The leading companies in the cardiac defibrillator segment of the $13 billion global cardiac rhythm management device market dominate their competition, according to Kalorama Information.  Kalorama found that Medtronic, St. Jude Medical, Boston Scientific and Asahi Kasei (with ZOLL Medical) command 80% of this market segment. The healthcare market research publisher's report, Cardiac Rhythm Management Device Markets, uses 2015 as a base year, providing forecasts for each year through 2020.  The market is evaluated via a combination of disease prevalence trends, population trends, device innovations, federal and industry standards and regulations. 

Kalorama Information
Cardiac Rhythm Management Device Markets can be found at Kalorama Information: http://www.kaloramainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=87484&productid=8911435.

"The cardiac defibrillator market is highly competitive and varies in participation by device segment," said Bruce Carlson, publisher of Kalorama. "The implantable segment, for instance, is dominated by a handful of companies and these providers maintain their hold on market penetration."

Cardiac defibrillators are electrical devices that deliver therapeutic levels of energy to the heart muscle for the treatment of ventricular defibrillation, cardiac dysrhythmias and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Devices can be implanted in the body, external, or transvenous. The goal of the technology is to reestablish the normal rhythm of the heartbeat.

The implantable defibrillator device segment has gained wide acceptance over the past decade. Within this segment are advanced versions of the technology, including cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-D). The external defibrillator device market consists of professional/manual defibrillators and automatic external defibrillators, commonly referred to as AEDs. The implantable transvenous cardioverter-defibrillator segment consists of devices implantable inside the body, able to perform both cardioversion, defibrillation and pacing of the heart.

In many markets, the top companies maintain their market edge through patented innovation. The cardiac defibrillator segment is no exception. Medtronic is listed in over 7,186 patents that describe medical devices, tissue-related systems, instrumentation, user interfaces, sensors, therapy systems, implantable devices, delivery devices, and monitoring technologies. There are 898 patents in the U.S. database under the St. Jude Medical name – for cardiovascular devices, implantables, sutures, fixation systems, ablation technology, an implantable system for measuring mechanical dyssynchronicity of the heart and catheters. Boston Scientific holds over 3,894 patents; recent technologies described in these patents include medical devices in neurostimulation, cardiology and other surgery. Asahi Kasei (with ZOLL Medical) has 105 patents in the U.S. patent database; recent patented technologies include systems for energy delivery, medical monitoring and a defibrillator with a light sensor. These market leaders use their patents to assert a level of control over their intellectual property and in so doing also help to maintain their market share.

Cardiac Rhythm Management Device Markets breaks down the cardiac rhythm device market into its segments, with market sizing and forecasts to 2020:
Sales of Cardiac Defibrillator by Type (External, Implantable)
Sales of External Defibrillators by Product Type, (AEDs, Professional/Manual Defibrillators)
Sales of Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators by Product Type, 2015 (Standard ICD, CRT-D)
Sales of Cardiac Pacemaker by External and Implantable Types
Sales of Implantable Cardiac Pacemakers by Product Type (Standard ICP, CRT-P)

As cardiovascular disease is an international problem and the focus of major world healthcare systems, the report also provides overall rhythm management device market size and forecasts (2010-2020) for each of the following countries: United States, Germany, UK, Italy, France, Spain, Brazil, China, Japan and Australia.

Primary sources for the report include telephone interviews and email correspondence with more than 100 key industry officials, consultants, health care providers, and government personnel on the topic of cardiac rhythm management.  These sources were the primary basis in gathering information specifically relating to revenue and market share data presented in this report. 

Cardiac Rhythm Management Device Markets can be found at Kalorama Information: http://www.kaloramainformation.com/redirect.asp?progid=87484&productid=8911435.

About Kalorama Information
Kalorama Information, a division of MarketResearch.com, supplies the latest in independent medical market research in diagnostics, biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare; as well as a full range of custom research services. Reports can be purchased through Kalorama's website and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com.

We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and our blog at www.kaloramainformation.com.  

