at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Dr. Cloninger explains that the series can be used by individuals at home and in a clinical setting, "The Know Yourself series is useful for a wide range of people and situations. Regardless of a person's level of mental and physical health, it provides helpful and enjoyable practices for living well. It uses established methods that are beneficial for personal development and as an adjunct in therapy for people with different mental and physical disorders."


ABOUT THE ANTHROPEDIA FOUNDATION


As the rates of lifestyle and stress-related illness increase worldwide, the Anthropedia Foundation advances the Science of Well-Being and offers solutions to foster health and happiness that are adapted to the 21st century.


Anthropedia is a non-profit foundation that promotes well-being through health and education initiatives. It is led by an institute of experts from the fields of medicine, psychology, art, education, and public health. Members of the Anthropedia Institute examine the most effective, scientifically proven practices from their fields and design comprehensive strategies to improve physical, mental, and social well-being. Based on the findings of the Institute, the foundation creates resources that teach people ways to cultivate healthy lifestyles, psychological resilience, character development, and self-awareness. Anthropedia's resources are simple, practical, and powerful, and can be used by individuals, professionals, and organizations seeking an effective approach to achieving and sustaining well-being.


To learn more about Anthropedia, please visit www.anthropedia.org.






SOURCE Anthropedia Foundation

A Bundle of Joy Brings a Bundle of Questions - Life123.com Delivers the Answers!

BOSTON, July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- You've just waited through the longest two minutes of your life. The result is in, and the test appears to be positive. After catching your breath, you realize the only thing you're sure of is that life will never be the same again. That's because you've just learned you're pregnant! This discovery can be as overwhelming as it is thrilling. Questions flood your mind, and you know you need fast answers. That's when you turn to Life123.com, a leading source of expert advice on the Web.


You'll now need to focus on your own health and well-being. During the early stages of pregnancy, it will be important for you to eat right and get plenty of rest. (You'll need it for labor and beyond!) Along those lines, you'll also need to take the best prenatal vitamins, which include essentials such as folic acid, iron and calcium. There are also many exercises for pregnant women that will build your strength and give you the energy you need.


As your baby starts to grow, you'll want to keep track of his or her development by consulting a pregnancy timeline. That way, you'll know what to expect in terms of your baby's progress and how it will impact your body. You'll also become more aware of the first signs of twin pregnancy, which can certainly influence your planning!


Since you'll have several months to plan, you should also take this opportunity to learn more about newborn baby care, including how to change diapers (which you will be doing quite often), breastfeeding tips, techniques for soothing a crying infant, and how to deal with common ailments.


Before you know it, your due date will be around the corner. It will be vital for you to understand potential labor symptoms so you'll be well prepared to greet your family's new addition. These signs can start as early as several weeks before your baby's official debut, so be on the lookout.


This of course leads to the big day itself when your baby finally arrives. You'll likely be excited and quite tired after introducing a new life into the world. However, thanks to the experts at Life123.com, you're now ready and able to take on this exhilarating new challenge. That is of course, until you need to decide when to start potty training!





SOURCE Life123

iZumi Bio and Pierian Merge to Form iPierian to Advance Cellular Reprogramming

- Dr. Corey Goodman appointed chairman of iPierian -

- MPM Capital leads new investment round of $11.5 million -

- World-renowned scientists anchor new Scientific Advisory Board -

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and BOSTON, July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- iZumi Bio, Inc. and Pierian, Inc. today announced they have merged to form a new company, iPierian, Inc. Building on the iZumi infrastructure and vision, the company is focused on the application of cellular reprogramming to change the paradigm of drug discovery. The scientific leadership of the company will accelerate the development of new therapeutics using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for patients with difficult-to-treat diseases.


iPierian is rapidly building upon the experienced management and scientific team of iZumi, who have deep knowledge and experience in both stem cell technology and drug discovery. The company will be led by John P. Walker, currently the chief executive officer of iZumi. Dr. Berta Strulovici will head up research efforts as the chief technical officer of iPierian and Dr. Dushyant Pathak will lead the company's business development activities. Dr. Corey Goodman, recently the president of Pfizer's Biotherapeutics and Bioinnovation, an elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and a board member of iZumi, will become chairman of the Board of Directors of iPierian.


The scientific founders of Pierian, Drs. George Daley, Douglas Melton and Lee Rubin, faculty members at Harvard University, will become actively involved in decisions regarding the scientific direction and research priorities for iPierian. Dr. Daley will co-chair the new Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of iPierian together with Dr. Deepak Srivastava, director of the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Dr. Corey Goodman will also sit on the company's SAB, and will be joined by a cadre of leading stem cell scientists.


"Since the inception of iZumi, we have built an organization and a platform of cellular programming as it applies to drug discovery and development. We are now furthering those efforts by bringing together the leading scientists in the field as active colleagues and members of the SAB to create a new and powerful force in the field of stem cell science," said CEO John Walker. "Drs. Daley, Melton and Rubin share our conviction that this effort represents a paradigm shift in the way drug discovery and development will be conducted in the future and maintain a clear focus on the development of new therapeutics."


