LONDON, ON, July 9, 2014 /CNW/ - Focal Healthcare (Focal) was founded as a spin-off company out of the Centre for Imaging Technology Commercialization (CIMTEC). Focal is developing and marketing MRI-Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy and Therapy systems that have strong potential to become the new "gold standard" in prostate care by capitalizing on CIMTEC's unique intellectual property, as well as its extensive technology development and commercialization expertise in the medical imaging field.
Focal Healthcare CEO, Chicuong La says, "We realized that existing products were not meeting the needs of urologists and their patients, and that they could be significantly improved by tapping into CIMTEC's services and by licensing its unique portfolio of patents. We are confident that our connection to CIMTEC is the key to making Focal's prostate Fusion Biopsy and Fusion Therapy systems a commercial success."
The current paradigm for prostate cancer care has remained unchanged for over 25 years. It is well accepted that prostate cancer is fundamentally over-treated either through irradiating or surgically removing the entire prostate; both options include significant risk for life-altering side effects. This is due to the inherent limitations of ultrasound image quality, which is currently used to guide urologists in extracting random biopsy samples from the prostate. Oftentimes, this method leads to the detection of insignificant cancers or the misdiagnosis of serious cancers.
Dr. Michael McGuire, Chief of Urology at NorthShore University Health System in Chicago believes strongly in Focal Healthcare's products and is one of three highly-respected experts in the prostate world who sits on its Clinical Advisory Board. Dr. McGuire says, "I am pleased to be able to play a role in the success of Focal's game-changing prostate therapy products by testing the equipment and providing valuable feedback. The superior capabilities of their products will enable urologists to accurately record biopsy locations for active surveillance of prostate cancer, as well as allow us to appropriately administer therapy, which will significantly reduce the incidence of over-treatment and improve quality of life for our patients."
Focal Healthcare, CIMTEC's first spin-off company, enjoys many differentiators in the marketplace, including exclusive patents, a management and development team with over 30 years of experience in the prostate imaging and clinical device development space, access to validated underlying science, and products with superior portability, cost effectiveness and ease of use.
"Focal Healthcare is a great example of CIMTEC fulfilling its mandate by growing Canadian companies in the medical imaging space," says Bart Sullivan, CIMTEC CEO. "With CIMTEC's help, Focal is well-positioned to take advantage of Canada's best-in-class technical talent and technology. We believe Focal's system will revolutionize the way prostate cancer is managed."
Centre for Imaging Technology Commercialization (CIMTEC)
CIMTEC provides services to develop world-leading medical imaging technology. CIMTEC's mission is to enable and accelerate commercialization of medical imaging innovations ensuring that Canada's investment in imaging technology translates into economic growth and job creation.
CIMTEC provides researchers and small to medium-sized companies with critical expertise, technical capabilities and infrastructure to allow them to grow and create Canadian high-tech jobs and economic growth.
Focal Healthcare, Inc.
Focal Healthcare's mission is to positively impact patients' lives and the lives of their families by producing world class medical equipment designed to provide better diagnostic information, enhance therapeutic decision making, and improve clinical outcomes.
Focal's vision is to provide the tools that enable urologists to efficiently detect and focally treat the index cancer lesions in the prostate.
Focal's goal is to provide class leading technologies at affordable pricing which will allow greater accessibility to all patients. We will strive to continually be the best by working smart, working with integrity and maximizing the skills and talents of our employees and partners.
Image with caption: "Dr. Michael McGuire, Chief of Urology at NorthShore University Health System in Chicago is an early adopter of MRI fusion targeted biopsy and sits on the Clinical Advisory Board of Focal Healthcare (CNW Group/Centre for Imaging Technology Commercialization (CIMTEC))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140709_C3624_PHOTO_EN_4175.jpg
SOURCE: Centre for Imaging Technology Commercialization (CIMTEC)
Darlene Pratt, CIMTEC, Director of Marketing Communications, [email protected], 519-858-5013 ext. 25324
Share this article