Contact:
Bruce Carlson
(212) 807-2622
bcarlson@kaloramainformation.com
www.KaloramaInformation.com

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140801/132634

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kalorama-top-companies-dominate-cardiac-defibrillator-market-300087910.html

SOURCE Kalorama Information

Alere Inc. (NYSE: ALR), a global leader in rapid diagnostic tests, announced today that the Company will participate in two upcoming investor conferences in June:

Jefferies 2015 Healthcare Conference in New York, NY

Monday, June 1st at 4:00 pm Eastern Time (ET)

Goldman Sachs 36th Annual Global Healthcare Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Tuesday, June 9th at 11:20 am Pacific Time (PT)

Each presentation will be webcast and may be accessed through a link on the Investors section of Alere’s website at: http://www.alere.com/ww/en/investor-relations/investor-presentations.html.  The webcasts will be archived there for at least 30 days.

About Alere
Because Knowing now matters™, Alere delivers reliable and actionable information through rapid diagnostic tests, resulting in better clinical and economic healthcare outcomes globally. Headquartered in Waltham, Mass., Alere focuses on rapid diagnostics for infectious disease, cardiometabolic disease and toxicology.  For more information on Alere, please visit www.alere.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alere-to-participate-in-upcoming-investor-conferences-300087201.html

SOURCE Alere Inc

SQI Diagnostics Inc. ("SQI" or the "Company") (TSX-V: SQD; OTCQX: SQIDF),a life sciences company that develops and commercializes proprietary technologies and products for advanced microarray diagnostics, today reported its financial and operational results for the second fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2015.

"During the quarter the Company continued to advance business with our existing customers and to develop new opportunities," said Andrew Morris, President and CEO of SQI. "The delivery of a fully automated sqidlite™ system to one of our global Pharma customer's US-based facilities is a significant accomplishment for SQI and successful, final evaluation is expected to result in on-going revenue opportunities."

Highlights for the Quarter
During the quarter SQI executed an evaluation agreement with a significant customer and subsequent to the quarter end installed a fully automated sqidlite™ system at one of the customer's US-based facilities. Under the terms of the agreement, the customer will use the equipment primarily in order to validate the performance of a 21-plex test developed for this customer to run on SQI's sqidlite™ system.

Bristol-Myers Squibb ("BMS") highlighted SQI's immunogenicity testing technology in a presentation and a case study at the 9th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis in Miami, Florida ("9th WRIB"), from April 13th to 17th 2015. The presentation given by Renuka Pillutla, PhD, Director, Bioanalytical Sciences – Biologics for Bristol-Myers Squibb was titled "Application of SQI Multiplex Platform in Immunogenicity Testing – Epitope Mapping and Isotyping."
Merck & Co. delivered a talk at the Immunogenicity and Immunotoxicity conference in January titled "Immunogenicity Assays: Challenges of Anti-Drug Antibody (ADA) Detection in the presence of High Concentration of Circulating Drug (Drug Tolerance)" which highlighted the superior drug tolerance capabilities of SQI's technology, solving the industry's need for better drug tolerance for their existing anti-drug-antibody (ADA) tests.

We entered into an additional agreement with a global pharmaceutical customer to complete testing of its pre-clinical (monkey) samples as a service in our lab. The first lot of samples was successfully processed during the quarter and additional samples to complete the project are being delivered and are expected to be completed in the third quarter. The first set of monkey sample testing generated greater than 96% agreement to the customer's prior testing method.

During the quarter we completed development work on an anti-drug-antibody ("ADA") multiplex test for a global pharmaceutical customer. The results of this work illustrated that the SQI developed tests had higher sensitivity and better drug tolerance than the tests the customer historically used. SQI has commenced discussions to place instruments and to supply kits to this customer allowing them to complete an evaluation of a completed ADA product developed for them and to initiate several additional projects. We believe that we will sell this customer one or more SQI platforms, as well as test kits for human studies during fiscal 2015.

During the quarter we continued to work with a biotechnology customer's contract research organization ("CRO"), Algorithme Pharma, and subsequent to the quarter end, SQI commenced the development of plans to transfer the tests to Algorithme Pharma allowing the tests to be validated and run at its lab.

During the quarter a contract was signed with a customer in the animal health market to convert three existing veterinary ELISA tests to a single SQI multiplexed test. Significant progress was made with the completion of the product prototype. Additionally, customer samples were run using the SQI prototype tests that resulted in greater than 93% agreement to the expected result. This project is important as it demonstrates SQI's ability to convert multiple, single plex tests in the animal health market to SQI's multiplexing technology. The Company estimates that the products under development and being considered for future products to convert to SQI multiplex tests, represent several millions of tests by this customer on an annual basis.

