New unique product approved in Europe

Vitrolife has received European approval, a so-called CE mark, for its new needle for the collection of human oocytes, Swemed Sense™ (patent pending). The needle, which is under launch, has received a very positive response and very positive publicity. Swemed Sense™ combines the good properties of Vitrolife’s previous needles with a new way of designing the front part and tip, so that the patient will experience less discomfort and so that the risk of bleeding is reduced. “This is the first product that applies a new technical principle for oocyte collection needles. We believe in this principle very much,” says Tony Winslöf, Marketing Director at Vitrolife.

The Swemed Sense™ oocyte aspiration needle is designed with a thinner front part and tip so as to minimize tissue damage, bleeding and pain. However, the rear part of the needle has a larger diameter. This makes the needle stable and therefore does not reduce the ability to collect oocytes from the woman. Furthermore, the procedure is just as fast as when a thicker needle is used, which is not the case with uniformly thin needles. A patent application has been submitted for Swemed Sense™ in all major markets.

The response after the launch of Swemed Sense™ has been incredibly positive. Production has now begun and the first deliveries have been made to customers.

It is estimated that the market for needles used in the collection of oocytes for IVF amounts to approximately 50 million Euros.



September 1, 2008
Kungsbacka, Sweden

Magnus Nilsson
CEO





Queries should be addressed to:
Magnus Nilsson, CEO, phone +46 31 721 80 00 or +46 708 22 80 61.
Anna Ahlberg, CFO, phone +46 31 721 80 13 or +46 708 22 80 13.