"Disease-specific pluripotent stem cells are powerful new tools for drug screening and promise to revolutionize the treatment of intractable conditions," said Dr. George Daley. "We are excited to join forces with the iZumi team, and view this as an opportunity to translate our stem cell research efforts into therapeutic realities for patients. Our initial focus will be in neurodegenerative disease and longer term into metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, as well as other therapeutic areas."


iPierian has secured a $10 million investment from MPM Capital, which will augment the original $20 million investment by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Highland Capital Partners. "As the founding investor in Pierian, we are delighted to now support the formation of iPierian and a technology that we believe will change the value proposition of drug development," said Dr. Ashley Dombkowski, the managing director at MPM Capital who co-founded Pierian along with MPM managing director Robert Millman. Dr. Dombkowski will join the iPierian Board of Directors and will serve along with current iZumi members, Dr. Corey Goodman, John Walker, Dr. Beth Seidenberg of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and Bob Higgins of Highland Capital Partners.


In addition to the investment by MPM, FinTech Capital Partners has invested an additional $1.5 million in this round of financing.


iPierian will continue the collaborations that have been established with the Gladstone Institutes and Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) with Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, whose lab first succeeded in inducing iPS cells in mouse.


Newly Formed Scientific Advisory Board Members

iPierian has created a new SAB with world-renowned scientists in the field of stem cell research and in the company's current disease area priorities. They include:


Dr. George Daley is director of Stem Cell Transplantation at the Children's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, The Samuel E. Lux IV Chair in Hematology, and associate professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Medicine, and Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Daley's lab was among the first to produce human induced pluripotent stem cells and disease-specific stem cells. As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Daley has extensive experience in translating promising science into novel therapeutics.
Dr. Deepak Srivastava is the director of the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, a professor of the departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry and Biophysics and Wilma and Adeline Pirag distinguished professor in Pediatric Developmental Cardiology at UCSF. Dr. Srivastava's research focuses on understanding the causes of heart disease and on using knowledge of cardiac developmental pathways to devise novel therapeutics for human cardiac disorders.
Dr. Douglas Melton is co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and the Thomas Dudley Cabot Professor in the Natural Sciences at Harvard University. A world authority in developmental biology, pancreatic development, and metabolic disease, Dr. Melton recently published successful in-vivo reprogramming of exocrine pancreatic cells into insulin secreting cells without reversion to a pluripotent stem cell state.
Dr. Corey Goodman was a professor at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley and is currently an adjunct professor at UCSF in the Departments of Anatomy and Biochemistry. While on the faculty at Berkeley, he was an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Evan Rauch Professor of Neuroscience, co-founder of the Wills Neuroscience Institute, and head of the division of neurobiology. Dr. Goodman also is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and was chairman of the National Research Council's board on Life Sciences, which issued in 2002 the landmark national report "Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine.
Dr. Lee Rubin is director of Translational Medicine at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. His research has focused on identifying therapeutics for disorders such as SMA, ALS, Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis using novel stem cell-based screens and assays.
Dr. Lennart Mucke is the director of the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, and a professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at UCSF. His research focuses on processes that result in memory loss and other major neurological deficits, with an emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.
Dr. Benoit Bruneau is an associate investigator at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and associate professor in the department of Pediatrics at UCSF, and is an expert in cardiac differentiation. Dr. Bruneau's research focuses on the transcriptional regulation of heart development.
Dr. Kevin Eggan, assistant professor in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University, principal investigator at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and assistant investigator at the Stowers Medical Institute. Dr. Eggan is a world authority on somatic cell reprogramming by nuclear transfer, and the applications of iPS cells to model neurodegenerative disease.
Dr. Matthias Hebrok, Hurlbut-Johnson Distinguished Professor in Diabetes Research, is professor of Medicine and associate director for research at the Diabetes Center at UCSF. The main focus of his lab is to understand how islets of Langerhans, the endocrine component of the pancreas, are formed during organogenesis, how their function is regulated in the mature organism, and how changes in gene expression might allow islet regeneration.
Dr. Amy Wagers, assistant professor in the Section on Developmental and Stem Cell Biology at Joslin Diabetes Center and the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University, and principal faculty member of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. Dr. Wagers is a leading expert in adult stem cells of skeletal muscle and bone marrow.




About iPierian

iPierian is a South San Francisco-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the industrialization of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) technology with the mission of creating new therapeutics through cellular reprogramming and directed differentiation of patient cells. iPierian is backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Highland Capital Partners, MPM Capital and FinTech Global Capital. The initial focus of the company is in neurodegeneration, particularly spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease as well as in cardiovascular disease, where iPierian has a collaboration with The Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and Dr. Deepak Srivastava, the institute's director. iPierian plans to enhance its partnership efforts to further expand into metabolic diseases. The company recently announced a formal collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University to develop and improve methods of deriving iPS cell lines in order to advance iPS cell technology.


Because iPS cells are believed to be able to grow indefinitely in culture and to differentiate into many cell types, iPS cells have great potential for disease research, preclinical drug testing and cell-based therapy. iPierian's approach places the patient at the forefront of the drug discovery process, thereby reducing drug development time and increasing the probability of success for drug candidates. iPierian plans to use precise human disease models to find new molecular targets and develop proprietary therapeutic small molecule or biologic drugs for its own pipeline to treat specific diseases.







SOURCE iZumi Bio, Inc.; Pierian, Inc.

