Company to Develop New, Cost-effective Clinical Method for Early and Accurate
Detection of Smallest Acoustic Tumors
MUNDELEIN, Ill., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Bio-logic Systems Corp.
(Nasdaq: BLSC) today reported that the National Institute of Health (NIH)
awarded the company a $100,000 grant to implement a six-month study measuring
the feasibility of a valuable new clinical evaluation method for the detection
of acoustic tumors. Accurate and early detection of very small acoustic
tumors, less than one centimeter, is difficult with standard Auditory
Brainstem Response (ABR) technology. As a result, expensive, enhanced MRI is
now being used as the initial screening device for patients suspected of
having this type of tumor. Bio-logic, in collaboration with research partner,
House Ear Institute (HEI), Los Angeles, is developing a product that will be
able to detect tumors as small as three to four millimeters at one-fifth the
cost of an MRI procedure.
Testing performed with this advanced ABR system should help reduce the
number of non-tumor patients being sent for MRIs. Using this faster, reliable
and more cost-effective alternative as an initial screening device would
therefore add significant value. MRI will still be the standard diagnostic
method for those patients whose ABR results are positive.
"Bio-logic is developing a Windows-based, compact version of our standard
ABR system, which currently screens for both hearing disorders and acoustic
tumors larger than one centimeter. As the exclusive licensee of HEI's new
methodology for identifying much smaller tumors, we will develop the
technology into a valuable modular option for our more efficient ABR system,"
said Gabriel Raviv, chairman and chief executive officer. "While standard ABR
technology lost some ground to MRIs recently due to limited capabilities in
small-tumor detection, our more advanced version of ABR:
-- will have broader testing capacity,
-- will be easier to operate than an MRI system and,
-- at a substantially reduced cost per test, payors reimbursement
liability will be much less and administrators incentive to use it,
much greater."
Manny Don, director of Electrophysiology at HEI, added, "This NIH grant
award will enable us to put new methods of tumor detection research into
practical clinical use."
Bio-logic expects to have the hand-held version of its standard ABR system
available by May 2000. If the six-month feasibility study for detecting very
small acoustic tumors is substantiated, Bio-logic can then apply for a Phase
II grant from NIH of $750,000 -- $1 million for development of the advanced
technology, and, once completed, will commercially market it worldwide as a
modular feature of its ABR system.
Bio-logic Systems Corp., headquartered in Mundelein, Ill., designs,
develops, assembles and markets computer-based electrodiagnostic systems for
use by hospitals, clinics, universities and physicians. The systems conduct
tests that are typically used by medical practitioners to aid in the diagnosis
of certain neurological disorders, brain disorders and tumors, and sensory
disorders, including audiological and hearing screening and diagnosis.
The House Ear Institute (HEI), located in Los Angeles, is a world-renowned
nonprofit scientific research and education center. Through research and
education the Institute aims to improve the quality of life of those with ear
disease, hearing, balance and related disorders. Scientists are exploring the
causes of auditory disorders on the cellular and molecular level as well as
refining the application of auditory implants and hearing aids.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for descriptions of historical facts, this release contains
forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks, which may
cause the company's actual results in the future to differ materially from
those currently anticipated. These risks include, among others, fluctuations
in sales and operating results; the company's ability to recruit and train the
necessary number of sales representatives and installation technicians; risks
associated with international operations including monetary crisis;
regulatory, competitive, and contractual risks; the ability to successfully
develop new technologies; the effects of economic conditions; any delays or
additional costs associated with the marketing of the AuDX(R) product; and the
availability of capital to finance planned growth, as well as other risks
detailed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
To receive Bio-logic's latest news release and other corporate documents,
free of charge via fax, simply dial 1-800-PRO-INFO. Use company ticker BLSC.
http://www.bio-logic.com
SOURCE Bio-logic Systems Corp.
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Related links:
http://www.bio-logic.com
CONTACT:
Gabriel Raviv, CEO, 847-949-5200, or Roderick
G. Johnson, President & COO, 312-949-5200, both of Bio-logic
Systems; or General, Leslie Hunziker, 312-640-6760, Media, Darcy
Bretz, 312-266-7800, or Investors, Leslie Loyet, 312-640-6672,
all of The Financial Relations Board for Bio-logic Systems Corp.
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