Quantum Genomics : initiation of a First-in-Human clinical study with QGC001, its lead compound for the treatment of hypertension

April 13th 2012 - Quantum Genomics (NYSE Euronext Paris : MLQGC), following the approval from the French Agency for Safety of Health Products (AFSSAPS), announces the initiation of a phase I clinical study in healthy volunteers with its product QGC001. QGC001 is the first of a new class of drugs that is able to monitor high blood pressure by inhibiting the aminopeptidase A enzyme (APA) at the brain level.

Arterial hypertension affects an estimated 1 billion people worldwide (13 million people in France). Despite the availability of many antihypertensive drugs, 30% to 60% of patients diagnosed with hypertension do not have their blood pressure properly controlled by current medications for various reasons (49% in France ([1])). Moreover, the overall incidence of resistant hypertension to at least three antihypertensive drugs (including a diuretic) is estimatedaround 8% to 12% of the hypertensive population... Quantum Genomics' Press Release -

HeartWare International Expands Intellectual Property and Technology Portfolio Through Definitive Agreement to Acquire World Heart Corporation for US$8 Million

March 29, 2012 - HeartWare International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HTWR) (ASX:HIN), which develops and manufactures miniaturized ventricular assist devices, and World Heart Corporation (Nasdaq:WHRT), which has been engaged in the development of left ventricular assist devices, announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which HeartWare will acquire WorldHeart for consideration of US$8 million, which will be paid in shares of HeartWare common stock or cash, at HeartWare's election.

"WorldHeart has been an important participant in the development of ventricular assist therapies for many years and has amassed over one hundred patents and patent applications. In line with our goal to be a leader in the VAD market for years to come, we believe that bolstering our patent portfolio and adding WorldHeart's technologies broadens our options for the future," said Doug Godshall, President and CEO of HeartWare. "While we are intensely focused on the FDA panel for our HVAD® System next month, and commencement of first-in-man studies for our MVAD® System mid-year, we look forward to integrating WorldHeart's technologies and members of its talented team into our research efforts."... HeartWare International's Press Release - WorldHeart Corporation's Press Release  -

Asahi Kasei : Agreement to Acquire ZOLL Medical

March 12, 2012 - Builds on existing relationship to drive global development of critical care businesses –

Asahi Kasei Corporation (TSE1: 3407, hereinafter: Asahi Kasei), and ZOLL Medical Corporation (NASDAQ GS: ZOLL, hereinafter: ZOLL) jointly announced that Asahi Kasei, Japan’s leading diversified chemical manufacturer with businesses in the health care, chemicals & fibers, homes & construction materials, and electronics sectors, has entered into a definitive merger agreement with ZOLL, a manufacturer of resuscitation and critical care devices and related software solutions, pursuant to which Asahi Kasei will acquire ZOLL for approximately $2.21 billion. The transaction has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies.

Asahi Kasei, through a U.S. subsidiary, will make a cash tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of ZOLL common stock for $93 per share. The purchase price represents a premium of 29.6% over ZOLL’s volume weighted average closing stock price over the 30 trading day period ended March 9, 2012, and a 23.8% premium over the closing price on March 9, 2012. The tender offer is expected to commence within 10 business days and will remain open for a minimum of 20 business days. Closing of the tender offer is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory clearances and the minimum tender of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of ZOLL (on a fully diluted basis). The transaction is not subject to a financing condition. The ZOLL Board of Directors has recommended that ZOLL stockholders accept the offer and tender their shares into the offer when it is made. The transaction is expected to close in the second calendar quarter of 2012... Asahi Kasei's Press Release - ZOLL Medical's Press Release -

Boston Scientific to Acquire Cameron Health

March 8, 2012 - Company gains first and only commercially available subcutaneous ICD technology to offer lifesaving therapy to patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest - Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) announces the exercise of its option to acquire Cameron Health, Inc., a privately held company based in San Clemente, California. Cameron Health has developed the world's first and only commercially available subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator – the S-ICD® System. Unlike conventional implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), which require thin, insulated wires (leads) to pass through the venous system and into the heart, the entire S-ICD System sits just below the skin and leaves the heart and blood vessels untouched. This one-of-a-kind technology has the potential to expand the reach of ICD therapy, offering physicians and appropriate patients a new alternative to traditional ICDs, while strengthening Boston Scientific's arrhythmia management portfolio.

The S-ICD System has received CE Mark and has been commercially available in select geographies, including several major European countries, since 2009. The system has been clinically evaluated in a variety of studies and has been implanted in more than 1,000 patients worldwide. Cameron Health received expedited review status and submitted its PMA application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2011. Boston Scientific anticipates FDA approval for the S-ICD System in the first half of 2013... Boston Scientific's press Release -

LIFEBRIDGE Medizintechnik : New ACCF/AHA/SCAI Guidelines with increased recommendations for the use of extracorporeal hemodynamic support in patients with cardiac or cardio-pulmonary failure.

January 17, 2012 - LIFEBRIDGE Medizintechnik AG announces increased recommendations for hemodynamic support by guidelines for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Issued by the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Society for Coronary Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), guidelines provide expanded recommendations for hemodynamic support in patients with cardiogenic shock, during high-risk PCIs and to stabilize emergent patients in hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery. The portable LIFEBRIDGEâ system, with its clinically proven capability to completely substitute cardiac function and oxygenate emergency patients, is the ideal cardiopulmonary support system for PCI centers to fulfill the updated guideline recommendations... LIFEBRIDGE Medizintechnik's Press Release -