Vitrolife: New Unique Product Approved In Europe - New Needle For The Collection Of Human Oocytes

Main Category: Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  Fertility
Article Date: 02 Sep 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Vitrolife (STO:VITR) has received European approval, a so-called CE mark, for its new needle for the collection of human oocytes, Swemed Sense™ (patent pending). The needle, which is under launch, has received a very positive response and very positive publicity. Swemed Sense™ combines the good properties of Vitrolife's previous needles with a new way of designing the front part and tip, so that the patient will experience less discomfort and so that the risk of bleeding is reduced. "This is the first product that applies a new technical principle for oocyte collection needles. We believe in this principle very much," says Tony Winslöf, Marketing Director at Vitrolife.

The Swemed Sense™ oocyte aspiration needle is designed with a thinner front part and tip so as to minimize tissue damage, bleeding and pain. However, the rear part of the needle has a larger diameter. This makes the needle stable and therefore does not reduce the ability to collect oocytes from the woman. Furthermore, the procedure is just as fast as when a thicker needle is used, which is not the case with uniformly thin needles. A patent application has been submitted for Swemed Sense™ in all major markets. The response after the launch of Swemed Sense™ has been incredibly positive. Production has now begun and the first deliveries have been made to customers. It is estimated that the market for needles used in the collection of oocytes for IVF amounts to approximately 50 million Euros.

Vitrolife is a global biotechnology/medical device Group that works with developing, manufacturing and selling advanced products and systems for the preparation, cultivation and storage of human cells, tissue and organs. The company has business activities within three product areas: Fertility, Transplantation and Stem Cell Cultivation. The Fertility product area works with nutrient solutions (media) and advanced consumable instruments such as needles and pipettes, for the treatment of human infertility. The Transplantation product area works with solutions and systems to maintain tissue in optimal condition outside the body for the required time while waiting for transplantation. The Stem Cell Cultivation product area works with media and instruments to enable the use and handling of stem cells for therapeutic purposes.

Vitrolife today has approximately 140 employees and the company's products are sold in more than 80 markets. The head office is in Kungsbacka, Sweden, and there are subsidiaries in Sweden, USA, Australia and Italy. The Vitrolife share is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm's Nordic Small Cap list.

Vitrolife AB (publ), Faktorvägen 13, SE-434 37 Kungsbacka, Sweden. Corporate identity number 556354-3452.

http://www.vitrolife.com