TivaMed changes its name to Viveve

Women's sexual health company, TivaMed, today announced it has changed its name to Viveve as it prepares for a 2010 launch of its Viveve system to OB/GYNs in select U.S. markets.

"Viveve is a name that we believe captures the essence of our company focus on women's sexual health," said Kerry Pope, Viveve's president and chief executive. "Viveve exists for the sole purpose of helping women restore their sense of fulfillment and sexual satisfaction to the level that they enjoyed prior to giving birth."

The company has developed the Viveve procedure, a quick and painless nonsurgical treatment for women who have experienced vaginal looseness and loss of physical sensation that is common to many women after vaginal childbirth. The Viveve procedure uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate the body's natural collagen rebuilding process at the vaginal opening. Viveve has been shown in a clinical study to increase a woman's feeling of vaginal tightness and improve her sexual satisfaction during vaginal intercourse.

Research has shown that many women experience a feeling of looseness and a loss of physical sensation following vaginal childbirth; however, the condition is vastly underreported according to a recent study of more than 500 practicing OB/GYNs(1),(2)

"The problem is two-fold. Most women are uncomfortable speaking with their physicians about vaginal laxity and many physicians feel awkward bringing up this subject in fear of offending women. Many are not fully aware of treatment options that are available," said Sandra Carson, MD, chief of Reproductive Endocrinology at women and Infants Hospital at Brown University. "I expect the Viveve procedure will provide a catalyst for a conversation between patients and their physicians about vaginal laxity."

The Viveve system received FDA clearance in 2008. Three-month follow up results from Viveve's first-in-women trial will be presented later this month at the AAGL annual meeting, November 15 - 19 in Orlando, Florida.

The company's Series A financing was led by GBS Venture Partners and 5AM Ventures. For more information, visit the Viveve Web site at www.viveve.com or phone 650-321-3332.