We executed a fourth development agreement with our infectious disease DNA customer. Each new agreement expands our partnership with this custom diagnostic customer in the infectious disease, DNA market. The first test being developed for this customer is a 31 plex test used to detect infections in human blood. Management expects that a second test targeted at detecting infections in dairy cattle will be developed next.

On January 30, 2015 and on February 20, 2015 the Company completed two tranches of a debenture financing resulting in gross proceeds of $3,236,000.

Financial Results Overview
During the second quarter of fiscal 2015 the Company continued to record revenue from product and services sales in our DDTS business. Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $70,000 compared to $18,000 for the same period last year. Revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2015 was $85,000 compared to $20,000 for the same period last year.  The growth in revenue for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 reflects the continued progress of the Company with its global Pharma customers. This includes the execution of an agreement in the current quarter for the evaluation of a sqidlite™ platform by our fist global Pharma customer who will validate the system and the performance of a 21-plex test developed for this customer. Successful, final evaluation is expected to result in the purchase of the sqidlite™ system and the on-going sales of initial products for use in the customer's clinical programs.

For the quarter-ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded a net loss of $1,613,000 ($0.03 net loss per share) compared to a net loss of $964,000 ($0.02 net loss per share) for the quarter-ended March 31, 2014. The loss for the six months ended March 31, 2015 was $2,978,000 compared to $2,465,000 for the same period last year. The net loss for the three and six month period increased due to expenditures on sales and strategic initiatives. The net loss for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 was minimized to some degree by a $300,000 SR&ED investment tax credit. The SR&ED investment tax credit benefit was not available to the same degree in 2015 as our activities focus more on commercialization.

R&D expenditures, excluding SR&ED investment tax credits, amortization and stock based compensation, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $788,000 compared to $638,000 for the same period last year. R&D expenditures, excluding SR&ED investment tax credits, amortization and stock based compensation, for the six months ended March 31, 2015 were $1,472,000 compared to $1,478,000 for the same period last year. R&D expenditures were consistent for the six month periods ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014.  R&D expenditures increased by $150,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2015. Costs for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 included work on 4 DDTS customer projects and the advancement of two IVD assays in the pipeline.  Cost for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 included costs related to the validation of the Celiac DGP assay, which was approved by both Health Canada and the FDA in calendar 2014, and work on 3 DDTS customer projects.   

General and administrative expenses, excluding stock based compensation, were $476,000 for the quarter-ended March 31, 2015 compared to $371,000 for the quarter-ended March 31, 2014.  General and administrative expenses were $854,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $680,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2014. The increase in general and administrative expenses was due to strategic advisory and investor relations activities as well as to OTCQX fees and the hiring of one executive level position in 2015.

Sales and marketing expenses were primarily related to sales and marketing consultant fees and travel related to selling activities in the quarter. Sales and marketing expenses, excluding stock based compensation, totaled $198,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $71,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Sales and marketing expenses, excluding stock based compensation, totaled $358,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $221,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2014. Sales and marketing expenses were higher for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in the previous year, primarily due to the addition of two individuals in the sales and marketing area during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2015 and the effects of the US dollar exchange rate. 

At March 31, 2015, current assets were $2,427,000 compared to $2,058,000 at September 30, 2014. As at March 31, 2015 the Company has a $1,882,000 working capital surplus compared to a surplus of $1,625,000 at September 30, 2014.

About SQI Diagnostics
SQI Diagnostics is a life sciences and diagnostics company that develops and commercializes proprietary technologies and products for advanced microarray diagnostics. The Company's proprietary microarray tests and fully-automated systems are designed to simplify protein and antibody testing workflow, increase throughput, reduce costs and provide excellent data quality. For more information, please visit www.sqidiagnostics.com.

Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains certain statements including, without limitation, the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "believe", "in the process", "benefits", "leading to", "position" "possible", "is subject to" and other similar expressions which may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: our ability to market and sell our products including our novel multiplexing technologies and detection platforms; our ability to maintain any technical or product advantages; the success of our Diagnostic Tools and Services business and our intent to build near-term revenue streams from this business; the successful regulatory filing and receipt of regulatory approvals for our later stage quantitative diagnostic kits; adverse changes in general economic conditions; international risk and currency exchange fluctuations; competitor activity; technology changes; regulatory approvals and the impact of healthcare reform legislation; and, SQI's ability to raise additional funds in the future.

