Competitive Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Alternext US:CTT) announced today that the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a 501(k) letter of authorization allowing US sales of CTT's pain
therapy medical device. The device is a non-invasive method for rapid treatment of
high-intensity oncologic and neuropathic pain, including pain resistant to morphine
and other drugs. The FDA authorization expands CTT's opportunities for sales in both
the US and globally. CTT has exclusive worldwide rights to this patented device. The
CTT device also has Medical Device CE certification from the European Union allowing
sales throughout Europe and several other countries.
"Our initial focus in the US will be to the major US cancer centers, and to select
medical equipment distributors for sales to hospitals, pain clinics, hospice centers
and pain management specialists," said Aris D. Despo, CTT's Executive VP, Business
Development. "The FDA approval and our international distributors are significant
steps in CTT's global commercialization of this breakthrough medical device, which
offers relief to patients suffering extreme pain. Our device provides a valuable
tool to the clinician in offering an effective treatment program that can positively
impact the quality of life of a patient who has not otherwise responded to standard
therapeutic protocols, including morphine."
In addition to the Country-exclusive distribution rights granted to Life Episteme
srl for each of 29 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South
America and Oceania, earlier agreements granted Country-exclusive distribution
rights to Excel Life Sciences, Inc. for India, to GEOMC Co., Ltd. for Korea, to AG
Healthcare for Malaysia, and to Biogene Pharma Limited for Bangladesh. The review
and selection process for distributors in additional countries is continuing. The
U.S. Department of Commerce estimates the world market for medical devices at $248
billion. The United States represents about half that market.
"The FDA's approval brings CTT to the forefront in providing a solution to the needs
of patients and the improvement of palliative healthcare in the U.S. and globally,"
said John B. Nano, CTT's Chairman, President and CEO. "This technology is a prime
example of our strategy to connect clinical science to patient care. We believe that
revenue and profits from the pain management technology will significantly increase
CTT's market capitalization."
Developed in Italy by CTT's client, Prof. Giuseppe Marineo, the technology was
brought to CTT through the efforts of Prof. Giancarlo Elia Valori of the Italian
business development group, Sviluppo Lazio S.p.A., and assistance from the Zangani
Investor Community. The unit, with a biophysical rather than a biochemical approach,
uses a multi-processor able to simultaneously treat multiple pain areas by applying
surface electrodes to the skin. CTT's partner, GEOMC Co. Ltd. of Korea, is
manufacturing the device commercially for worldwide distribution. For more
information on the device, visit www.CalmareTT.com.
The device has been used on over 3,000 patients in Europe, including at the Pain
Management Center at Tor-Vergata University Medical Center in Rome
(www.ptvonline.it/uo_ter_ant_ing.asp), and at Fondazione Parco Biomedico San
Raffaele in Rome (www.scienceparkrome.eu).
About Competitive Technologies, Inc.
Competitive Technologies, established in 1968, provides distribution, patent and
technology transfer, sales and licensing services focused on the needs of its
customers and matching those requirements with commercially viable product or
technology solutions. CTT is a global leader in identifying, developing and
commercializing innovative products and technologies in life, electronic, nano, and
physical sciences developed by universities, companies and inventors. CTT maximizes
the value of intellectual assets for the benefit of its customers, clients and
shareholders. Visit CTT's website: www.competitivetech.net
Statements made about our future expectations are forward-looking statements and
subject to risks and uncertainties as described in our most recent Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2008, filed with the SEC on October 28, 2008,
and other filings with the SEC, and are subject to change at any time. Our actual
results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements. We undertake
no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement.