Device Designed to Lower High Blood Pressure May Offer Hope

New Implantable Device Designed to Lower High Blood Pressure May Offer Hope for Millions of Patients

Early Hypertension Clinical Trial Results Show Significant Reduction in High Blood Pressure

May - Hypertension Awareness Month - Recognizes High Blood Pressure as a Top Risk Factor for Stroke, Heart and Kidney Disease

-- April 28, 2008 --CVRx:

WHAT: May is Hypertension Awareness Month, and a new device for high blood pressure now in clinical trials is showing promise for treating U.S. hypertension (high blood pressure) patients whose condition is not controlled by drugs. Rheos® Hypertension (HT) Therapy is the only implantable device designed to lower high blood pressure. It uses the body's natural blood pressure sensor (the baroreflex) to reduce blood pressure. Early hypertension clinical trial results showed a 39 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure at one year of use. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke, heart and kidney disease.

The Rheos HT Therapy is designed to electrically activate the carotid baroreceptors, the body's natural pressure sensors. When the baroreceptors are activated, signals are sent through the neural pathways to the brain and interpreted as a rise in blood pressure. The brain works to counteract this perceived rise in blood pressure by sending signals to various parts of the body-including the blood vessels, heart and kidneys. The Rheos HT System was developed by Minneapolis-based CVRx, Inc. (www.cvrx.com). The Rheos pivotal trial is currently under way. To learn more about the trial, patients can call 1-(888) 8BP-RISK (1-888-827-7475) or visit www.bloodpressuretrial.com.

WHY: Hypertension affects approximately 73 million people in the United States alone. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and causes an estimated one in eight deaths worldwide. Each incremental increase of 20 mmHg in systolic blood pressure or 10 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure above normal levels is associated with a two-fold increase in death rates from stroke, coronary heart disease and other vascular causes.

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 25 percent of people with hypertension cannot control their high blood pressure, despite the use of multiple medications. These patients may not respond to drugs, or they may not be able to maintain their complex medication regimens. Early Rheos HT clinical results have shown the device has the potential to significantly reduce blood pressure in patients who cannot control their blood pressure with medications. One-year results from 13 patients showed a 39 mmHg average decrease in systolic blood pressure and a 26 mmHg average decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

HYPERTENSION STROKE FACTS:

May is Hypertension Awareness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the United States:

    * High blood pressure is the number one stroke risk factor and accounts for an estimated 70 percent of all strokes. It is also one of the most important controllable risk factors for stroke prevention.
    * Stroke is the number three cause of death.
    * Twice as many women die from stroke each year than from breast cancer.
    * Approximately 750,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year and 80 percent of strokes are considered preventable, according to the National Stroke Association.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

    * Rheos study physicians
    * Nadim Yared, president and CEO of CVRx

ADDITIONAL EVENTS DURING HYPERTENSION AWARENESS MONTH:

    * May 4: ISHIB Worship Site Health Education Program (WSHEP)
    * May 17: World Hypertension Day

CVRx BACKGROUND AND MEDIA KIT: CVRx is a private company founded in 2001 and headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information and a media kit, visit www.cvrx.com.

* CAUTION: The CVRx Rheos System is an investigational device and is limited by Federal law to investigational use only.

CVRx, Rheos, Baroreflex Activation Therapy, and BAT are registered trademarks of CVRx, Inc. © CVRx, Inc. 2008.

Contacts

CVRx
John Brintnall, 763-416-2853
Chief Financial Officer
jbrintnall@cvrx.com
Mary McGrory-Usset, 651-308-8225
Corporate Communications
mmcgroryusset@comcast.net
or
Padilla Speer Beardsley
Nancy Johnson, 612-455-1745
njohnson@psbpr.com
Nick Banovetz, 612-455-1705
nbanovetz@psbpr.com

Findings Reported at Cancer Conference Say Survival and Longer Term Disease Control Important

The International Myeloma Foundation Says New Findings Reported at Global Cancer Conference Require New Ways to Evaluate Treatments: Survival and Longer Term Disease Control Take Precedence over Short Term Response to Treatment