Expert Explains Why Propofol Was the Wrong -- and Possibly Fatal -- Drug for Michael Jackson

American Society of Anesthesiologists' response typical, timid, and tepid, says Dr. Barry Friedberg

CORONA DEL MAR, Calif., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Propofol, the chemical name for Diprivan, is formulated for ONLY intravenous use. It is used for general anesthesia or sedation in operating rooms, GI suites, and intensive care units.


Propofol is intended only for use under medical supervision in a medical facility with full heart and breathing monitoring. NEVER for 'at home' use.


Friedberg explains Propofol can kill people just as quickly as it can put them to sleep. Propofol can tell the brain to stop breathing.


According to Friedberg, The American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) response to Jackson's death was typical.


Like the white color of propofol, the ASA July 6th statement/press release continues to be timid by 'white-washing' the probability that deaths like Jackson's would likely be avoided by routine brain monitoring. Dr. Friedberg and other early technology adopters have provided brain monitoring for patients since 1997.


Many patients who come for cosmetic (and other) surgery do not tell their anesthesiologist about ALL the medications or drugs they have been taking.


Lack of this information increases the chances of being overdosed if anesthesia is given without a brain monitor.


"Big Pharma drug profits provide huge sponsorship money to the ASA. Profits decrease if drug sales decrease -- the likely result of the lack of widespread use of brain monitors. How, then, can the ASA claim to represent the patients' best interest by avoiding the risks of routine over medication?" asks Dr. Friedberg. "That's like asking the fox to guard the hen house."


The ASA was also tepid by avoiding mention of propofol abuse within the anesthesia profession, says Dr. Friedberg.


Barry Friedberg, MD, is a practicing, board certified anesthesiologist, author of the textbook, 'Anesthesia in Cosmetic Surgery,' a Congressional award recipient, and an Associate Professor of Anesthesia at the University of California, Irvine.


More information at: www.CosmeticSurgeryAnesthesia.com





SOURCE Barry L. Friedberg

SoundBite(TM) Hearing System by Sonitus Medical Receives First Acceptance for Publication in Otology & Neurotology Journal

Article Marks the First Peer-Reviewed Publication on the Novel Removable Device Intended to Undetectably Transmit Sound Via the Teeth

SAN MATEO, Calif., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonitus Medical, Inc., a medical device company developing the world's first non-surgical and removable hearing device to transmit sound via the teeth, today announced the acceptance for publication of the first peer reviewed article on its SoundBite(TM) hearing system. The article, featuring a preliminary evaluation of this novel bone conduction device, will be published in an upcoming issue of the esteemed Otology & Neurotology professional journal. The new bone conduction device is intended for single sided deafness (SSD), an acquired and usually permanent condition.


Lead author of the article encompassing a preliminary evaluation of this novel device was Gerald R. Popelka, Ph.D., Professor of Otolaryngology and Chief of the Division of Audiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Popelka, who serves on the company's Scientific Advisory Board, and his co-authors, reported on key measurements of the hearing system related to oral function and oral health, calibration, auditory performance, speech intelligibility, and overall comfort.


This acceptance for publication follows the introduction of the SoundBite(TM) hearing system in a featured podium presentation by Dr. Popelka at the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting (COSM) in Phoenix on May 30, 2009.


"We are excited to introduce our innovative SoundBite(TM) hearing system and share early research results with prominent investigators and practitioners in the Otolaryngology community," said Amir Abolfathi, CEO of Sonitus Medical. "The acceptance of this article for publication illustrates the company's commitment to generating good clinical data and engaging with thought leaders in the field as we develop our non-surgical device for patients who suffer from single sided deafness."


Sonitus Medical is developing a nearly invisible In The Mouth (ITM) hearing and communication platform that relies on the principle of bone conduction to undetectably transmit sound via the teeth to the inner ear. Its SoundBite(TM) hearing system is designed to help people who are essentially deaf in one ear to regain spatial hearing ability and rejoin the conversation of life. It is currently for investigational use only.


Following a review of existing treatment approaches for SSD, Dr. Popelka noted that "Both objective and subjective measurements from our study indicate that the new sound delivery system offers important potential benefits for a non-surgical treatment of single sided deafness. Based on the positive results and patient-perceived improvements, additional studies to investigate overall effectiveness and spatial hearing of this device are clearly warranted."


About SoundBite(TM)

SoundBite(TM) hearing system is the world's first and only non-surgical and removable hearing solution that imperceptibly transmits sound via the teeth to help people who are essentially deaf in one ear to rejoin the conversation of life. A nearly invisible digital audio device, SoundBite(TM) relies on a well-established principle called bone conduction to deliver clear, high quality sound, and is intended to restore normal hearing functions to people with either single sided deafness, conductive, or mixed hearing loss. The SoundBite(TM) system consists of an easy to insert and remove dental retainer-like device which requires no modifications to your teeth, and a small microphone unit worn behind the ear. This device is for investigational use only and is currently slated for clinical trials that are intended to support an initial filing for FDA 510(k) clearance for single sided deafness.


About Sonitus Medical

Sonitus Medical Inc. is a privately held medical device company developing the SoundBite(TM) hearing system, a non-surgical and removable hearing solution that imperceptibly transmits sound via the teeth. Relying on the principle of bone conduction, this nearly invisible in the mouth (ITM) hearing communication platform is initially intended as a simple and non-invasive treatment for hearing disorders such as single sided deafness, conductive hearing loss and tinnitus. Potential future applications include consumer and covert communications. Founded in June 2006, Sonitus Medical is headquartered in San Mateo, California. To learn more about Sonitus Medical, please visit www.sonitusmedical.com.






