ISSYS Obtains Commercialization Funds for Drug Delivery Safety Products.

YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. (ISSYS) in Ypsilanti, Michigan, announced today that it has been awarded $950,000 over a two-year period, from the Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor Fund (MTTC). The award ("Commercializing a Life-Saving Drug Infusion System") is dedicated to commercializing drug infusion products developed at ISSYS.

Published reports indicate that errors in drug delivery result in 200,000 serious injuries and 7,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. In addition to tremendous human suffering, the associated lawsuits cost between $76B - $136B per year in the U.S. It is estimated that one out of every five drug administrations in a hospital is erroneous. Published data shows 41% of errors are due to the wrong dose while 16% of errors are due to the wrong drug being given to the patient. This information illustrates the need for improved drug delivery safety devices and methods.

Dr. Douglas Sparks, Executive VP of ISSYS and project's Principal Investigator, stated that "The safety features of ISSYS novel products will considerably improve the performance, functionality, and quality of current drug delivery systems; enhance the life of 100,000's of patients and their families; and save billions of dollars in eliminating health-care-related lawsuits. The system that ISSYS has developed can greatly reduce the number of errors seen during drug delivery by monitoring the drug dose, dose rate, volume, drug type and concentration. It can also detect occlusions or blockages in the IV line and sense air bubbles. No other technology in the world is able to provide similar features as the ISSYS' technology."

Dr. Nader Najafi, President and CEO of ISSYS also stated that, "We greatly appreciated the support from the State of Michigan, Michigan Economy Development Corporation (MEDC) and MTTC program. The new technology has a proven track record of industrial use and ISSYS has comprehensive IP protection with a strong patent portfolio. The first product is currently under consideration at the FDA for approval."

ISSYS Background: ISSYS is a leader in advanced micromachining technologies for medical devices, microfluidic and scientific analytical sensing applications used in the development of drug infusion pumps and wireless, implantable sensing systems. Founded in 1995 by world renowned leaders in MEMS technology, ISSYS operates an "everything under one roof" multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art Bio-MEMS fabrication facility located near Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more company, product and service information, please visit http://www.mems-issys.com/.

MTTC Background: Michigan's Technology Tri-Corridor fosters growth in advanced automotive technologies, homeland security and life science industries through funding and resource collaboration, focusing on emerging technology sectors. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) awarded $27.3 million to 24 life sciences projects in the 2005 Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor Fund competition. Winners of the competitive, peer-reviewed process include researchers at Michigan public universities and entrepreneurs working to commercialize technology-based products that have potential to enhance and extend the lives of people throughout the world. This program seeks to fund the best basic research, applied research and commercialization projects in Michigan and encourages collaboration between researchers and technology companies. For more information about the MTTC please visit: http://medc.michigan.org/ttc/tricorridor/.