New Study to Test Liver Dialysis for Treatment of Acetaminophen Overdose.Business Editors & Health/Medical WritersBIOWIRE2K SAN DIEGO--(BW HealthWire)--May 21, 2001 HemoTherapies Inc. and Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Control Enter Collaboration to Further Define Use of the HemoTherapies Unit(TM) HemoTherapies Inc. and Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center (RMPDC RMPDC Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center ) today announced their collaboration to further study the HemoTherapies Unit(TM) for Liver Dialysis liver dialysis Therapeutics The use of hepatocytes either in cartridges, as in an bioartificial liver or via cross-perfusion with other organisms, either human or animal origin to provide metabolic support for a Pt in acute hepatic failure. See Artificial liver. as a treatment for acetaminophen acetaminophen (əsēt'əmĭn`əfĭn), an analgesic and fever-reducing medicine similar in effect to aspirin. It is an active ingredient in many over-the-counter medicines, including Tylenol and Midol. or severe drug overdose Drug Overdose Definition A drug overdose is the accidental or intentional use of a drug or medicine in an amount that is higher than is normally used. cases. The objective of the study is to determine the appropriate point to use Liver Dialysis therapy in the treatment of patients with severe acetaminophen overdose. "We have already seen the HemoTherapies Unit save lives and eliminate the need for liver transplants with many drug overdose patients," said David Mazepink, President & CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of HemoTherapies. "This study will allow us to create a standard of care for acetaminophen overdose patients at risk of liver failure liver failure Clinical medicine Liver insufficiency that results in death, requires a liver transplant, or is characterized by recovery after encephalopathy, or while awaiting a transplant; also defined as a condition with ≥ 3 of following: albumin < 3. . It will also enable us to continue to reduce the number of deaths or transplants associated with acetaminophen overdose." Liver Dialysis is a therapeutic option available through the HemoTherapies Unit that effectively clears toxins from the bloodstream, diminishing stress on the liver and enabling physicians to stabilize their patients. The Unit is the only liver assist technology with FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. clearance for the treatment of patients suffering from drug overdose and acute hepatic encephalopathy hepatic encephalopathy n. See portal-systemic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy Also called liver encephalopathy or hepatic coma, this is a disorder in which brain function deteriorates because toxic substances, due to decompensating liver disease Liver Disease Definition Liver disease is a general term for any damage that reduces the functioning of the liver. Description The liver is a large, solid organ located in the upper right-hand side of the abdomen. . "When used properly, acetaminophen is a very safe and effective drug, however, when improperly used it can cause liver toxicity," Dr. Richard Dart, Director of the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Control Center said. "There are few treatment options available for acetaminophen poisoning. NAC See network access control. (N-acetylcysteine) is the standard therapy and is very effective if used early. However, NAC alone is not sufficient therapy for some patients. Evidence to date about Liver Dialysis is promising and suggests that it has the potential to successfully treat these patients. We look forward to further studying this innovative therapy." The study will be a multi-center study and is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2001. Currently RMPDC and HemoTherapies are developing a protocol for collecting retrospective data regarding the use of the HemoTherapies Unit for treating patients with acetaminophen poisoning. "The HemoTherapies Unit may offer a much needed treatment option for severe acetaminophen overdose patients who are at risk for developing liver failure," stated Dr. Barry Rumack, developer of the current drug overdose diagnostic standards. "By defining appropriate routine use for the Unit, we will be able to help more patients and successfully treat a number of the liver failure cases associated with drug overdose." About HemoTherapies HemoTherapies Inc. is dedicated to applying technology and services for the benefit of patients with liver disease. HemoTherapies 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. The HemoTherapies Unit for Liver Dialysis is the only liver assist technology with FDA clearance for the treatment of patients suffering from acute hepatic encephalopathy due to decompensating liver disease and drug overdose. For additional information about liver dialysis visit the HemoTherapies Web site at www.hemotherapies.com. About Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center The Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center (RMPDC) is a medical information center that specializes in poison exposure management, consulting and reporting. Located in Denver, the RMPDC has provided 24-hour poison emergency service for nearly half a century. We serve the residents of Colorado, Montana, Idaho, and southern Nevada as their poison center as well as many chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers throughout the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . This year RMPDC will serve over 140,000 callers. RMPDC is one of 45 centers certified by the American Association American Association refers to one of the following professional baseball leagues:
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. For additional information about RMPDC visit their Web site at www.rmpdc.org. |
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