Findings from a multi-center clinical trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and led by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) demonstrated that lowering the dose of the steroid dexamethasone when paired with REVLIMID® to treat newly diagnosed myeloma, not only reduces side effects, but also improves long-term survival. The data are being discussed and evaluated at the 49th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in Atlanta. According to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, lead institution for the study, the data show a "distinct survival benefit" with lower doses of the dexamethasone combined with REVLIMID. S. Vincent Rajkumar, M.D., hematologist and lead investigator of the study at the Mayo Clinic added, "This is a major advance in the treatment of cancer, and also gives researchers a new direction to explore - that more is not necessarily better when it comes to fighting the cancer."

North Hollywood, CA, and Atlanta, GA  -  December 14 -- The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) - supporting research and providing education, advocacy and support for myeloma patients, families, researchers and physicians - today said new data being reported at a global cancer conference require a new approach to evaluating cancer treatments. Findings from a multi-center clinical trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and led by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) demonstrated that lowering the dose of the steroid dexamethasone when paired with REVLIMID® to treat newly diagnosed myeloma, not only reduces side effects, but also improves long-term survival. The data are being discussed and evaluated at the 49th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in Atlanta.

According to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, lead institution for the study, the data show a "distinct survival benefit" with lower doses of the dexamethasone combined with REVLIMID. S. Vincent Rajkumar, M.D., hematologist and lead investigator of the study at the Mayo Clinic added, "This is a major advance in the treatment of cancer, and also gives researchers a new direction to explore - that more is not necessarily better when it comes to fighting the cancer."

The data showed REVLIMID, an oral medication from Celgene, plus low-dose dexamethasone improves one year survival compared to the standard high-dose dexamethasone, 96% to 88%. Over two years the benefit continues with an 87% survival rate for low-dose dexamethasone compared to a 75% survival rate for high-dose dexamethasone. While lowering the dose of the steroid also lowers some immediate measures of response that is offset by better, long-term disease control.

"Lowering the doses of the steroid dexamethasone with REVLIMID gives us a new paradigm of treatment," said Brian G.M. Durie, M.D., chairman and co-founder of the International Myeloma Foundation. "When we combine REVLIMID with lower dose dexamethasone, we are seeing reduced side effects so patients stay on the drug longer, and, above all, significant survival benefits. These are the outcomes that patients and physicians find most important, and take precedence over the traditional ways we have used to evaluate new therapies."

Last April the independent committee monitoring the trial found the preliminary results so compelling that the trial was stopped and all patients in the trial were moved to lower dose dexamethasone. Because of the overwhelming positive response to REVLIMID plus low-dose dexamethasone in the ECOG study, a trial from the other large cancer cooperative, SWOG, was also stopped prematurely. This trial compared REVLIMID plus high-dose dexamethasone to dexamethasone alone. Because this SWOG trial stopped early, and because nearly half of the patients on the dexamethasone-alone-arm of the study crossed over to the REVLIMID-plus-dexamethasone-arm of the study within the first year, overall impressions regarding survival could be misleading.

According to Dr. Durie: "We do not want patients confused by statistics. In fact, the SWOG trial concluded that REVLIMID with low-dose dexamethasone is among the most active up-front combination regimens against myeloma. These results demonstrate that REVLIMID plus dexamethasone is definitely better than dexamethasone alone, and is an excellent treatment in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma."

The International Myeloma Foundation concludes that overall findings presented at this conference about multiple myeloma in all ages, and across all categories of patients (newly diagnosed, relapsed, patients proceeding to bone marrow transplants and so on) is positive and encouraging and represents major advances in the treatment of blood cancers beginning with myeloma.

ABOUT The International Myeloma Foundation
The International Myeloma Foundation is the oldest and largest myeloma organization, reaching more than 165,000 members in 113 countries worldwide. A 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients and their families, the IMF focuses in four key areas: research, education, support and advocacy. To date, the IMF has conducted more than 120 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned hotline, and operates Bank on a Cure®, a unique gene bank to advance myeloma research. The IMF was rated as the number one resource for patients in an independent survey by the Target Research Group. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE, or out of the United States at +1 (818) 487-7455. More information is available at www.myeloma.org.

