Japan's MHLW provides reimbursement coverage for MTWA test

Cambridge Heart, Inc.Mar 17 2012

Cambridge Heart, Inc. (OTCBB: CAMH), a developer of non-invasive diagnostic tests for cardiac disease, today announced that its Microvolt T-Wave Alternans™ (MTWA) test received reimbursement coverage from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW). Effective April 1, 2012, the MTWA Test will be reimbursed for patients who are considered at risk for lethal arrhythmias including, but not limited to, patients with a history of heart attack, cardiomyopathy and Brugada syndrome.

“This decision highlights the valuable role that MTWA can play in managing a patient's risk for sudden cardiac arrest”

Commenting on the decision, Dr. Takanori Ikeda, Professor of Medicine at Toho University Medical Center, said, "We are very pleased with the reimbursement decision on MTWA testing. A large body of clinical evidence supports the predictive value of the test which can now be used more broadly to help identify and manage the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias."

Cambridge Heart markets its MTWA technology in Japan through its partnership with Fukuda Denshi Corporation, one of Japan's leading and most active medical device and technology companies, which has already established an MTWA user base in the country , noted Ali Haghighi-Mood, Cambridge Heart President and CEO.

"This decision highlights the valuable role that MTWA can play in managing a patient's risk for sudden cardiac arrest," Haghighi-Mood said. "Gaining reimbursement coverage in Japan, which enjoys one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world, is an important milestone for our MTWA technology and another indicator that the value of MTWA testing is being recognized around the world. We look forward to working closely and strategically with our distribution partner in Japan to further expand that market and maximize the value of the relationship."