Latest News
21 January 2021
IMBiotechnologies Ltd. Announces Agreement with Canadian Hospital Specialties to Distribute Ekobi® Embolization Microspheres in Canada
Canadian Hospital Specialties will be the exclusive distributor of
Ekobi® Embolization Microspheres in Canada.
IMBiotechnologies Ltd. (“IMB” or the “Company”) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Canadian Hospital Specialties (“CHS”) for the exclusive right to distribute Ekobi® Embolization Microspheres (“Ekobi”) in Canada.
“CHS has expertise in the distribution of a broad range of medical devices, including interventional products,” said Michael Stewart, CEO of IMB. “We look forward to working with CHS to bring Ekobi to hospitals and clinics across Canada.”
“CHS is proud to partner with another Canadian medical device company in IMB to market and distribute Ekobi® Microspheres in Canada” added Mike Canzoneri, CEO of CHS. “CHS has been a trusted supplier to clinicians and patients for more than 50 years and the Ekobi® product line adds a critical pillar to our Interventional Radiology offering.”
Clinical studies have demonstrated safety and efficacy of Ekobi® microspheres for the treatment of hypervascularized tumors, uterine fibroids, and enlarged prostates caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (“BPH”). Using a minimally invasive technique called embolotherapy, Ekobi® microspheres selectively block the blood vessels that feed a target tissue, starving it of oxygen and nutrients. An important advantage of Ekobi is that after providing a therapeutic benefit, Ekobi® microspheres biodegrade and are completely eliminated from the body. In addition, Ekobi can be easily seen in the body using minimally invasive ultrasound. Ekobi is the first, and only, biodegradable embolic agent detectable by ultrasound.
Ekobi® Embolization Microspheres has also received US FDA clearance for the treatment of unresectable/inoperable hypervascularized tumors.
About Canadian Hospital Specialties Limited (CHS)
Canadian Hospital Specialties (est.1967) is a privately held company located in Oakville, ON, Canada that serves customers in the acute hospital and non-acute healthcare space in Canada and Internationally. CHS provides self-manufactured products (Med-RX® brand) and third party represented products across categories including Respiratory, Anesthesia, Perfusion, Interventional, Biopsy, Drainage, Diagnostic Imaging, Pharmacy, and General Medical. The Med-Rx® line is produced in Oakville, ON, and is predominantly single use, disposable trays and kits used in a variety of procedures such as IV Starts, Feeding, Biopsy, and Thoracic drainage. All products are serviced out of three distribution facilities located in Oakville, ON and Vancouver, BC. CHS employs over 300 people, with more than 200 being in manufacturing.
About Embolotherapy
Embolotherapy works by reducing or eliminating the blood supply to target tissues. The procedure is performed by injecting embolic agents through a catheter into the blood vessels that feed a target tissue. By selectively blocking the tissue’s blood supply, the target tissue is either destroyed or devitalized, resulting in therapeutic benefit.
About IMBiotechnologies Ltd.
IMBiotechnologies Ltd. is a privately held Canadian medical device company located in Edmonton, Alberta, focused on the commercialization of medical products in the area of embolotherapy.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements and predictions. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, necessarily involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. The Company considers the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based to be reasonable at the time they were prepared, but cautions that these assumptions regarding the future events, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, may ultimately prove to be incorrect. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or future events and except as required by law.
For More Information Please Contact:
Michael Stewart
President & CEO
mstewart@imbiotechnologies.com
(780) 945-6609
05 November 2019
IMBiotechnologies Ltd. Expands Approval for EkobiTM Embolization Microspheres to Include Treatment of Uterine Fibroids
EkobiTM Embolization Microspheres, a novel embolization medical device has received Health Canada approval for the treatment of uterine fibroids, a significant women’s health issue.
IMBiotechnologies Ltd. (“IMB” or the “Company”) today announced that it has received approval from Heath Canada to expand the indications of its lead product, Ekobiä Embolization Microspheres (“Ekobi”), to include treatment of uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are a significant women’s health issue; by the age of 50, 70% of women will develop uterine fibroids; up to 50% of uterine fibroids are symptomatic requiring treatment. Symptoms include abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure and pain, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and a significant reduction in a woman’s quality of life. Ekobi is a patented “first-in-class” embolic therapeutic medical device that provides women with an alternative to traditional surgical treatments, such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or myomectomy (removal of part of the uterus).
“Uterine fibroids can have a major impact on a woman’s physical and social activities,” said Michael Stewart, CEO of IMB. “We are pleased to offer physicians a biodegradable and non-surgical treatment option for symptomatic uterine fibroids.”
