Guidant Corp Invests in Spiration Inc to Develop Lung Disease Treatments

Guidant Corp, a specialist in cardiac and vascular diseases, is making an equity investment in Spiration Inc, a US-based company that develops medical devices for treating lung disease. Spiration's products, including an intra-bronchial valve and the VALR surgical system, have shown promise in early pre-clinical trials for treating emphysema and lung cancer. The investment aligns with Guidant's goal of delivering less invasive care for life-threatening medical conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Guidant Corp is investing in Spiration Inc to support the development of minimally invasive therapies for lung disease.
• Spiration's intra-bronchial valve is a device that can be placed in the bronchial tree to achieve lung volume reduction, potentially offering an alternative treatment for patients with emphysema.
• The VALR surgical system is being evaluated in clinical trials as a replacement for surgical staplers, staples, and buttressing materials used for sealing lung tissue.
• Guidant's investment is a result of Spiration's approach to treating lung disease using minimally invasive therapies, aligning with Guidant's goal of delivering less invasive care.
• The intra-bronchial valve has shown potential for reducing tissue trauma, air leaks, and bleeding associated with lung surgery.
• Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the effectiveness of the VALR surgical system.
• Keith Brauer, Guidant's Chief Financial Officer, cited Spiration's innovative approach as the reason for the investment.

Statistics:

• 2 products are currently under development by Spiration Inc: the intra-bronchial valve and the VALR surgical system.
• 1 intra-bronchial valve is designed to be placed in the bronchial tree to achieve lung volume reduction.
• 1 VALR surgical system is being evaluated in clinical trials as a potential replacement for surgical staplers, staples, and buttressing materials.
• No specific details on the equity investment amount were disclosed.
• Early pre-clinical work on both products has demonstrated potential for improving lung treatment techniques.

Sources:

• Guidant Corp investor relations press release