Such statements, risks and uncertainties are detailed in the Company's ongoing filings with the securities regulatory authorities, and are available to the public at www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE SQI Diagnostics Inc.

CryoLife, Inc. (NYSE: CRY), a leading medical device and tissue processing company focused on cardiac and vascular surgery, announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend for the second quarter 2015 of $0.03 per share of common stock outstanding.  The quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share will be paid on June 19, 2015 to all common stockholders of record as of June 12, 2015.  The ex-dividend date for the quarterly dividend is June 10, 2015. 

About CryoLife

Headquartered in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, CryoLife is a leader in the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of implantable living tissues and medical devices used in cardiac and vascular surgical procedures.  CryoLife markets and sells products in more than 75 countries worldwide.  For additional information about CryoLife, visit our website, www.cryolife.com.

Statements made in this press release that look forward in time or that express management's beliefs, expectations, or hopes are forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  As such, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause future events to deviate from current expectations, including without limitation that the declaration of future dividends and the establishment of the per share amount, record dates, and payment dates for future dividends are subject to final determination by the Company's Board of Directors, and will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial and lender requirements, the Board's evaluation of competing uses for available cash, and other factors.

SOURCE CryoLife, Inc.

Today, the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) cancelled a contract with Big Apple Dialysis Management, LLC, a NYC-area for-profit dialysis chain seeking to acquire chronic dialysis facilities currently located inside four NYC public hospitals. 

Currently, all four of the HHC clinics – at Harlem, Kings County, Lincoln and Metropolitan hospitals –are rated good to outstanding in terms of mortality outcomes. During public hearings regarding the issue, experts worried about the future of those ratings under Big Apple management.

"We all pulled together in this important matter: patients, community advocates, public health experts, elected leaders, doctors and other public sector unions," said Anne Bové, RN and President of NYNSA's HHC/Mayorals Executive Council. "This effort demonstrates that when we marshal the evidence and our forces come together we can win. This is a real victory for patients, and for the public hospital system."

NYSNA extended its thanks and gratitude to many, including the patients who spoke out in testimony and at rallies, as well as numerous politicians who remained committed over many months.

"I have fought the privatization of dialysis services from day one, because it puts profits before people and harms public employees," said NYC Public Advocate Letitia James. "I am grateful that the de Blasio Administration is doing the right thing and recognizing the flaws in this contract. We must strengthen our healthcare services and support our patients and healthcare providers."

"After relentless advocacy over the past year, patients and science won the day," said City Council Member and Health Committee Chair Corey Johnson. "I'm extremely gratified that the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation is terminating its agreement with Big Apple Dialysis, a for-profit company that was contracted to replace dialysis services currently provided by HHC. This was the right decision. HHC is the greatest public hospital system in the world, and outsourcing its dialysis services would not have been in the best interest of patients. I'm grateful ?for New York State Nurses Association's tireless efforts and for HHC President Dr. Ram Raju's leadership."

"I applaud the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) for finally ensuring that essential dialysis services at our public hospitals—including Harlem Hospital in my Senate District—will continue to be offered by nurses dedicated to public service and not heedlessly privatized into the hands of for-profit institutions," said State Senator Bill Perkins. "Patients must always come before profits in our health care system and this wise decision will ensure that our loved ones continue to receive the highest quality of care." 

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dialysis-patients-win-quality-care-fight-at-nyc-public-hospitals-300087689.html

SOURCE New York State Nurses Association

Sarcos Corp., a global leader in the development of robotics, sensors and medical devices, announced today the appointment of Preston Woo as the company's Chief Financial Officer and head of Corporate Development effective immediately.  Woo has a depth of experience in corporate development, business development and finance roles, including positions at UBS Investment Bank, Vulcan Capital, Intellectual Ventures and Pendrell Corporation.  Mr. Woo will be located in Sarcos' Seattle area office.

"Preston's experience in financial and transactional matters resulting from years of working with some of the leading tech entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest makes him a perfect fit for Sarcos as we re-launch the company following our acquisition of the business earlier this year," commented Dr. Fraser Smith, President and CEO of Sarcos. 

"I am excited to join a company that has such a rich legacy of innovation and successful commercialization of products that improve and save lives," said Woo.  "After a relatively quiet period for the past seven years under its prior ownership, Sarcos today represents a rare opportunity to combine one of the world's most proven teams of robotics engineers with a new entrepreneurial focus and relentless pursuit of innovative solutions."

