HemoTherapies Announces Availability of Liver Dialysis Technology at Scripps Green Hospital; Hospital Participates in Post-Market Clinical Trial of Liver Dialysis.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

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SAN DIEGO--(BW HealthWire)--May 21, 2001

Scripps Green Hospital now offers a new and innovative Liver Dialysis treatment program that may be of significant benefit to patients with advanced liver disease. Liver Dialysis is a new therapeutic option that will enable Scripps Green to more effectively serve the needs of liver disease patients in the region, specifically patients suffering from decompensation of chronic liver disease due to Hepatitis C and cirrhosis, as well as victims of drug overdose or drug toxicity. To perform these services the Center is employing the latest tool for treating patients, the HemoTherapies Unit(TM). The HemoTherapies Unit is used to clear toxins from the bloodstream, diminishing stress on the liver and enabling physicians to stabilize their patients. San Diego-based HemoTherapies Inc. markets the technology.

Scripps Green is one of only a few hospitals around the country participating in a post-market clinical trial. The study will examine if treatment with the HemoTherapies Unit improves the patient's encephalopathy, mental confusion caused by build up of toxins in the brain, faster and more effectively than standard therapy. It also examines if treatment with the HemoTherapies Unit will result in decreased length of ICU stay, of overall hospital stay, the number and type of ancillary treatments required and of complications associated with encephalopathy such as respiratory and kidney failure.

There are approximately 4 million patients in the US suffering from Hepatitis C, which is the leading indication for liver transplantation. Only one in four patients awaiting a transplant will receive one, and this year over 10,000 Americans will die from Hepatitis C. Technologies such as the HemoTherapies Unit are critical in the treatment of this patient population.

"We recognize the need to provide our liver disease patients with the most advanced care possible, and the HemoTherapies Unit will allow us to accomplish this goal," said Dr. Lisa Nyberg of Scripps Clinic. "Over 600,000 people in California suffer from Hepatitis C alone and many more suffer from other forms of liver disease or impairment. If the liver disease progresses to end stage disease resulting in mental confusion or coma, the HemoTherapies treatment may be of benefit. In some cases of drug overdose, the HemoTherapies Unit has effectively removed damaging toxins from a patient's body, giving the liver support so it can regenerate itself. Prior to this, we've had very few treatment options available to help these patients. Patients who may be possible candidates for treatment with Liver Dialysis should be evaluated by their doctor who, in turn, should contact the treatment center."

The HemoTherapies Unit for Liver Dialysis is the only liver assist technology with FDA clearance. It is indicated for the treatment of patients suffering from acute hepatic encephalopathy due to decompensating liver disease and drug overdose. The Unit is a compact, self-contained system that can be wheeled to a patient's bedside. Using a patented sorbent suspension technology, the Unit removes toxins while balancing blood chemistries through its ability to add specific electrolytes and glucose to the patient's blood.

While it is not a cure, the HemoTherapies Unit can eliminate life-threatening toxins that are associated with liver failure. David Mazepink, President and CEO of HemoTherapies said, "We're pleased to be working with the physicians and medical care professionals at Scripps Green Hospital in providing this system for the benefit of patients in our home based city, San Diego."

HemoTherapies Inc. is dedicated to applying technology and services for the benefit of patients with liver disease. It markets and distributes advanced liver care technology, services and programs for patients suffering from liver disease or liver impairment due to hepatitis, cirrhosis, overdose, drug toxicity, aggressive drug therapies or other causes, for use in hospitals nationwide.

For additional information about liver dialysis visit the HemoTherapies website at www.hemotherapies.com or call 858-350-1516.

Founded in 1924, Scripps Clinic is a multi-specialty, outpatient care facility caring for patients at 11 locations throughout San Diego County including Del Mar, Encinitas, Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, Rancho San Diego, San Marcos, Santee and La Jolla. The Clinic and its more than 350 physicians are world-renown for research-driven care and medical specialty expertise. In July 2000, Scripps Clinic reaffiliated with Scripps Health after five years of operating as a private medical group. Scripps Health is a not-for-profit, community-based healthcare delivery network that includes more than 2,600 affiliated physicians, five acute-care and two convalescent hospitals, home health care and associated support services. The reaffiliation of these two entities makes Scripps Health one of the largest healthcare organizations in San Diego County, drawing from the expertise of nearly 10,000 healthcare professionals.

The statements made in this press release contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, current product development, demand and market acceptance risks, the impact of competitive products and pricing, regulatory approval and future product development. Actual events or results may differ from HemoTherapies Inc.'s expectations. These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgment as of the date of this release. The company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.