Distribution agreement signed between Cardiovascular Systems and Asahi Intecc

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (CSI) (Nasdaq: CSII), a medical device company developing and commercializing innovative interventional treatment systems for vascular disease, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd., based in Japan, to market its peripheral guide wire line in the United States.

“The addition of Asahi guide wires expands our product portfolio and reinforces our leadership position in the peripheral arterial disease or PAD market,” said David L. Martin, CSI president and chief executive officer. “Asahi peripheral guide wires address long, complex lesions above or below the knee, and complement the plaque removal capabilities of our Diamondback 360°. This agreement supports our mission to provide the more than 5,000 physicians and 2,000 hospitals treating PAD with comprehensive endovascular tools. In just a few minutes of treatment time the Diamondback 360° can keep patients walking and helps patients and their families avoid the high economic costs and trauma related to immobility and amputation.”

CSI’s flagship product is the Diamondback 360^o® Peripheral Arterial Disease System, a minimally invasive catheter system for treating PAD. Between 8 million and 12 million Americans suffer from PAD, which is caused by the accumulation of plaque in leg or foot arteries, reducing blood flow. Symptoms include leg pain when walking or at rest, and PAD can lead to tissue loss and eventually limb amputation. The Diamondback 360^o removes calcified and fibrous plaque and restores blood flow in vessels both below and above the knee.

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with CSI and its sales and marketing organization,” said Masahiko Miayata, president and chief executive officer of Asahi Intecc. “CSI is rapidly building a loyal customer base of physicians focused on treating PAD. We share the mutual goal of developing innovative technologies with the capabilities to address difficult PAD cases and improve patients’ lives.”

CSI will offer two Asahi 0.18 wire platforms: the Astato 30 and Treasure 12. The Astato 30 is a high-penetration guide wire specially designed to break through fibrous caps and calcium deposits, and treat long, complex lesions. The Treasure 12 has a one-piece core which provides exceptional control, superior torque performance and tactile feedback to the physician.

Jihad Mustapha, M.D., Metro Health Hospital, Grand Rapids, Mich., added, “I have used the Asahi wire in tough cases where other technologies failed. Asahi provides wires with a unique ability to transmit force applied outside of the body to the tip of the wire. When rotated, the Asahi Wires seem to turn at a 1:1 ratio; that is, they behave in a controllable way, giving me the ability to easily pass through the hard cap of a lesion. There is nothing else like these wires on the market.”

In addition to the Diamondback 360°, CSI offers a portfolio of supplemental PAD products, including its own Viper line. All products are available through the CSI national sales organization.