Tuesday, June 9, 2009

CPC Strengthens Foundation as a Closure Products Company with its Vertically Integrated Product Pipeline

 CPC of America, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CPCF), announced today that its first patent filing of a synthetic sealant for its specific application to the MedClose(TM) Vascular Closure System (VCS) -- previously announced May 21, 2009 -- represents a much broader foundation and basis for its new strategic plan as a Closure Products Company. CPC is presently focused on the development and testing of the MedClose(TM) VCS, which is an internal puncture-closing system for use in percutaneous intravascular diagnostic and interventional procedures, and announced today it will alsi gueo design and develop new vascular closure applications based upon a broader range of French sizes (i.e., introducer sheath diameters). The MedClose(TM) VCS design has the capabilities to be rapidly adapted to not only focus on its core VCS application for vascular closure following diagnostic or interventional procedures (coronary, carotid, cerebral, peripheral) with 6-9 French (Fr) catheters but also for:

  • 4-5Fr for applications such as vascular closure following catheterization procedures in pediatric populations, closure of central line access points for chemo-therapy patients, hemostasis after arteriovenous fistulae access and peripheral arterial and/or venous closure after diagnostic and interventional electrophysiology procedures.
  • 10-12Fr for applications such as iliac and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) stent/graft implants.
  • 15-20Fr for applications such as existing designs for percutaneous aortic and mitral valve replacement, endovascular stent grafts.

Importantly, the synthetic sealant and its characteristics also have potential future applications such as internal and external bonding and coating of tissue and instruments, (e.g., temporary coatings for burn victims, grafting of artificial skin, adhesion prevention, coatings on polymers, or coatings on implant devices such as stents or grafts), biopsy sealing) with or without drug delivery (e.g., the delivery of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate into the spine area or other body organs), stem cell or growth factor delivery (e.g., the delivery of stem cells and/or growth factors into the spine area or other body regions), tissue sealants/adhesives to control of bleeding or fluid leakage in body tissue (e.g., lung sealing or hemostasis, tissue, muscle, and bone growth and regeneration) and dermatology (e.g., collagen restoration/replacement, topical application or void-filling by injection to fill wrinkles).

We believe that our sealant offers some important potential advantages over other sealants in several respects. First, as a synthetic sealant, our product is free from the risk of blood-borne and other pathogens. Second, testing to date indicates excellent adhesive strengths when applied to wet areas of tissue which could offer a tremendous competitive advantage due to the fact that vascular closure sites are normally initially wet due to the presence of blood or body fluids. And finally, the synthetic sealant appears to perform independently with respect to the level of anti-coagulation present.

We believe the MedClose(TM) VCS System has the potential to represent multiple product lines in multiple market segments, enhancing the value to such intellectual property. We are no longer one dimensional but believe in the original vision we had with the acquisition in November 1999 of closure technology with broad applications as stated above. We continue to improve the MedClose(TM) VCS by strengthening the platform of regulatory, quality, manufacturing, etc. capabilities for new product development and sustaining engineering.

CSL Limited and Talecris Biotherapeutics Agree to Terminate Merger Agreement

CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) and Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc. announced today that they have mutually agreed to terminate their merger agreement, announced on August 12, 2008, under which CSL agreed to acquire Talecris for US$3.1 billion in cash.

Dr. Brian McNamee, CEO and Managing Director of CSL Limited, said, "We are disappointed that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) resolved to block the transaction. As we have previously stated we fundamentally disagree with the FTC case and matters included in their complaint. Although we continue to believe in the many customer benefits and significant financial synergies that supported the transaction, CSL's Board of Directors did not believe that entering into a protracted litigation process with the FTC, with its inherent risks, substantial costs, and lengthy distraction of CSL management and staff from planning and running our businesses would be in the best interests of our stakeholders."

Dr. McNamee continued, "While we regret that the transaction cannot be completed, CSL remains a well positioned global biopharmaceutical business and will continue to expand on its core strengths. We have consistently produced year-on-year growth for our shareholders and we are confident in the continued value and growth potential of our stand-alone business. We continue to have great respect for Talecris and wish them well in the future."

Lawrence D. Stern, Talecris' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "After discussions with CSL, we have mutually agreed that litigation regarding the antitrust issue was not the path forward. Based on a careful analysis of the situation and all alternatives available, we believe that termination of the merger agreement is in the best interest of all parties. We are disappointed that patients will not benefit from the efficiencies we saw in the proposed combination. Talecris continues to focus on its patient community and customers, and on building and realizing value for its employees and owners. Through the process, we developed an even greater appreciation for CSL's competencies, professionalism and integrity, and we wish Brian and his team well in their future endeavors."

Both parties will fulfill their obligations for termination contained in the merger agreement. As part of the agreement, CSL will pay Talecris a US$75 million break fee, and the plasma supply contract the parties entered into in connection with the merger agreement will remain in effect.