Clinical studies have established safety and efficacy of Ekobi™ microspheres and with this approval, Ekobi™ microspheres are now indicated for the treatment of hypervascularized tumors, uterine fibroids, and enlarged prostates caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (“BPH”). Using a minimally invasive technique called embolotherapy, Ekobi™ microspheres selectively block the blood vessels that feed a target tissue, starving it of oxygen and nutrients. An important advantage of Ekobi is that after providing a therapeutic benefit, Ekobi™ microspheres biodegrade and are completely eliminated from the body. In addition, Ekobi can be easily seen in the body using minimally invasive ultrasound. Ekobi is the first, and only, biodegradable embolic agent detectable by ultrasound.
EkobiTM Embolization Microspheres has also received US FDA clearance for the treatment of unresectable/inoperable hypervascularized tumors.
About Ekobiä Embolization Microspheres
Ekobi is a first-in-class biodegradable embolic agent that is detectable by ultrasound. It is a class II medical device cleared in the USA for the treatment of unresectable/inoperable hypervascularized tumors. In Canada, it is a class IV medical device approved for the treatment of hypervascularized tumors, uterine fibroids and enlarged prostates due to BPH.
About Embolotherapy
Embolotherapy works by reducing or eliminating the blood supply to target tissues. The procedure is performed by injecting embolic agents through a catheter into the blood vessels that feed a target tissue. By selectively blocking the tissue’s blood supply, the target tissue is either destroyed or devitalized, resulting in therapeutic benefit.
About IMBiotechnologies Ltd.
IMBiotechnologies Ltd. is a privately held Canadian medical device company located in Edmonton, Alberta, focused on the commercialization of medical products in the area of embolotherapy.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements and predictions. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, necessarily involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. The Company considers the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based to be reasonable at the time they were prepared, but cautions that these assumptions regarding the future events, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, may ultimately prove to be incorrect. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or future events and except as required by law.
For More Information Please Contact:
Kelly Mottet
Director of Marketing and Business Development
(780) 233-4294
20 March 2019
IMBiotechnologies Ltd Announces Presentation at 2019 Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Meeting (Austin, Texas)
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – IMBiotechnologies Ltd today announced that an oral presentation regarding the use of its lead product, EkobiTM Embolization Microspheres (OCL 503), for treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Dr. Richard Owen, lead investigator of the clinical study conducted at the University of Alberta Hospital, will be presenting the results of an open label pilot study. The presentation entitled “Prostate Artery Embolization using OCL 503 (a biodegradable microsphere), an open label pilot study” will be given by Dr. Owen on Sunday, March 23rd, 2019.
About EkobiTM
Ekobi is a first-in-class biodegradable embolic agent that is detectable by ultrasound. It is a class II medical device cleared in the USA for the treatment of unresectable/inoperable hypervascularized tumors. In Canada, it is cleared as a class IV medical device for the treatment of hypervascularized tumors and benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia.
About IMBiotechnologies Ltd.
IMBiotechnologies Ltd. is a privately held Canadian medical device company located in Edmonton, Alberta, focused on the commercialization of medical products in the area embolotherapy.
For More Information Please Contact:
Kelly Mottet
Director of Marketing and Business Development
(780) 233-4294
21 November 2018
IMBiotechnologies Ltd. receives Health Canada Approval for a New Biodegradable Embolic Agent
Edmonton, Canada – 21 November 2018 – The EkobiTM product is a patented “first-in-class” embolic therapeutic medical device that provides an alternative to surgery. EkobiTM is the first and only biodegradable embolic agent detectable by ultrasound.
EkobiTM microspheres selectively block the blood vessels that feed a target tissue, starving it of oxygen and nutrients. The advantage of Ekobiä is that after providing a therapeutic benefit, EkobiTM microspheres biodegrade and are completely eliminated from the body. Additionally, Ekobiä can be easily seen in the body using minimally invasive ultrasound.
EkobiTM has already received US FDA clearance for the treatment of unresectable/inoperable hypervascularized tumors. The Health Canada approval further expands IMB’s portfolio of approved indications for its lead product.
“We are pleased that Health Canada has issued a medical device license for our product. EkobiTM provides physicians with a new option to treat patients with hypervascularized tumors, and men with enlarged prostates caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia,” stated Michael Stewart, CEO of IMB. “This approval underscores IMB’s commitment developing and manufacturing safe and effective products, while providing economic value to healthcare consumers and providers.”
The development and commercialization of EkobiTM microspheres was made possible, in part, by IMB accessing the Alberta innovation network. A clinical study in patients with BPH was conducted at the University of Alberta and was supported, in part, by funding from Alberta Innovates. The clinical study which evaluated the safety and effectiveness of EkobiTM was integral in achieving Health Canada approval.
“Innovations like this take considerable time and investment,” says Rollie Dykstra, Vice President, Investments at Alberta Innovates. “We know that with the right support at the right time companies like IMBiotechnologies Ltd. succeed. We congratulate them on achieving this tremendous milestone. It’s not only good for Albertans but also for people around the world.”
About Ekobiä
Ekobi is a first-in-class biodegradable embolic agent that is detectable by ultrasound. It is a class II medical device cleared in the USA for the treatment of unresectable/inoperable hypervascularized tumors. In Canada, it is cleared as a class IV medical device for the treatment of hypervascularized tumors and benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia.