Media Contact: Stephen Gendel or Jennifer Anderson +1 (212) 918-4650.

Press Contact: Flaherty Chelsey
Company Name:
Phone: 212-445-8274
Website:

Partnership To Help Healthcare Organizations Extract And Archive Data

Coastal Healthcare And MediQuant (TM) Form Partnership To Help Healthcare Organizations Extract And Archive Data During System Conversions

Coastal Healthcare And MediQuant (TM) Form Partnership To Help Healthcare Organizations Extract And Archive Clinical And Financial Data From Legacy Systems During System Conversions

Seattle, WA  -  March 17, 2008 -- Coastal Healthcare Consulting, Inc. (Coastal), a premier provider of information technology consulting services for healthcare facilities, today announced a partnership with MediQuant (TM), a provider of advanced software solutions designed to aid healthcare providers in avoiding the legacy data problems associated with healthcare information system conversions. In this relationship, Coastal and MediQuant will work with healthcare providers that are migrating healthcare information systems and want to maintain valuable patient accounting and clinical data in an active archive.

Coastal will provide the consulting and analyst resources necessary to extract the required data from legacy systems during system conversions, and MediQuant will provide its Data Ark (TM) data archive and receivables management system to house the data. This system conversion solution allows healthcare providers to retire legacy healthcare information systems and eliminate support costs associated with those systems while retaining access to clinical and account-level details from the former system. It also helps healthcare providers meet the legal need of managing data for seven years and the financial need of managing the old receivables after the new system is implemented.

"This partnership leverages Coastal's vast experience in working with healthcare providers to implement information systems," said Amy Collins, President, Coastal Healthcare Consulting. "The combined resources of Coastal and MediQuant will provide healthcare information technology departments with a complete turnkey solution to address legacy data during systems conversions. Clients can focus on implementing their new healthcare information systems with the peace of mind, knowing that they will have easy access to account-level data from their former systems and that minimal effort will be required from their IT teams to convert the data."

"With MediQuant's DataArk solution, clients are able to focus on their new systems implementation and quickly retire their legacy systems while still being able to work their own A/R and stay compliant with data retention requirements," remarked Tony Paparella, CEO of MediQuant. "We look forward to working with Coastal to help hospitals significantly reduce support costs for their old legacy systems."

About Coastal Healthcare Consulting, Inc.
Coastal Healthcare Consulting, Inc. (Coastal) is a premier provider of healthcare information systems consulting with a proven track record of performance over the last eleven years. Coastal's hard-working, client-focused professionals have the information, expertise and solutions to ensure successful completion of projects for healthcare facilities. Coastal specializes in providing project management and implementation services, including tailoring, testing, training and go-live, to an entire healthcare facility or to a single department. Coastal was named "Best in KLAS" for Clinical Implementation - Supportive for 2005, 2006 and 2007 by KLAS Enterprises, LLC. For more information, please visit Coastal Healthcare Consulting.

About MediQuant
For healthcare providers planning on a new HIS or system conversion, MediQuant (TM), Inc. provides advanced software solutions to avoid the legacy data problems associated with HIS conversions. The company's Data Ark (TM) solution allows users to turn off the legacy system yet retain all account-level detail and A/R management functions. The solution also stores data in a usable format that is compliant with data retention requirements and allows for faster implementation of a new patient financial system, saving customers substantial time and money. For hospitals and software vendors, MediQuant provides medical necessity content, embedded medical necessity tools and full-functioning, enterprise-wide medical necessity software (First Comply). Offering a customer-focused approach that allows for a level of customization and service normally not found in the medical software business, MediQuant has been serving individual hospitals, large healthcare systems, physicians and ambulatory care centers since 1999.

Copyright © 2008 Coastal Healthcare Consulting, Inc. All rights reserved. Coastal Healthcare Consulting and the Coastal Healthcare Consulting logo are trademarks of Coastal Healthcare Consulting, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Press Contact: Don Darling
Company Name: Coastal Healthcare Consulting, Inc.
Phone: (206) 324-6540
Website: www.coastalhealthcare.com

Healthcare News Network Adds to Team

The Healthcare News Network Adds to Team

Recent hires in management, creative development, production and sales have the company ready to soar to new heights.

