Hadasit's Derotation Brace for Scoliosis Yields Positive Clinical Trial Results.

This is the only dynamic treatment for scoliosis in development today, Dr. Naum Simanovsky.

JERUSALEM -- Hadasit, the technology transfer company of Hadassah University Hospitals, announced today the first set of data from its ongoing clinical trial of the Derotation Brace for the treatment of scoliosis, a complex 3-D deformation of the trunk, spine and rib cage.

Three groups of patients, ages 12-15, were enrolled in the trial which commenced in December 2005. Five patients had mild curves (20-25 degrees); 10 patients had moderate curves (25-39 degrees); and, five had severe (>39 degrees) curves. The last group opted not to have surgery. Of the 20 patients in the study, 14 experienced curve improvement or remained stable, meaning there was no further deterioration in the curvature of their spines. One mild patient, one moderate patient and two severe patients progressed to a more acute condition. Two severe patients opted out of the study.

"All of the currently used conservative non-invasive treatments are static. The Derotation Brace is the only dynamic treatment for scoliosis in development today," said Dr. Naum Simanovsky MD, Pediatric Orthopedic Unit, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel and inventor of the device.

The Derotation Brace employs a dynamic derotation mechanism to create neutral rotational forces that reverse the rotation of the spine and help correct the scoliosis. The brace consists of two parts that allow for progressive derotation and the improvement of spinal balance in a three dimensional direction. A high resolution photo is available at the following URL (www.hadasit.co.il/startup/scoliosis%20mkt%20summ%20f07.doc).

Within the U.S., an estimated six million people live with scoliosis, which can be caused by congenital, developmental or degenerative problems. However, most cases of this condition, which actually have no known cause, are classified as idiopathic scoliosis or adolescent scoliosis. This type afflicts around 1% of the population worldwide and accounts for between 80-90% of all scoliosis instances. Idiopathic scoliosis is known to cause both social and physical effects including the ability to breathe normally.

About Hadasit

Hadasit (www.hadasit.co.il) was established as a subsidiary of Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) in Jerusalem, Israel to promote and commercialize its continuously generated intellectual property (IP), purposed to helping solve the problems of modern medicine. Hadasit guides technologies from innovation to commercial application. For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact Marjie Hadad, Media Liaison, Hadasit, at [phone] or e-mail [e-mail] or [e-mail].