Posts from — May 2009

the ibot wheelchair

Independence Technology – a Johnson and Johnson company, has announced that it will be withdrawing it’s revolutionary powered mobility device from the market with immediate effect. They will however be honoring service agreements until 2013.

The chair while revolutionary in advancing a customers mobility came with a high price tag at about 22,000 US Dollars with the reimbursement agencies valuing the product at about 6,000 US Dollars – thus putting it out of reach of most people.

We had our doubts way back in 2006 – Johnson and Johnson IBOT Medicare And The Power Mobility Industry.

On an allied subject – two years ago we wrote about the Topchair which is a similar concept providing enhanced mobility for climbing stairs – this one made in France.

Consumers have a much better chance of acquiring products like these in some European countries where reimbursement rules are much more favorable as to the right to quality of mobility.

We have even noticed companies in China starting to advertise – “stair climbing wheelchairs” – but until somebody gets the functionality / cost ratio correct these products are going to go the way of the Concorde – unfortunately.

We are manufacturing expandable spinal PEEK cages (Cervical and Lumbar TLIF) that are unique to the spine market. Our patented products stand out from other products as they are designed to simplify spinal surgery and facilitate treatment of difficult indications.

Our implants are very effective at retaining or expanding a existing clinician base. In addition, we can provide direct surgeon-to-surgeon support for Workshops, for the launch phase or for seminars.

If you would like to know more about our products and our company, please visit our web site at:

http://www.smartspine.fr/

We are actively looking to expand our Worldwide network of distributors (outside of USA). If you are interested, please contact:

Stephane Morvan, Sales & Marketing Director
info@smartspine.fr
Mobile Phone: +33 6 59 31 98 88

Thomas Rossnagel – former head of Sunrise’s Europe business and operations has been promoted to President and CEO of Sunrise Medical. Michael N. Cannizzaro – former CEO will continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Rossnagel who worked out of the companies German operations is recognised in Europe for his leadership – and his most notable performance in driving efficient and effective operations for Sunrise Europe over the past several years.

With this latest move Sunrise continues to demonstrate it’s ability to take a global management perspective to it’s business.

The full press release is here.

May

WASHINGTON – A Senate Finance Committee report released last week that outlines options for financing healthcare reform names HME reimbursement as a possible revenue source, but it doesn't propose specific cuts.

via Cuts to HME: Reform report leaves door ‘wide open’ – HME News | The Business Newspaper for Home Medical Equipment Providers.

Prefilled syringes are replacing vials both in terms of injections and sector revenue, and as this trend continues during the next 4 years, the number of tailored injectable drug products reaching the market is set to escalate.

via Prefilled syringes proving popular – Pharm Tech Europe.

The healthcare system in France is the envy of most developed countries of the world. France is also the worlds 5th largest country in terms of GDP.

This makes the above event one of the world’s top events from a business potential for those that have an interest in the rapidly expanding healthcare sectors concerning geriatrics, disability, homecare and institutional care – as the ageing population moves from acute to chronic care.

GerontExpo-handicap provides a venue for updating on the latest technologies, products, policies and trends as well as providing significant business opportunities for either manufacturers, distributors or service providers to significantly enhance their business by finding the right business partners in France and internationally.

As a plus HIT 2009 (Health Information Technologies) – will take place in the same venue and will be linked to GerontExpo-Handicap. HIT represents the rapidly growing French Healthcare IT industry and is expected to have over 100 participating companies – large and small.

Frank Barlin – Sibaya LifeScience! Managing Partner will be attending and can be contacted here.

We strongly support diabetes research on this site so wanted to share this: (BBC)

Tighter control of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes may cut their risk of heart problems, a study says.

From the Cambridge Study (30000 patients) just published in the British Lancet the following is observed:

Lead researcher Dr Kausik Ray said: “Previous studies have been inconclusive, leaving diabetics and their doctors unsure as to whether maintaining lower blood sugar levels actually benefited the patients.

“Although additional research needs to be conducted, our findings provide insight into the importance of improving glucose levels. However, this has to be done through lifestyle changes as well as medication.”

Results were fewer heart attacks and 15% less cardi-vascular desease.