IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MRI Interventions, Inc. (OTCQB:MRIC) today announced that Dr. Mark Richardson performed his 75 th real-time, MRI guided neurosurgical procedure utilizing the ClearPoint ® Neuro Navigation System at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). “The ClearPoint Neuro Navigation System provides me with real-time visualization for precision planning, navigating and placement of electrodes, laser ablation fibers, biopsy needles and now drug delivery,” stated Dr. Mark Richardson, MD, PhD, FAANS, Director of Epilepsy and Movement Disorders at UPMC Presbyterian. "Recently, we were selected to participate in a novel drug delivery trial, for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease." The trial, sponsored by Voyager Therapeutics, is investigating the safety of increasing AADC levels in the putamen via gene delivery for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. The investigational drug termed VY-AADC01, is comprised of the adeno-associated virus-2 capsid and a cytomegalovirus promotor to drive AADC transgene expression. When delivered directly to the putamen where the dopamine receptors are located, the drug is designed to enable the neurons of the putamen to express the AADC enzyme to convert levodopa into dopamine. “Utilizing the ClearPoint Neuro Navigation System, we can monitor the therapy throughout the infusion and make adjustments as required to maximize coverage of the putamen. The ability to watch the drug infuse into the target tissue under real-time, MRI guidance is critical to the success of the overall therapy.”
The ClearPoint System, together with the SmartFlow ® Cannula provide a complete, real- time, MRI guided Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED) solution for planning, navigation, and delivery of therapeutic agents. In addition, patients under general anesthesia do not have to endure the placement of a large stereotactic headframe which improves patient comfort. The ClearPoint System is now being utilized as the navigation and planning system for several pre-clinical and clinical drug delivery trials with multiple biotech and pharmaceutical partners. These trials are addressing significant diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, and brain tumors. By enabling the surgeon to see the infusion of the therapeutic into the target brain tissue in real time, the ClearPoint System is becoming the navigation and delivery technology of choice for leading edge therapeutic programs.
About MRI Interventions, Inc.
Building on the imaging power of MRI, MRI Interventions is creating innovative platforms for performing the next generation of minimally invasive surgical procedures in the brain. The ClearPoint System, which has received 510(k) clearance and is CE marked, utilizes a hospital’s existing diagnostic or intraoperative MRI suite to enable a range of minimally invasive procedures in the brain. For more information, please visit www.mriinterventions.com .
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements herein concerning MRI Interventions, Inc. (the “Company”) plans, growth and strategies may include forward-looking statements within the context of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding the Company's future events, developments and future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. Uncertainties and risks may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements. Particular uncertainties and risks include those relating to: the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing; estimates regarding the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources; future revenues from sales of the Company’s ClearPoint system products; and the Company’s ability to market, commercialize and achieve broader market acceptance for the Company’s ClearPoint system products. More detailed information on these and additional factors that could affect the Company’s actual results are described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, both of which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact: Wendelin Maners, VP, Marketing MRI Interventions, Inc. 949-900-6833
