Likvor’s technology supports the diagnosis of hidden disease
Likvor's technology supports the diagnosis of hidden disease
LinkMed's portfolio company Likvor has been granted CE
marking for its instrument for better and safer identification and
diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). The instrument,
CELDATM, was developed to assess the dynamics -
pressure, flow and resistance - of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
surrounding the brain and spinal cord. CELDATM
facilities greater understanding and enhanced diagnosis of NPH, a
condition that is often mistaken for dementia. CE marking opens up
the European market for the product.
CELDATM is the first commercially approved instrument
for assessing the flow of CSF fluid that surrounds the brain and
spinal cord. It increases the possibility for patients who suffer
from NPH to receive a correct diagnosis and therefore the
appropriate treatment in the form of a shunt implant that diverts
and regulates CSF pressure and flow. An accurate diagnosis means
large gains for the patient and family, but also for society as a
whole.
"CE marking is an important milestone for us at Likvor. Now we
can offer the healthcare industry an instrument that will give them
the opportunity to better help this patient group," says Likvor's
CEO Kjell Öberg. "Today many people receive the wrong diagnosis and
therefore also the wrong treatment. Correct diagnosis and treatment
of NPH means that patients can make a complete recovery."
Hidden disease of old age
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a relatively unknown
disease that is often mistakenly diagnosed as dementia, Alzheimer's
or Parkinson's. The is because the symptoms, including disturbances
in gait, confusion and urinary incontinence, are similar to those
of dementia, plus that NPH is a condition that mainly occurs in
people over the age of 55.
Studies have shown that up to 10 percent of dementia patients
may actually be suffering from NPH. In Sweden it is estimated that
over 7,000 Swedes suffer from the disease - most of them
unnecessarily. In the U.S., the corresponding figure is well over
375,000. NPH is a condition that is relatively easily treated by
the insertion of a shunt, which helps the patient to regulate CSF
flow and pressure. Patients receiving the correct diagnosis can
resume a normal life after treatment. The leading shunt
manufacturers Medtronic, Codman and Integra Life Science have all
shunts for this patient group.
For better, safer diagnosis and follow up
CELDATM makes it easy for doctors to assess CSF
dynamics such as pressure, flow, conductance and resistance, which
are factors that can be regulated by a shunt. Likvor's instrument
is the first commercially available instrument that provides a safe
and easy way to assess CSF dynamics. This will help healthcare
centers in the diagnosis of NPH and in the control of the
functionality of a patient's shunt. CELDATM is the only
instrument designed to verify the functionality of a shunt inserted
into a patient as well.
The technology behind Likvor's instrument is based on many years
of clinical research at the Norrland's University Hospital and Umeå
University.
The instrument will be presented at the Hydrocephalus 2009
conference, September 16 - 19, in Baltimore, U.S. Hydrocephalus
2009 is the largest scientific conference in this field.
In July, Likvor received a conversion loan from the
Norrlandsfonden for a total of SEK 3 million, this in conjunction
with the capital injection contributed by owners in May of a total
of SEK 3 million will be used to finance the launch stage that
Likvor is currently entering.
Likvor's principal owners are Uminova Invest and LinkMed. For
more information about Likvor visit www.likvor.com.
For more information please contact:
Kjell Öberg, CEO Likvor: +46 70 640 14 92
Okee Williams, Portfolio Manager LinkMed: +46 70 600 5364
Press release: September 3, 2009