Cape Coral, Florida (PRWEB) December 13, 2007 -- Healthcare News Network (www.healthcarenewsnetwork.com) is expanding their team. Recent hires in management, creative development, production and sales have the company ready to soar to new heights. 

Joann Ellis has been named General Manager and brings with her a diverse background to expand the network. Joann graduated Magna Cum Laude from The Ohio State University with a Masters degree in Quantitative Analysis and Measurement. Joann's background experience includes consulting for Ohio Collaborative, a group specializing in research for state agencies and writing briefs for the Ohio Senate and lobbying groups, as well as Titan Financial Group in Atlanta where she created and facilitated employee training programs and developed models for risk management.

Gregory Bush, Healthcare News Network CFO, is responsible for the financial reporting and technical infrastructure of the network. Greg brings with him over 20 years of management, financial and systems experience from both private and public companies, including Colorworks, Morgenthau and Bush Industries. A graduate of State University of New York Fredonia, Greg holds a degree in Business Management and Computer Engineering.

Juan Andres Rodriguez, named HNN's Creative Director, is a talented graphic artist and develops the feel of the network. A Cum Laude graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Juan has a passion for life, well-being and happiness which translates into the mission of the Healthcare News Network. Juan has worked for such advertising agencies as Leo Burnett and Grupo Z in Mexico and was a part of the launch of Zombra, a below-the-line advertising agency also based out of Mexico. Juan is part owner of Baja Design Studios in Baja California, Mexico, a freelance design studio specializing in the image and promotion of new businesses throughout the area.

Michael Shapiro, VP Director of Programming, is responsible for the content and substance of the network. He is committed to acquiring video material and public service announcements from non-profit organizations to help promote local and national charities. Mike has a diverse background with nearly 30 years of television experience in news, production, management, producing and videography. He has worked at television stations in South Dakota, Iowa, and cities in Florida including Fort Myers, Tampa and Miami. He is an award-winning producer of spot news, features, documentaries and a national Addy for a PSA. Giving back to the community is important to Mike and he is a member of several advisory boards including The School of Nursing at Florida Gulf Coast University, The Nations Association and the PACE Center for Girls. Mike graduated Summa Cum Laude from Adelphi University.

Shirley Stone, HNN's National Sales Manager, has over 20 years in the New York advertising industry. She has worked for ad agencies, media departments and started her sales career in magazines - Redbook and Cosmopolitan. In the early 1980's she switched from magazines to the just emerging cable TV industry and was a member of the first MTV sales team. From there she moved on to working for Ted Turner at CNN and then the first New York Director of Sales for The Discovery Channel where she managed a team of account executives and sales support people. Disillusioned with the corporate environment she started a media consulting business and worked on the launch of The Food Network, several Internet companies and By Kids For Kids, a kids innovation company. She holds both a BBA and MBA in marketing, is a graduate of the Communispond Public Speaking Course and is a certified Empowerment Life Coach.

The Healthcare News Network started with less than 10 employees writing, producing, shooting, editing and distributing its programming just one year ago. They now house a team of over 30 employees in three states and will continue to grow along with the success of the nationwide network.

About the Healthcare News Network
The Healthcare News Network, a hospital-exclusive Out-of Home Media Network, was launched in February of 2007 and is based out of Cape Coral, Florida. HNN is the first of its kind to bring customizable, positive healthcare news to each hospital in its network. Currently, HNN is airing in 34 hospitals across Florida with the expansion to 23 states and over 200 hospitals expected to be complete by 2008.

For more information, visit our website: www.healthcarenewsnetwork.com
Or call our office toll free: 800 446 7575

Contact:
Rachel Tramonte
Healthcare News Network
800 446 7575
239 549 4176
rachel @ healthcarenewsnetwork.com
www.healthcarenewsnetwork.com

Press Contact: Rachel Tramonte
Company Name: Healthcare News Network
Phone: 800-446-7575
Website: www.healthcarenewsnetwork.com