Mr. Woo was previously head of corporate development at Pendrell Corporation, a publicly traded firm focused on acquiring and developing businesses with unique, proprietary technologies.  Prior to his role at Pendrell, Mr. Woo led business development at Intellectual Ventures, a technology development and intellectual property firm.  He has also served as a key member of the private equity group at Vulcan Capital, the investment firm owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen.  Mr. Woo started his career in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group at UBS Investment Bank. He holds both a BS, cum laude, and an MBA, with honors, from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

ABOUT SARCOS
Sarcos Corp. is a global leader in the commercialization of robotics, micro-systems, and sensor technologies for use in the healthcare, life sciences, telecommunications, robotics, defense, and entertainment industries.  Leveraging more than 25 years of research and development, Sarcos is developing revolutionary products to improve health, safety, and quality of life.  The Sarcos team has developed products that can be found in a wide variety of applications, ranging from the robotic pirates and dinosaurs at theme parks worldwide to drug delivery and interventional medical systems in use in global health care settings. Time Magazine named Sarcos' Iron Man-like exoskeleton robotic suit one of The 50 Best Inventions of 2010. Sarcos is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah with additional offices in the greater Seattle area.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sarcos-corp-announces-preston-woo-as-cfo-and-head-of-corporate-development-300086985.html

SOURCE Sarcos Corp

Thousands of veterans will receive free dental care on Saturday, June 27, when practice owners and teams at over 300 Aspen Dental branded practices in 31 states volunteer their time and talents for what is expected to be the largest single day oral health initiative for veterans. It's part of the Healthy Mouth Movement, a community-giving initiative launched by Aspen Dental branded practices in 2014 to deliver free dental care and oral health education to people in need.

"There is a serious and urgent need to improve access to oral health care across the United States and this holds true for our nation's veterans," says Dr. Schatzie Vincent, director of clinical support and community giving at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. "Aspen Dental practices are seeking to bring attention to this issue and make a positive impact by opening their doors to give back to thousands of veterans in need across the country."

Like millions of other Americans, veterans can struggle to find oral health care when they need it. Typically, a veteran must have a service-connected dental condition or disability, be a former prisoner of war or have service-connected disabilities that have been classified as completely disabling to be eligible for dental benefits through the Departments of Veterans Affairs.1 Legislation was just recently approved to provide vets and their families the option to purchase dental insurance through major carriers at a discounted rate.

Interested veterans should call 1-844-AspenHMM to find a participating Aspen Dental branded practice in their community and schedule an appointment in advance. During appointments on June 27, dentists and volunteers will focus on treating the most urgent need of each veteran by providing free services – including fillings, extractions and basic denture repair – to help free them of dental pain.

"I am excited to continue my work with Aspen Dental to increase awareness about the importance of oral health through the Healthy Mouth Movement," said Danica Patrick, NASCAR driver and Aspen Dental spokesperson. "This year is special because we are focusing our efforts on honoring and serving veterans, who have given so much to our country."

The 2015 Healthy Mouth Movement is being conducted in proud partnership with Got Your 6, a highly influential campaign that empowers veterans to strengthen our communities nationwide. Got Your 6 – meaning "I got your back" – focuses on areas of veteran reintegration, including leadership, health and education.

"We are pleased to partner with Aspen Dental this year to empower veterans by helping address their oral health issues," says Chris Marvin, Managing Director of Got Your 6. "Like Got Your 6, Aspen Dental believes that our veterans have the unique potential to strengthen and reinvigorate their communities. It is powerful initiatives like the Healthy Mouth Movement that ensure our veterans are valued as the civic assets that they are."

In addition to the efforts of local volunteers on June 27, the Healthy Mouth Movement is reaching veterans through the MouthMobile, a 42-foot mobile dentist office on wheels that drives directly into the communities where Americans need oral health care the most. This year, the MouthMobile is stopping at 28 locations in 21 states from March through November. The MouthMobile already served nearly 200 veterans, with the help of over 90 volunteers donating nearly $77,000 in free dental care services in the first eight stops of 2015.

Shining a Light on the Oral Health Crisis in America

Aspen Dental branded practices launched the Healthy Mouth Movement to bring attention to the often overlooked dental health care landscape. Research shows that for many Americans, dental care has become discretionary, a "nice to do" rather than a "must have." In fact, an estimated 150 million American adults avoided a dental visit altogether last year.

