BioSyntech

Established in 1995 and traded on the TSX Venture since 2004, BioSyntech has created and developed innovative biotherapeutic thermogels for regenerative medicine (tissue repair) and therapeutic delivery, which appeal to large unsatisfied markets.
BST-DermOn™ is a topical therapy, which conforms well to the wound and may help stimulate the natural healing process. It may maintain the wound’s moist environment while allowing gas exchange. The wound healing, as well as inherent hemostatic and bacterio-static properties of the chitosan component of BST-DermOn™ has well-documented in the scientific literature. Our animal studies have shown that it stimulates and supports the intrinsic healing process of slow or non-healing wounds.
Claude LeDuc President and CEO BioSyntech Inc. said "As part of the implementation of the streamlined business plan we will concentrate and focus our efforts and resources on advancing BST-CarGel® through the clinic. While we continue to believe strongly in the market opportunity of our other programs, given the current limited financial resources at BioSyntech, enrollment for the BST-DermOnTM clinical trial and development work on BST-InPodTM has been suspended at this time."

Researchers Use New Method to Control Bleeding in Hemophilia

MILWAUKEE, Nov 13, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Investigators at Children's Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin's Blood Research Institute and the Medical College of Wisconsin have discovered a new way to help the blood clot by having the missing clotting factor packaged in the patient's own platelets. In the October 2008 edition of Blood, investigators describe how a gene-modified bone marrow transplant can be used to initiate clotting in hemophilia. This type of approach may work in the 30 to 35 percent of hemophilia patients that have developed inhibitory antibodies against the missing clotting protein.
The bone marrow is removed from the patient and stem cells are treated with Factor VIII, a clotting factor, which is placed in the platelets. The marrow is given back to the patient, who then retains the essential clotting mechanisms to stop bleeding that otherwise would lead to complications.
For people suffering from hemophilia, this research means the potential relief of a constant, burdening disease. People who have hemophilia previously had to be treated every time they bled. Currently, they can receive treatments three times a week, but these are very costly and time consuming. The results from this study provide hope that people with hemophilia could potentially lead a disease-free life.
The scientific community once believed that hemophilia would be treated successfully by gene therapy. Research then showed that gene therapy typically resulted in the patient not retaining a substantial amount of clotting factor, which is integral in preventing serious bleeding.
This research was a collaborative effort that included investigators Qizen Shi, PhD, MD; David A. Wilcox, PhD; and Robert Montgomery, MD.

Vascular Solutions Ranked as One of the 500 Fastest Growing Technology Companies in North America

Vascular Solutions, Inc. today announced that it has once again been included on the 2008 Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage revenue growth over five years, from 2003-2007.
Vascular Solutions' CEO, Howard Root, commented: "This is the fifth year that we have been ranked as one of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America, which is a testament to the continued dedication and hard work of our employees. It is especially pleasing to be able to achieve our 346% revenue growth over the past five years through advancing our mission of delivering excellence in vascular devices. We are honored to be one of just three Minnesota companies on the Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 list for 2008."