SOURCE Sonitus Medical, Inc.

Multimedia Release: British Men Think Talking About Impotence is "Just Not Cricket"

LONDON, July 7 /PRNewswire/ --

- Former England Cricketer and Spin Ace, Phil Tufnell, and Media Doctor and GP, Dr Rob Hicks, Call on Men to Bat Away Embarrassment and Take Appropriate Action on Impotence

With the first innings of the Ashes commencing this week, celebrity TV presenter and former England cricketer and spin ace, Phil Tufnell is calling on British blokes to think about their health as well as the Ashes Test Series this summer. Concerned that many men may not be able to bowl their maiden over, Phil is encouraging blokes who may experience impotence to visit http://www.bowlyourmaidenover.com to learn about the condition and why their doctor is best placed to help. Bowl Your Maiden Over is sponsored and brought to you by Lilly UK.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/bowlyourmaidenover/39040/

Impotence is common. 40% of men over the age of 40 have experienced some degree of impotence(1) yet many do not speak to a doctor(2). The latest data suggest that almost one third of men attempt to self-treat impotence by purchasing treatments from uncontrolled sources(2)(*). In the case of medicines, a study showed 65% accessed from these sources are imitations with relatively high health risks(2). Bowl Your Maiden Over encourages men to avoid unnecessary risk and to speak to their GP about impotence and the range of different treatment options available - 95% of cases can be treated by a healthcare professional(3).

Commenting on why men fail to take appropriate action on impotence, Phil Tufnell says, "Over five and a half million fellas in the UK may be experiencing some degree of impotence,(1,4) but no one seems to talk about it. But because of all this embarrassment and silence, men don't know what to do about the condition. So I'm encouraging blokes to take action. The message is simple: lads, if you can't bowl your maiden over, go to http://www.bowlyourmaidenover.com and then, if necessary, visit your GP for help."

Research shows that most men wait for a year or longer before speaking to their GP.(5) Commenting on this, media doctor and GP Rob Hicks says, "There's really no need for embarrassment when it comes to impotence. This is a common condition that GPs see week in, week out. Given this, it's strange that men still duck for cover when the word is mentioned. There's no need - this is not an out-of-bounds condition. GPs are used to talking about it and want to help."

Supporting the call for men to take appropriate action on impotence, Rob adds, "I want men to enjoy the cricket this summer but to also think about their health. I'm urging men to tackle the issue head on and get information from qualified sources. On top of that, impotence may impact on a couple's relationship so it makes sense to speak to your GP and get things back on track(6)."

Concluding, Phil Tufnell says, "I'm looking forward to sharing some top cricket stats with blokes this summer but before the Ashes gets underway, I want to knock about some facts on impotence: you're not alone if you experience it. In fact, if a large Test ground, such as Lord's, was full of men aged 40 and over, at least 10,000 blokes would have experienced impotence(1,7). Trying to get help without speaking to a professional is a risky business, so get down to the GP and make sure your kit is in order."

As a first step, men can visit a new impotence information website at http://www.bowlyourmaidenover.com. It is provided alongside http://www.40over40.com, a website that offers information and advice about impotence and includes a simple action plan to help men prepare for a conversation with their GP. Both websites are sponsored and brought to you by Eli Lilly and Company Limited (Lilly UK).

Note to Editors

* Uncontrolled sources of impotence treatments tend to provide services without the patient requiring a medical consultation and/or prescription

Decisions about impotence treatment and men's overall health should be made by patients in consultation with a doctor. Buying treatments from internet sites, or other sources, which do not provide professional, qualified medical advice puts the patient at risk.

What is impotence?

Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, occurs when the penis does not get hard (erect) enough to allow a man to have sexual activity. This happens because not enough blood can get into, or stay, in the penis(6).

What causes impotence?

In most cases, the cause of impotence is a physical one. It can be a symptom of other illnesses including diabetes, high blood pressure or nerve problems(6,8,9,10). In many cases there will be a combination of both physical and psychological factors.

Why has http://www.bowlyourmaidenover.com been developed?

Impotence is commonly experienced by men over the age of 40,(1) many of who may be cricket fans. A cricket analogy is being used in this summer's impotence information campaign to help men engage with this health problem and discuss the topic with their GP. The Bowl Your Maiden Over disease awareness campaign is in association with http://www.40over40.com, an erectile dysfunction educational website.

Both activities/resources are sponsored and brought to you by Eli Lilly and Company Limited (Lilly UK).

Disease awareness campaigns

Guidance is provided on healthcare communications and disease awareness campaigns in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). More information can be found at: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/ and http://www.abpi.org.uk/links/assoc/PMCPA/pmpca_code2006.pdf

References

1) Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG et al. Impotence and its medical and psychological correlates: results of the Massachusetts male aging study. Journal of Urology 1994; 151(1): 54 - 61

2) Banks I, Kirby M, Marfatia A et al. Assessment, in a general population of men, of men's interaction with the healthcare system to obtain Phospodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors. Poster presented at Joint Congress of the European and International Societies for Sexual Medicine, Belgium, 2008

3) WGBH Educational Foundation 2006, Impotence: causes and treatments, http://www.jcn.co.uk/journal.asp.?MonthNum=10&YearNum=1999&Type=backissue&Arti cleID=186 Last accessed 19.06.09

(Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste this hyperlink into your Internet browser's URL address field. Remove the space if one exists.)