About IMBiotechnologies Ltd.
IMBiotechnologies Ltd. is a privately held Canadian medical device company located in Edmonton, Alberta, focused on the commercialization of medical products in the area embolotherapy.
About Alberta Innovates
Alberta Innovates invests in research, innovation and entrepreneurship to drive provincial economic growth and diversity. We ignite the power of innovation through our work with researchers, industry and entrepreneurs to move Alberta to a lower-carbon future, enhance the responsible use of land and water, and contribute to the improved health and well-being of Albertans.
Alberta Innovates provides technical expertise, entrepreneurial advice and support, opportunities for partnerships, and funding to advance the best ideas. We support a broad range of research and innovation activity – from discovery to use. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do – bringing together bright minds and great ideas to drive innovation. Find out more at albertainnovates.ca
About Embolotherapy
Embolotherapy works by reducing or eliminating the blood supply to target tissues. The procedure is
performed by injecting embolic agents through a catheter into the blood vessels that feed the target tissue. By selectively blocking the tissue’s blood supply, the target tissue is either destroyed
or devitalized, resulting in therapeutic benefit.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements and predictions. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, necessarily involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. The Company considers the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based to be reasonable at the time they were prepared, but cautions that these assumptions regarding the future events, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, may ultimately prove to be incorrect. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or future events and except as required by law.
For More Information Please Contact:
Kelly Mottet
Director of Marketing and Business Development
(780) 233-4294
15 November 2018
IMBiotechnologies announces rebranding of Embolotherapy Product from Occlusin® to EkobiTM
EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA - IMBiotechnologies Ltd (“IMB”), an Edmonton-based medical device company, today announced the rebranding of the company’s flag-ship product Occlusin® Embolization Microspheres to EkobiTM Embolization Microspheres.
Mike Stewart, Chief Executive Officer at IMB, said “This rebranding reflects the unique characteristics of IMB’s lead product. Not only are EkobiTM microspheres biodegradable, they are also detectable using ultrasound. The name EkobiTM reflects these key properties.”
EkobiTM microspheres block the blood vessel(s) that feed a target tissue, starving it of oxygen and nutrients resulting in a therapeutic benefit. EkobiTM microspheres have received medical device clearance in the USA for the treatment of unresectable/inoperable hypervascularized tumors.
About IMBiotechnologies Ltd.
IMBiotechnologies Ltd. is a privately held Canadian medical device company located in Edmonton, Alberta, focused on the commercialization of medical products in the area embolotherapy.
About Embolotherapy
Embolotherapy works by reducing or eliminating the blood supply to target tissues. The procedure is performed by injecting embolic agents through a catheter into the blood vessels that feed the target tissue. By selectively blocking the tissue’s blood supply, the target tissue is either destroyed or devitalized, resulting in therapeutic benefit.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Kelly Mottet
Director of Marketing and Business Development
(780) 233-4294
Global News Health Matters Coverage of Heath Canada Approval Announcement:
19 September 2018
IMBiotechnologies Ltd Announces Presentation at the 2018 Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe Annual Meeting (Lisbon, Portugal)
EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA - IMBiotechnologies Ltd today announced that an oral presentation regarding the use of its lead product, Occlusin® 500 Embolization Microspheres (Occlusin 500), in benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) patients will be presented at the 2018 Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) annual meeting. Dr. Richard Owen, lead investigator of the clinical study conducted at the University of Alberta Hospital, will be presenting qualitative data assessing prostate tissue and Occlusin 500 using ultrasound in patients after prostatic artery embolization. The presentation entitled “Ultrasound detection of a biodegradable embolic microsphere after prostatic artery embolization” and will be given by Dr. Owen on Saturday, September 22nd.
About Occlusin 500
Occlusin 500 is a first-in-class biodegradable embolic agent that is detectable by ultrasound. It is a class II medical device cleared in the USA for the treatment of unresectable/inoperable hypervascularized tumors. IMBiotechnologies is currently seeking Health Canada approval for Occlusin 500.
About IMBiotechnologies Ltd.
IMBiotechnologies is a privately held Canadian medical device company located in Edmonton, Alberta focused on the commercialization of medical products in the area embolotherapy.
About Embolotherapy
Embolotherapy works by reducing or eliminating the blood supply to target tissues. The procedure is performed by injecting embolic agents through a catheter into the blood vessels that feed the target tissue. By selectively blocking the tissue’s blood supply, the target tissue is either destroyed or devitalized, resulting in therapeutic benefit.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements and predictions. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, necessarily involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. The Company considers the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based to be reasonable at the time they were prepared, but cautions that these assumptions regarding the future events, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, may ultimately prove to be incorrect. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or future events and except as required by law.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Kelly Mottet
Director of Marketing and Business Development
(780) 233-4294
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