Brainsway Receives FDA Approval
JERUSALEM, Jan. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brainsway Ltd. (TASE:BRIN) ("Brainsway" or the "Company") is proud to announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has approved its proprietary Deep TMS device for the treatment of depression in patients who have failed to respond to antidepressant medications in their current episode of depression. It should be noted that this indication for the use of Brainsway's device, as approved by the FDA, is broad, both in general terms as it relates to depression therapy and compared to the FDA-approved indications for the use of competing TMS therapy.
The scope of the FDA-approved indication for the use of the
Brainsway device provides further confirmation of the safety and
efficacy of the Deep TMS technology, developed by Prof. Abraham
Zangen at the U.S.
National Institutes of Health, in the treatment of depression
patients and could fundamentally alter the way in which depression
is treated worldwide. Furthermore, this approval represents a major
breakthrough for the Company, inasmuch as it grants it access to
the U.S. market for depression therapy, which is valued at tens of
billions of dollars per year.
Brainsway is currently exploring various avenues for the marketing and distribution of treatments using its Deep TMS device in the U.S. and across the globe, including collaborations with well-known and experienced companies in the industry.
Uzi Sofer, CEO of Brainsway, took this occasion to say, "'Give
thanks to the LORD, for he is good. For his mercy endures forever'
(Psalms 136:1). We have worked tirelessly for almost ten years to
make it to this blessed day. These are glad tidings not only for
Brainsway, but also for depression patients and their doctors. The
broad scope of the FDA's clearance proves conclusively that our
device is both safe and effective. I believe this approval will
boost awareness and acceptance of Brainsway's Deep TMS technology
not only in the U.S., but the world over, as we continue to also
work towards achieving regulatory approval from healthcare
authorities in Canada and other countries. This is a very happy day
for me personally and for every one of the Company's employees who
have all contributed to our achievements. I am hopeful that we will
have the wisdom to steer Brainsway onto ever-greater achievements
moving forward. CNS is a difficult and challenging field and few
companies have any projects in their pipelines in this field.
We have dozens of products ready to be released, and we hope to
obtain clearance for these in the future."
Prof. Zangen commented, "This is exciting news for the world of medicine in general and the field of psychiatric research in particular, which is ever in pursuit of the progress which recent decades have brought other fields of medical research. This seal of approval from the FDA is a testament to the effectiveness of the technology that I first started to develop with Dr. Roth more than ten years ago, and is likely to pave the way for affordable and accessible treatment for depression all over the world."
Ronen Segal, CTO of Brainsway, commented, "This broad-scope
approval clearly demonstrates that Deep TMS is a game-changing
technology in the field of treatment for neurological and
psychiatric brain disorders.
Today, we have entered a new age, in which Brainsway is standing at
the helm of a global technological revolution in the medical device
industry. An industry once primarily involved in the development of
diagnostic measures now possesses the capability to effectively
treat disorders, and offers a real alternative to treatment thus
far dominated by the drug industry."
Dr. Yiftach Roth, Brainsway's Chief Scientist and one of the
developers of the Deep TMS technology, said, "The FDA's approval is
great news for the Company, of course, but more importantly, for
millions of people in the U.S. and worldwide who suffer from
depression. These individuals, who have failed to find relief for
their condition using existing treatments, may finally find
therapeutic relief for their affliction.
The safety and efficacy of depression therapy with Brainsway's
device have been demonstrated extensively, and patients now have
the option of receiving comfortable, noninvasive treatment without
the need for anesthesia or hospitalization, and without any
significant side effects that might affect their quality of
life."
Prof. Hilik Levkovitch, Director at the Shalvata Mental Health Center, one of the two Principal Investigators of the Clinical Trial and a pioneer of TMS in Israel, remarked, "Brainsway's depression therapy is a breakthrough and a credit to the clinical research efforts that have been made in order to combat depression. This innovative treatment - developed here in Israel and now approved by the U.S. FDA -- is a great source of pride."
About Brainsway Ltd.
Brainsway develops a medical device for the noninvasive treatment of common brain disorders. The device is based on a uniquely shaped electromagnetic coil connected to a rapidly changing current supply, which produces magnetic fields capable of affecting different areas of the brain. Deep brain areas can be either excited or inhibited, depending on the frequency of the magnetic field.
CONTACT: Stephen Kilmer
Tel: 212.618.6347
stephen@kilmerlucas.com
Posted: January 2013
