GYG Gyg Plc

RNS Number:5543J
Gyrus Group PLC
26 April 2000

GYRUS GROUP PLC


GYRUS ACHIEVES GOAL LAUNCHING FOUR NEW PRODUCTS THIS YEAR BASED ON THEIR
INNOVATIVE PLASMAKINETIC SURGERY TECHNOLOGY

Gyrus announces launch of its fourth new product this year including:

*       a new instrument to extend the range and utility of their VAPR
        arthroscopy instruments for knee cartilage treatment;

*       a new VersaPoint hysteroscopic instrument for treating  the most
        common cause of excessive menstrual bleeding;

*       a suction converter to enhance performance of VAPR instruments during
        arthroscopic shoulder surgery, and;

*       a reduced diameter version of this product for knee surgery which was
        announced in January.

*       The company anticipates maintaining the momentum of new product
        launches coinciding as it does this year with the major spring and      
      autumn scientific meetings.

Commenting today Dr Mark Goble,  Chief Executive Officer, said 'These product
launches not only demonstrate the productivity of our development group and
the commitment of our customers to our PlasmaKinetic technology but also the
strength and depth of the management team who have achieved these results
whilst simultaneously completing a placing and open offer to support the
acquisition of Everest in the USA'

Having completed its tender offer for Everest Medical Corporation earlier this
month the Gyrus Group plc (Gyrus) has announced the launch of its fourth new
product this year.

These products include a reduced diameter wedge-tipped instrument to extend
the range and utility of its successful 2.3mm VAPR arthroscopy instruments for
knee cartilage treatment.

A 3.5mm suction converter to enhance the performance of VAPR instruments used
during arthroscopic shoulder surgery. This product extracts the by-products of
tissue vaporisation further improving visualisation and ease of use. (The
first new product launched in January was a reduced diameter version for
arthroscopic knee surgery.)

The two suction converter products were developed under the $6 million Key
Growth initiative with Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Last September Gyrus announced
that the Ethicon Inc division of healthcare giant J&J was to invest $6 million
to fast track development of a market-led range of new arthroscopic products
for use with the VAPR system. Targeting high growth opportunities within the
arthroscopic market, further products developed under this J&J investment
initiative are scheduled for launch over the next 12 months.

Arthroscopy involves the treatment of injuries to joints of the body using
minimal access techniques.  The potential market for VAPR is estimated at
$400-450 million and continues to show strong growth as patients demand less
traumatic surgery and faster recovery.  With the increasing activity of the
population as a whole, this demand should continue to fuel double-digit
growth.  

The fourth new product, funded by Gynecare (J&J), is a new VersaPoint
hysteroscopic instrument for removing over-growth of the lining of the uterus
- a common cause of excessive menstrual bleeding. Initially targeted at
fibroid treatment (growths inside the uterus), the VersaPoint hysteroscopic
system was launched in 1997 by Gynecare Inc. Gynecare was subsequently
acquired by Ethicon who now promote the system through their Womens'
Healthcare division. 

This new instrument will be introduced as part of the Resectoscopic System
(VRS) range which is being used to help accelerate the conversion from open
surgery to the minimally invasive hysteroscopic treatment of excessive
menstrual bleeding.

Gyrus have their UK Headquarters in Cardiff and the Sales & Marketing Division
in Bourne End.  Further information on the company is available on request
from Jean Garon PR by calling (01628) 483040  Fax: (01628) 486796.    You can
also visit the Gyrus web site at: www.gyrus.co.uk

UPDATE BRIEFING - TO PRESENT THE NEW GYRUS
Thursday, 11th May at 10.30am, at WestLB Panmure, with presentations by Brian
Steer (Chairman), Dr Mark Goble (Chief Executive Officer) and John Bradshaw
(Finance Director) covering the recent acquisition in the USA, distribution
strategies in the USA for the urology and cosmetic surgery markets, technology
integration and an update on new products. Please contact Jean Garon PR if you
would like to attend.

With Compliments
Jean Garon PR
Tel: (01628) 483040
Fax: (01628) 486796
E-Mail: jean@garonpr.demon.co.uk


END

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