A recent survey of more than 1,000 adults conducted by ORC International and commissioned by Aspen Dental Management, Inc. found that:

39 percent of Americans – up three percent from 2013 – say they have limited or will limit dental care due to their financial situation, despite 80 percent knowing that that delaying routine dental visits will cost more money over time.

Only a third of Americans believe that routine dental visits for exams and cleanings are critical to their well-being (32 percent), while half say they are nice to have but can be delayed (53 percent).

Nearly one in five Americans would fix problems with their car ahead of addressing pain in their mouth (17 percent).

As one of the largest networks of independent dental care providers in the United States, Aspen Dental branded practices are stepping in to help raise dental health awareness and to help bring Americans quality, affordable oral health care. For more information, visit www.HealthyMouthMovement.com.

About Aspen Dental Practices
Dentists and staff at Aspen Dental branded practices believe everyone has the right to quality, affordable oral health care. As one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of independent dental care providers in the U.S., local Aspen Dental branded practices – nearly 500 of them across 31 states – offer patients a safe, welcoming and judgment-free environment to address their dental challenges. Every Aspen Dental branded practice offers a full range of dental and denture services – including comprehensive exams, cleanings, extractions, fillings, periodontal treatment, whitening, oral surgery, crown and bridge work – allowing patients to have the peace of mind that they are taken care of and protected, so they can focus on getting the healthy mouth they deserve. In 2014, Aspen Dental branded practices recorded more than 3.4 million patient visits and welcomed nearly 750,000 new patients.

About Aspen Dental Management Inc.
Aspen Dental Management Inc. (ADMI) is a dental support organization that provides non-clinical business support services to independently owned and operated dental practices in 31 states. This can include services and recommendations related to finding the right location, leasing, IT services, accounting and marketing. This model leaves independent, licensed practitioners free to concentrate on patient care.

To learn more about Aspen Dental branded practices and services, get answers to general treatment questions, find a location, and schedule appointments, visit www.aspendental.com.  To learn more about careers at ADMI and Aspen Dental practices, visit http://aspendentaljobs.com.

About Got Your 6
Got Your 6 is a campaign that unites veteran-focused nonprofit, Hollywood, and government partners. Got Your 6 believes that veterans are leaders, team builders, and problem solvers who have the unique potential to strengthen communities across the country. As a coalition, Got Your 6 works to integrate these perspectives into popular culture, engage veterans and civilians together to foster understanding, and empower veterans to lead in their communities. Since 2013, Got Your 6 has distributed grants totaling more than $4 million to a dozen veteran-focused non-profit partners. For more information visit www.gotyour6.org.  Be the Change, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is the organizing body and fiscal sponsor of Got Your 6.

1 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (2014, February). Dental Benefits for Veterans. Retrieved from http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/publications/IB10-442_dental_benefits_for_veterans_2_14.pdf.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/record-breaking-number-of-veterans-to-receive-free-dental-care-on-june-27-300087156.html

SOURCE Aspen Dental

Townsend Design announced the North America release of the Active Reliever, a soft shell single-upright osteoarthritis (OA) knee brace. This off-the-shelf or custom fitted brace is designed to relieve pain by reducing load on the side of the knee that has been injured or progressively degenerated. Sales of the product in other countries will begin in July.

The Active Reliever features a sewn-in integrated semi rigid frame and quick release buckles which make application and removal of the brace easy for patients. The Active Reliever also incorporates a counterforce tensioning strap and a low profile Townsend Motion Hinge that tracks with the anatomical roll-and-glide movement of the knee.

Townsend released its first Reliever Series OA brace in 1995, and the company has been a leading manufacturer of custom, customized and OTS OA knee braces for 20 years. A recently published study on its flagship Rebel Reliever double upright rigid OA knee brace proved an average 36% reduction of decompressive forces and substantial improvement in activity and quality of life. By employing similar technology and concepts in a soft shell configuration, Townsend anticipates the Active Reliever will increase compliance among a broader patient demographic that may be reluctant to wear a rigid brace. 

"Decompressive bracing continues to gain momentum as a conservative treatment option for men and women who are compromised by knee injuries and degenerative conditions," says Rick Riley, CEO of Townsend Design.  "Through the release of the Active Reliever and other products in our development pipeline, we're increasing our focus on wearable designs that apply alignment-enhancing and off-loading corrective forces to the leg to reduce pain and increase patient mobility."