4) 14,052,000 men in the UK are aged 40 or over according to data from the Office for National Statistics, General Register Office for Scotland, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency:http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=15106. Last accessed 23.06.09. 40% of men over the age of 40 have experienced some degree of impotence according to Feldman HA et al. (reference 1 within this document). It can therefore be calculated that 5,620,800 men in the UK may be experiencing some form of impotence

5) Haro JM, Beardsworth A, Casariego J et al. Treatment-seeking behavior of erectile dysfunction patients in Europe: results of the erectile dysfunction observational study. Journal of Sexual Medicine 2006; 3: 530 - 540

6) Miller TA. Diagnostic evaluation of erectile dysfunction. American Family Physician 2000; 61(1): 95 - 104, 109 - 110

7) BBC Sport venue guide, http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/static/in_depth/cricket/2001/ashes/venu es/lords.stm. Last accessed 12.06.09

(Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste this hyperlink into your Internet browser's URL address field. Remove the space if one exists.)

8) Wagner G, Mulhall J. Pathophysiology and diagnosis of male erectile dysfunction. BJU International 2001; 88 (Suppl 3): 3 - 10

9) Bloomgarden ZT. American Diabetes Association annual meeting, 1999: nephropathy and neuropathy. Diabetes Care 2000; 23(4): 549 - 556

10) Dey J, Shepherd MD. Evaluation and treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes mellitus. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2002; 77: 276 - 282

This activity is sponsored and brought to you by Eli Lilly and Company Limited (Lilly UK). Eli Lilly and Company Limited, Basingstoke, RG24 9NL.

Prepared June 2009, UKCLS00232



SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company Limited

ThromboGenics and BioInvent Start Recruitment of Second 100 Patient Cohort in Phase II DVT Prophylaxis Study With TB-402

LEUVEN, Belgium and LUND, Sweden, July 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ThromboGenics NV (Euronext Brussels: THR) and co-development partner BioInvent International (OMXS: BINV) announce that they have started recruitment of a second cohort of patients for their Phase II trial of TB-402. This follows completion of recruitment of the first cohort of 100 patients ahead of schedule. TB-402 is a novel, long acting anticoagulant that is being developed for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following orthopaedic surgery. The decision to move ahead with the second cohort of this trial follows unanimous advice from the external efficacy and safety monitoring board to proceed using a higher dose of TB-402.

The Phase II trial is an active (enoxaparin)-controlled, dose-escalating, multicenter, prospective, randomised, open label trial evaluating TB-402 for the prophylaxis of DVT after knee surgery. The study is assessing three different doses of TB-402 given as a single intravenous bolus injection post knee replacement surgery, and will enrol a total of 300 patients across 36 centers, mainly in Europe. The objective of the study is to assess the safety and efficacy of the three escalating doses of TB-402.

TB-402 is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that partially inhibits Factor VIII, a key component of the coagulation cascade. This novel mode of action is expected to reduce the risk of undesirable bleeding events, even at high doses, as well as the need for patient monitoring. These are the two main drawbacks associated with current anticoagulants. In addition, TB-402 is a long-acting agent, which means it could be given as a single dose after surgery to prevent the development of DVT. This would be an attractive option, as all current anticoagulant treatment options require daily treatment for up to several weeks.

Professor Peter Verhamme from the University of Leuven will present additional data from the earlier successful Phase I studies at the XXII Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) on July 15, 2009 in Boston.

Patrik De Haes, CEO of ThromboGenics commented, "We are very happy that this important study with TB-402 is progressing rapidly. TB-402's profile, including its novel mode of action, could allow it to address the many drawbacks associated with current anticoagulant therapy. We remain confident in the large market potential for TB-402, and believe that the current Phase II study will provide additional data to further highlight the attractive differentiating properties of this novel long-acting anticoagulant."

Svein Mathisen, CEO of BioInvent, also commented, "We are pleased that there has been rapid progress in this study and that the efficacy and safety monitoring board unanimously recommended that we proceed to a higher dose of TB-402. It is testament to the strength of our partnership with ThromboGenics and the exciting potential of this product candidate."

About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is caused when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the deep veins of the lower leg. DVT is a major public health issue and it is estimated that in the U.S. alone, more than 350,000 individuals are affected by DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE) each year. Moreover, DVT and PE together may be responsible for more than 100,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.(1)

It is estimated that by 2015, 1.4 million patients will undergo knee replacement and 600,000 patients will undergo hip replacement in the U.S. if current trends persist.(2) Patients undergoing hip replacement or knee surgery are particularly at risk of developing DVT and all patients are therefore treated with anticoagulants prophylactically in order to reduce the risks of blood clots. The annual sales of anticoagulants worldwide are over $5 billion. Nevertheless, available anticoagulants are still inconvenient and associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Improved anticoagulants are therefore required. In particular, agents that allow for improved ease of administration (without requirement for daily dosing and frequent dose adjustment) would fill a significant unmet need.

Legal disclaimer

This press release contains statements about the future, consisting of subjective assumptions and forecasts for future scenarios. Predictions for the future only apply as of the date they are made and are, by their very nature, in the same way as research and development work in the biotech segment, associated with risk and uncertainty. With this in mind, the actual outcome may deviate significantly from the scenarios described in this press release.

