ImThera Medical completes THN system development

Sep 24 2009

ImThera Medical, Inc. announced today that it has completed development of its Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation (THN) system for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

More than 800,000 patients in the US are annually diagnosed with OSA. While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) remains as the established therapy, studies show that up to 50% of patients do not comply with CPAP. ImThera Medical’s technology and THN Sleep Therapy was developed as a surgical option for patients who cannot or will not comply with CPAP.

ImThera Medical’s THN Sleep Therapy delivers neurostimulation to the hypoglossal nerve to control certain muscles of the tongue. Using a multi-contact electrode and a programmable implantable pulse generator (IPG), the system delivers muscle tone to key tongue muscles to prevent the tongue from collapsing into the upper airway. This technology includes a small multi-current source IPG, operating in continuous, open loop mode, delivering targeted stimulation. The system is designed to increase airway flow, permitting normal and restful sleep for OSA patients.

“OSA is a serious health issue worldwide. With numerous OSA patients still lacking an effective treatment, other methods such as surgical therapies that specifically target the tongue are evolving and may become very compelling,” said Marcelo G. Lima, Chairman, President and CEO of ImThera Medical. “Our new THN sleep therapy system will offer OSA patients an alternative to CPAP, allowing them to regain their quality of sleep. We are looking forward to performing the required safety and efficacy tests for our innovative technology in the months ahead.”