Merit Medical Systems, Inc. and Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. Sign Distribution Deal for Steerable Microcatheter

Merit Medical Systems, Inc. MMSI, a leading manufacturer and marketer of proprietary disposable medical devices used in interventional and diagnostic procedures, particularly in cardiology, radiology and endoscopy, announced today that it has signed an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement (excluding Japan) with Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. to distribute a steerable microcatheter under the proposed trademark of SwiftNINJA(TM). The device, which currently bears the CE mark, is utilized during intravascular procedures to deliver various therapeutic and diagnostic agents, such as embolic materials, coils and contrast media in the peripheral vasculature. The patented device has unique and distinguishing features designed to facilitate super selective vessel access. The unique ability for the physician to steer the catheter and lock it in a desired position is designed to allow for finite intravascular navigation of the catheter and super selection of vessels in small and tortuous anatomy while maintaining catheter placement. "This premium product had an exciting reception at the CIRSE meeting recently held in Lisbon, Portugal," said Fred P. Lampropoulos, Chairman and CEO of Merit Medical. "We expect to launch the product in Europe over the next few months as we prepare our filing for FDA consideration."