Notes to Editors:

About ThromboGenics

ThromboGenics is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of innovative biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of eye disease, vascular disease and cancer. The Company's lead product microplasmin is in Phase III clinical development for the non-surgical treatment of back of the eye diseases. Microplasmin is also being evaluated in Phase II clinical development for additional vitreoretinal indications and as a potential therapy for stroke. ThromboGenics is also developing novel antibody therapeutics in collaboration with BioInvent International; these include TB-402 (Anti-Factor VIII), a long acting anticoagulant, and TB-403 (anti-PlGF) for cancer.

ThromboGenics has built strong links with the University of Leuven and the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) and has exclusive rights to certain therapeutics developed at these institutions. ThromboGenics is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. The Company is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Brussels under the symbol THR. More information is available at http://www.thrombogenics.com.

About BioInvent

BioInvent International AB, listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm (BINV), is a research-based pharmaceutical company that focuses on developing antibody drugs. The Company is currently running innovative drug projects within the areas of thrombosis, cancer and atherosclerosis. The Company has signed various strategic alliances around these product candidates and is developing them in collaboration with partners including Genentech, Roche and ThromboGenics.

These projects are based around a competitive and in substance patented antibody development platform. The scope and strength of this platform is also utilised by partners, such as ALK-Abello, Bayer HealthCare, ImmunoGen, OrbusNeich, Sanofi-Aventis, UCB and XOMA. More information is available at http://www.bioinvent.com.

(1) "The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism," September 15, 2008, p.1.

(2) "Changes in Surgical Loads and Economic Burden of Hip and Knee Replacements in the US: 1997-2004," Sunny Kim, Arthritis & Rheumatism (Arthritis Care & Research), April 15, 2008; 59:4, pp. 481-488.

ThromboGenics NV
Gaston Geenslaan 1
B-3001 Leuven
Belgium
Tel: +32(0)16-75-13-10
http://www.thrombogenics.com

BioInvent International AB (publ)
Co. reg. No. 556537-7263,
Address: Solvegatan 41
Mailing address: SE-223 70 LUND
Tel: +46(0)46-286-85-50
info@bioinvent.com
http://www.bioinvent.com


For further information, please contact:

ThromboGenics NV
Patrik De Haes, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +32(0)16-75-13-10
E-mail: patrik.dehaes@thrombogenics.com

Andy De Deene, MD
Clinical Director Europe
Tel: +32(0)16-75-13-10
E-mail: andy.dedeene@thrombogenics.com

Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Amber Bielecka, David Dible, Nina Enegren
Tel: +44(0)207-638-95-71
E-mail: amber.bielecka@citigatedr.co.uk

BioInvent International AB
Svein Mathisen
President & CEO
Tel: +46(0)46-286-85-67
Mobile: +46(0)708-97-82-13
E-mail: svein.mathisen@bioinvent.com

Cristina Glad
Executive Vice President
Tel: +46(0)46-286-85-51
Mobile: +46(0)708-16-85-70
E-mail: cristina.glad@bioinvent.com

College Hill (media enquiries)
Holly Griffiths, Sue Charles, John McIntyre
Tel: +44(0)20-7866-7856
E-mail: bioinvent@collegehill.com





SOURCE ThromboGenics NV and BioInvent International

Ingenious Med Announces a New Coding & Compliance Tool, MasterCoder

ATLANTA, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- With the growing potential threat of Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) audits facing healthcare organizations as well as the increased legislative plans currently in process within congress to further combat fraud in the medical system, Ingenious Med releases a new tool, MasterCoder, to help its customers address these concerns.


MasterCoder for the Web, an integrated E&M coding solution, is the newest enhancement to IM Practice Manager. MasterCoder is now available to Ingenious Med customers whether they access IM Practice Manager through the web or a mobile device.


"MasterCoder has improved our practice by saving time and eliminating the fears of over and under-coding," said a user at Auburn Memorial Hospital. "It has also helped us capture appropriate higher level services by guiding us through the proper coding algorithms and documentation. Additionally, it is extremely easy to use."


Ingenious Med's MasterCoder is an educational tool, based on guidelines directly from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), that is designed to assist physicians during coding decision-making. MasterCoder works alongside IM Practice Manager to prompt and aid documentation of E&M and time-based codes at the point-of-care, without disrupting workflow. MasterCoder functionality provides comfort and confidence in the coding process by simulating what it would be like to have a coding consultant present at every patient encounter.


This solution gives practice administrators the ability to educate, prompt and record E&M decision-making for their physicians while giving physicians real-time feedback and knowledge into accurate coding.


"MasterCoder is designed to work with a physician and compliment current workflow and documentation processes," said Dr. Steve Liu, chairman and founder at Ingenious Med. "MasterCoder serves as a great educational tool to aid physicians in coding appropriately. Even extremely experienced physicians can benefit from using it."


Dr. Bob Zurcher, a physician manager at several facilities utilizing Ingenious Med, is responsible for ensuring new physicians in his groups learn how to code correctly. New physicians are required to complete the Hospitalist Curriculum from E/M University. This is a series of courses that help educate the physicians in proper coding and documentation. Zurcher states that while "IM MasterCoder has not replaced E/M University, it works beautifully as a complementary part of ongoing coding education and is extremely easy to use."


