ImThera Medical Wins Gold Electrode Award

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

ImThera Medical, Inc. today announced that it has been named winner of the Gold Electrode Award in the Best New Product category for its aura6000 THN Sleep Therapy System, a system for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Gold Electrode Award is presented at the annual Neurotech Leaders Forum to recognize products which experts believe to have the greatest potential to impact on the neuroscience industry.

The aura6000 was selected by editors from Neurotech Reports for its proprietary targeted hypoglossal neurostimulation (THN) sleep therapy. The system represents a novel treatment alternative to conventional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for patients suffering from OSA. Unlike CPAP which requires patients to use cumbersome masks and tubes while they sleep, the aura6000 is surgically implanted completely under the skin, so patients can sleep untethered.

“We are pleased to recognize ImThera's aura6000 as the Best New Product for its innovative therapy for obstructive sleep apnea,” said James Cavuoto, editor of Neurotech Reports. “Though there are several new neurostimulation devices competing in the market for treating OSA, we selected ImThera's aura6000 because of its ability to deliver targeted hypoglossal nerve stimulation to achieve optimal muscle stimulation.”

“We are honored to be recognized by these thought leaders of the neuroscience business community,” said Marcelo G. Lima, president and CEO of ImThera. “This award along with published data for the aura6000 system, provide further evidence that targeted hypoglossal neurostimulation has the potential to be a very attractive therapy for the millions of patients who suffer from OSA and have failed CPAP.”

About OSA:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive episodes of respiratory arrest despite continuing breathing efforts. More than 800,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with OSA annually. As many as 38 million Americans may suffer from OSA and approximately 20 percent of this population is receiving treatment today.

OSA is readily treated with continuous positive airway pressure therapy. CPAP is an effective but cumbersome treatment for OSA. While CPAP remains the established therapy, studies show that between 20-80% percent of patients cannot or will not comply with CPAP.

About the aura6000™ THN Sleep Therapy System:

The aura6000™ system is based on ImThera's proprietary Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation (THN Sleep Therapy™). Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation (THN) Sleep Therapy delivers neurostimulation to the hypoglossal nerve and thereby increases the muscle tone of key tongue muscles, preventing the tongue from collapsing into the upper airway during sleep. This innovative technology is designed to address nighttime upper airway blockage, permitting normal and restful sleep for OSA patients.

The system consists of two implantable components, a rechargeable pulse generator placed under the skin near the collarbone, and a multi-electrode lead placed in the upper neck. The electrodes deliver mild electrical pulses to the hypoglossal nerve, stimulating various muscles and thereby improving muscle tone of the upper airway.

CAUTION: The aura6000™ is not for sale in the U.S.A.

About ImThera Medical, Inc.:

Based in San Diego, ImThera Medical is a privately-held company that has developed a neurostimulation device for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). For more information, visit www.ImTheraMedical.com.