Townsend's ligament, OA and specialty bracing solutions are made in the USA. Founded in 1984, Townsend Design is recognized as a leading innovator and fabricator of technically-superior orthopedic products prescribed for injuries, post-surgical treatment and mobility limiters. In 2011, Townsend increased its world-wide distribution by becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thuasne, a family owned medical textile company. Established in 1847, Thuasne owns manufacturing and distribution entities throughout Europe.

For further information please visit www.townsenddesign.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/townsend-announces-launch-of-new-osteoarthritis-knee-brace-300087179.html

SOURCE Townsend Design

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) announced today the per share offer consideration amounts pursuant to its previously announced offer to acquire each outstanding share of common stock of Pharmacyclics, Inc. ("Pharmacyclics") for a mix of cash and AbbVie common stock, as described in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by AbbVie on March 23, 2015, as amended.  Based on the assumption that the exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 22, 2015, the mixed consideration will consist of $152.25 in cash and 1.6639 shares of AbbVie common stock and, subject to proration, the all-stock consideration will consist of 3.9879 shares of AbbVie common stock. 

This calculation is based on the volume weighted average sale price per share of AbbVie common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the ten consecutive trading days ending on and including May 20, 2015, calculated in accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of March 4, 2015, among AbbVie, Oxford Amherst Corporation, Oxford Amherst LLC and Pharmacyclics (as amended). 

Consummation of the exchange offer remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, which is currently scheduled to expire tonight at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, the absence of legal restraints preventing the merger and the valid tender of at least a majority of the Pharmacyclics shares outstanding as of the expiration of the offer.  If the exchange offer is extended, AbbVie will recalculate the offer consideration based on the extended expiration date of the offer and will announce the new exchange rate by issuing a press release.   

About AbbVie
AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott Laboratories. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and serious diseases. AbbVie employs more than 26,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 170 countries. For further information on the company and its people, portfolio and commitments, please visit www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include the expected structure and timetable for the transaction between AbbVie and Pharmacyclics. The statements in this release are based upon current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: failure to satisfy the conditions to consummate the offer and the merger; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the failure of the offer or the merger to close for any other reason; the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the offer and the merger; general economic and business conditions, global economic growth and activity; industry conditions; changes in laws or regulation; and other factors beyond the companies' control as well as the risk factors and other cautionary statements described in AbbVie's and Pharmacyclics' filings with the SEC. Please refer to the Risk Factors section of AbbVie's Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed on March 23, 2015 for a further list and description of additional business risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may affect these statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to AbbVie or Pharmacyclics or any person acting on their behalf are qualified by the cautionary statements in this section.

Important Additional Information
This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell, shares of common stock of Pharmacyclics, nor is it a substitute for the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and tender offer materials that AbbVie filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 23, 2015, each as amended.

Investors and security holders of Pharmacyclics are urged to read the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, filed on March 23, 2015 (as amended, the "Schedule TO"), the Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed on March 23, 2015 (as amended, the "Registration Statement"), and the solicitation/recommendation statement filed by Pharmacyclics on Schedule 14D-9, filed on March 23, 2015 (as amended, the "Schedule 14D-9"). The tender offer materials (including an offer to purchase, letter of transmittal and related tender offer documents), the Registration Statement and the Schedule 14D-9 contain important information which should be read carefully before any decisions are made with respect to the Offer.

In addition to the Schedule TO, the Schedule 14D-9 and the Registration Statement described above, AbbVie and Pharmacyclics file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The Schedule TO, the Schedule 14D-9, the Registration Statement and any other relevant materials, and any other documents filed with the SEC by AbbVie or Pharmacyclics, are available without charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, or from the companies' websites, at www.abbvieinvestor.com and http://www.pharmacyclics.com, respectively.

Free copies of the exchange offer materials (including the Registration Statement and the Schedule TO) are also available on AbbVie's website at www.abbvieinvestor.com and copies of the Schedule 14D-9 are available on Pharmacyclics' website http://www.pharmacyclics.com. Copies of the exchange offer materials (including the Registration Statement and the Schedule TO) may also be obtained free of charge from Georgeson Inc., the information agent for the exchange offer, by calling, toll-free, (888) 680-1528 or emailing PCYC@georgeson.com. 

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbvie-announces-offer-consideration-for-acquisition-of-pharmacyclics-300087048.html

SOURCE AbbVie