"Providing our groups with state-of-the-art, easy to use technology that aides them in providing higher quality of care to their patients is key to all that we do at Ingenious Med," said Mike Pickering, CTO at Ingenious Med. "We are confident that the addition of MasterCoder to IM Practice Manager will heighten product versatility and prove invaluable to its users. The best part is -- for current clients, this additional functionality is offered free of charge as a part of our all-inclusive software solution."


About Ingenious Med, Inc.

Founded in 1999 by a group of practicing inpatient physicians, Ingenious Med is an industry-leading inpatient practice management solution to thousands of users in more than 500 facilities across the United States.


Ingenious Med's all-inclusive product, IM Practice Manager, is an Internet-based application enabling inpatient physicians to capture charges, document, enhance coding and compliance, improve quality of care, increase revenue and communicate digitally. In addition, the program aggregates management data separately from the hospital information system, so individual physician and total department performance can be accurately evaluated. Nationwide, Ingenious Med is the leader in inpatient practice management solutions, supporting all inpatient specialties. For more detailed information on Ingenious Med, visit www.ingeniousmed.com or call 404.815.0862.





SOURCE Ingenious Med, Inc.

New Report Finds Obesity Epidemic Increases, Mississippi Weighs in as Heaviest State

Experts Recommend Addressing Obesity through Health Reform, National Strategy


WASHINGTON, July 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state in the past year, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009, a report released today by the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). In addition, the percentage of obese or overweight children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states.


"Our health care costs have grown along with our waist lines," said Jeff Levi, Ph.D., executive director of TFAH. "The obesity epidemic is a big contributor to the skyrocketing health care costs in the United States. How are we going to compete with the rest of the world if our economy and workforce are weighed down by bad health?"


Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity at 32.5 percent, making it the fifth year in a row that the state topped the list. Four states now have rates above 30 percent, including Mississippi, West Virginia (31.2 percent), Alabama (31.1 percent) and Tennessee (30.2 percent). Eight of the 10 states with the highest percentage of obese adults are in the South. Colorado continued to have the lowest percentage of obese adults at 18.9 percent.


Adult obesity rates now exceed 25 percent in 31 states and exceed 20 percent in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Two-thirds of American adults are either obese or overweight. In 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent. In 1980, the national average for adult obesity was 15 percent. Sixteen states experienced an increase for the second year in a row, and 11 states experienced an increase for the third straight year.


Mississippi also had the highest rate of obese and overweight children (ages 10 to 17) at 44.4 percent. Minnesota and Utah had the lowest rate at 23.1 percent. Eight of the 10 states with the highest rates of obese and overweight children are in the South. Childhood obesity rates have more than tripled since 1980.


"Reversing the childhood obesity epidemic is a critical ingredient for delivering a healthier population and making health reform work," said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., RWJF president and CEO. "If we can prevent the current generation of young people from developing the serious and costly chronic conditions related to obesity, we can not only improve health and quality of life, but we can also save billions of dollars and make our health care systems more efficient and sustainable."


The F as in Fat report contains rankings of state obesity rates and a review of federal and state government policies aimed at reducing or preventing obesity. Some additional key findings from F as in Fat 2009 include:



The current economic crisis could exacerbate the obesity epidemic. Food prices, particularly for more nutritious foods, are expected to rise, making it more difficult for families to eat healthy foods. At the same time, safety-net programs and services are becoming increasingly overextended as the numbers of unemployed, uninsured and underinsured continue to grow. In addition, due to the strain of the recession, rates of depression, anxiety and stress, which are linked to obesity for many individuals, also are increasing.
Nineteen states now have nutritional standards for school lunches, breakfasts and snacks that are stricter than current USDA requirements. Five years ago, only four states had legislation requiring stricter standards.
Twenty-seven states have nutritional standards for competitive foods sold a la carte, in vending machines, in school stores or in school bake sales. Five years ago, only six states had nutritional standards for competitive foods.
Twenty states have passed requirements for body mass index (BMI) screenings of children and adolescents or have passed legislation requiring other forms of weight-related assessments in schools. Five years ago, only four states had passed screening requirements.
A recent analysis commissioned by TFAH found that the Baby Boomer generation has a higher rate of obesity compared with previous generations. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, obesity-related costs to Medicare and Medicaid are likely to grow significantly because of the large number of people in this population and its high rate of obesity. And, as Baby Boomers become Medicare-eligible, the percentage of obese adults age 65 and older could increase significantly. Estimates of the increase in percentage of obese adults range from 5.2 percent in New York to 16.3 percent in Alabama.



Key report recommendations for addressing obesity within health reform include:



Ensuring every adult and child has access to coverage for preventive medical services, including nutrition and obesity counseling and screening for obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes;
Increasing the number of programs available in communities, schools, and childcare settings that help make nutritious foods more affordable and accessible and provide safe and healthy places for people to engage in physical activity; and
Reducing Medicare expenditures by promoting proven programs that improve nutrition and increase physical activity among adults ages 55 to 64.



The report also calls for a National Strategy to Combat Obesity that would define roles and responsibilities for federal, state and local governments and promote collaboration among businesses, communities, schools and families. It would seek to advance policies that



Provide healthy foods and beverages to students at schools;
Increase the availability of affordable healthy foods in all communities;
Increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity at school;
Improve access to safe and healthy places to live, work, learn, and play;
Limit screen time; and
Encourage employers to provide workplace wellness programs.



