Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Alveolus, Inc. Launches AERO(TM) Hybrid Tracheobronchial Stent System In U.S.

Alveolus, Inc., a leading provider of non-vascular interventional stent technology, announced today the U.S. launch of its AERO(TM) Hybrid Tracheobronchial Stent System, which has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of malignant pulmonary obstructions.

Malignant pulmonary obstruction is the blockage of the airway or tracheobronchial tree. The major symptom of malignant pulmonary obstruction is difficulty in breathing, a condition that often requires hospitalization. The placement of a stent may improve the condition while reducing a patient's hospital stay.

World-renowned interventional pulmonologist Dr. Atul Mehta of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation remarked, "With the lack of innovation in non- vascular stenting, this is truly a significant event for physicians. This revolutionary hybrid stent should improve the welfare of pulmonary patients."

The AERO(TM) system expands Alveolus' domestic product range of Next Generation Non-Vascular Stents and stenting accessories. This addition reinforces Alveolus' company message of providing products for physicians developed by physicians.

"This product launch is yet another piece of our existing product portfolio growth initiative and demonstrates Alveolus' continued commitment to developing novel products specifically for non-vascular interventions," said Eric Mangiardi, president and chief executive officer of Alveolus. "The clearance of the AERO(TM) stent provides cardiothoracic, thoracic, and interventionalists with a next-generation product that we believe can improve patient outcomes."

With the addition of the AERO(TM) Hybrid Tracheobronchial Stent System to its product line, Alveolus now successfully has its total current portfolio, which are FDA and CE Mark cleared, including pulmonary stents, esophageal stents (ALIMAXX-E(TM)), guidewires (MAXXWIRE(TM)), and stent sizing devices (AEROSIZER(TM)).

Alveolus currently markets products through a direct sales channel in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and through multiple distribution partners in Greater Europe and Australia.

About Alveolus

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Alveolus is a leading developer of next generation non-vascular interventional stent technology. Alveolus' advanced stenting technology enhances the quality of life for patients who suffer from pulmonary or gastrointestinal obstruction. The Alveolus product ideation process, guided by world leading interventionalists, allows for rapid prototyping and development of products to address the specific requirements for each area of the body. Products are created by physicians, for physicians, with an end goal of enhancing the quality of life and reducing the long term medical costs for patients and their families.

Any statements made in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made in this release represent management's best judgment as to what may occur in the future. Actual outcomes and results are not guaranteed and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and if any of these risks or uncertainties materialize or any of the assumptions prove incorrect, Alveolus' results could differ materially from their respective expectations in these statements.

Alveolus
http://www.alveolus.com

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