ASX Announcements

Compumedics debuts its next generation sleep treatment technology ‘SomniLink® SPAP®’ into Australia

15 Oct 2009

Melbourne Australia, Thursday, 15 October, 2009

Leading medical devices Company, Compumedics Limited (ASX:CMP) is pleased to announce the introduction of the SomniLink SPAP® into the Australian market. Compumedics’ launched its next generation, sleep treatment device – at the recent 21st Annual Scientific meeting of Australasian Sleep Association, held in Melbourne.

Strong interest in the new SPAP technology was generated leading to a number of key reference site installations and distribution channel discussions.

The SPAP® technology evolved from a recognition that whilst conventional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices proved to be the front line cure for apnoea, a number of patients still suffered from daytime sleepiness even after CPAP treatment.

According to David Burton, CEO of Compumedics,

“One plausible explanation of this occurrence is that the traditional CPAP treatment for sleep disordered breathing has not been adequate and that sleep disturbances persisted even after CPAP or APAP treatment.  As a result of some of the shortcomings of the current devices available, Compumedics commenced an examination of sleep treatment. The main aim was to develop a treatment that not only minimized respiratory sleep disorders but also optimised sleep quality. This culminated in the development of Compumedics’ next generation sleep treatment device SomniLink® SPAP®.”

David Burton further commented:

“The SomniLink® SPAP® device has been developed through 22 years of sleep research, focusing on improved sleep efficiency. Critically, the technology is no more expensive or invasive than currently available sleep treatment technologies.  The device has been validated against the best-of-class APAP devices but now incorporates technology that not only abolishes sleep breathing disorders but additionally incorporates algorithms designed to minimise arousals and improve sleep quality."

The Australian sleep-treatment market is estimated to be in excess of $42 million per annum with the global market at approximately USD2.5 billion per annum. Currently, Compumedics has an installed base of over 4,000 beds for sleep diagnostics. This existing infrastructure provides the Company significant leverage and the ability to capitalise on the potential commercial global opportunities that will become available through the introduction of Compumedics’ next generation SomniLink® SPAP® device. 

The Company will update the market as the validation and commercialisation of the SPAP® technology continues to advance.

About Compumedics

Compumedics Limited, founded in 1987, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of diagnostic technologies for sleep disorders, neurophysiology and cardiology.

In 1987 Compumedics established Asia Pacific’s first fully computerised sleep laboratory.  Compumedics holds 80% share of the Australian sleep-diagnostic market, and has a major and rapidly growing presence in the US, European and Asian marketplaces for its sleep, neurological, and Doppler blood-flow diagnostic monitoring devices. 

In 1995 the company was selected to supply equipment to the US Sleep Heart Health Study, the world’s largest sleep study of its kind, currently exceeding 14,000 studies with 20,000 patients scheduled by 2008. With headquarters in Melbourne, Australia and offices in the United States, and Europe the products are distributed in over 50 countries. 

In 1998 Compumedics was awarded the overall Australian Exporter of the Year. 

In 2000 Compumedics was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. 

In 2002, Compumedics acquired US-based Neuroscan - the world's leading supplier of instruments for brain-research.  In the US - the world's largest medical device market - Neuroscan holds around 90% of the market for brain-research products.  

In 2003 Compumedics was awarded the Frost & Sullivan Award for Market Expansion Strategy. 

In 2004, Compumedics acquired German-based DWL Elektronishe GmbH, enabling Compumedics to expand its global operations into the neurovascular and cardio-vascular diagnostic fields. 

In 2006, Compumedics was awarded the Frost and Sullivan Technology Leadership award for the innovative Somté recorder product. 

In 2007, Compumedics and Chairman were inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame. 

In 2008 the DWL division received the top 100 German Innovation award.  With 20,000 systems installed globally across the finest hospital, universities and clinics the Compumedics sales have grown more than 4 fold from $9 million (1999) to $39 million (2008). 

In 2009 Compumedics was awarded a design award for its Grael™ PSG/EEG premium laboratory based product.

Viait : www.compumedics.com for more information

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