The full report with state rankings in all categories is available on TFAH's Web site at www.healthyamericans.org and RWJF's Web site at www.rwjf.org. The report was supported by a grant from RWJF.


State-by-State Adult Obesity Rankings


Note: 1 = Highest rate of adult obesity, 51 = lowest rate of adult obesity. Rankings are based on combining three years of data (2006-2008) from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to "stabilize" data for comparison purposes. This methodology, recommended by the CDC, compensates for any potential anomalies or usual changes due to the specific sample in any given year in any given state. States with a statistically significant (p<0.05) increase for one year are noted with an asterisk (*), states with statistically significant increases for two years in a row are noted with two asterisks (**), states with statistically significant increases for three years in a row are noted with three asterisks (***). Additional information about methodologies and confidence interval is available in the report. Adults with a body mass index, a calculation based on weight and height ratios, of 30 or higher are considered obese.


1. Mississippi*** (32.5%); 2. Alabama* (31.2%); 3. West Virginia (31.1%); 4. Tennessee*** (30.2%); 5. South Carolina (29.7%); 6. Oklahoma*** (29.5%); 7. Kentucky (29.0%); 8. Louisiana (28.9%); 9. Michigan*** (28.8%) 10. (tie) Arkansas (28.6%) and Ohio* (28.6%); 12. North Carolina*** (28.3%); 13. Missouri (28.1%); 14. (tie) Georgia (27.9%) and Texas (27.9%); 16. Indiana (27.4%); 17. Delaware*** (27.3%); 18. (tie) Alaska (27.2%) and Kansas*** (27.2%) 20. (tie) Nebraska (26.9%) and South Dakota*** (26.9%); 22. (tie) Iowa (26.7%) and North Dakota* (26.7%) and Pennsylvania** 26.7%; 25. (tie) Maryland*** (26.0%) and Wisconsin (26.0%); 27. Illinois 25.9%; 28. (tie) Oregon (25.4%) and Virginia (25.4) and Washington*** (25.4%); 31. Minnesota (25.3%); 32. Nevada* 25.1%; 33. (tie) Arizona** (24.8%) and Idaho (24.8%); 35. Maine* (24.7%); 36. New Mexico*** (24.6%); 37. New York** (24.5%) 38. Wyoming (24.3%); 39. (tie) Florida* (24.1%) and New Hampshire (24.1%); 41. California (23.6%); 42. New Jersey (23.4%); 43. Montana** (22.7%); 44. Utah (22.5%); 45. District of Columbia (22.3%); 46. Vermont** (22.1%); 47. Hawaii* (21.8%); 48. Rhode Island (21.7%); 49. Connecticut (21.3%); 50. Massachusetts (21.2%); 51. Colorado (18.9%)


State-by-State Obese and Overweight Children Ages 10-17 Rankings


Note: 1 = Highest rate of childhood overweight, 51 = lowest. Rankings are based on the National Survey of Children's Health, a phone survey of parents with children ages 10-17 conducted in 2007 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additional information about methodologies and confidence intervals is available in the report. Children with a body mass index, a calculation based on weight and height ratios, at or above the 95th percentile for their age are considered obese and children at or above the 85th percentile are considered overweight. States with statistically significant (p<0.05) increases in combined obesity and overweight since the NSCH was last issued in 2003 are noted with an asterisk (*).


1. Mississippi* (44.4%); 2. Arkansas (37.5%); 3. Georgia (37.3%); 4. Kentucky (37.1%) 5. Tennessee (36.5%) 6. Alabama (36.1%); 7. Louisiana (35.9%); 8. West Virginia (35.5%); 9. District of Columbia (35.4%); 10. Illinois (34.9%); 11. Nevada* (34.2%); 12. Alaska (33.9%); 13. South Carolina (33.7%); 14. North Carolina (33.5%); 15. Ohio (33.3%); 16. Delaware (33.2%); 17. Florida (33.1%); 18. New York (32.9%); 19. New Mexico (32.7%) 20. Texas (32.2%) 21. Nebraska (31.5%); 22. Kansas (31.1%); 23. (tie) Missouri (31.0%) and New Jersey (31.0%) and Virginia (31.0%); 26. (tie) Arizona (30.6%) and Michigan (30.6%); 28. California (30.5%); 29. Rhode Island (30.1%); 30. Massachusetts (30.0%) 31. Indiana (29.9%) 32. Pennsylvania (29.7%); 33. (tie) Oklahoma (29.5%) and Washington (29.5%); 35. New Hampshire (29.4%); 36. Maryland (28.8%); 37. Hawaii (28.5%); 38. South Dakota (28.4%); 39. Maine (28.2%); 40. Wisconsin (27.9%); 41. Idaho (27.5%); 42. Colorado (27.2%); 43. Vermont (26.7%); 44. Iowa (26.5%); 45. (tie) Connecticut (25.7%) and North Dakota (25.7%) and Wyoming (25.7%); 48. Montana (25.6%); 49. Oregon (24.3%); 50. (tie) Minnesota (23.1%) and Utah (23.1%)


Trust for America's Health is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to saving lives by protecting the health of every community and working to make disease prevention a national priority. www.healthyamericans.org


The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. Helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need--the Foundation expects to make a difference in our lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org.






SOURCE Trust for America's Health