COMPUMED STUDY DEMONSTRATES INCREASED EFFICIENCY OF DICOM OSTEOGRAMŽ OVER STANDARD X-RAY-BASED VERSION
OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING RESULTS PRESENTED AT SCAR ANNUAL MEETING
LOS ANGELES, June 14 2005 -- CompuMed, Inc. (CMPD.OB) -- a medical informatics company serving the healthcare community with diagnostic software solutions -- has presented results of a clinical study comparing its digital x-ray OsteoGram(R) against its standard film x-ray OsteoGram. The results affirm that the digital version assesses Bone Mineral Density (BMD) more efficiently than the standard x-ray version, with comparable reliability and image quality.
The results of the study were presented by CompuMed Vice President of Technology, Xiaoli Bi, at the recent 2005 Annual Meeting of the Society for Computer Applications in Radiology (SCAR) in Orlando, Florida. The study was titled, "A CAD Bone Mineral Density Assessment Application for DICOM (Digital Communications and Imaging in Medicine) Compliant Platforms."
"We were honored to be invited to present OsteoGram data at one of the world's premiere radiology conferences," said Jerry McLaughlin, president & CEO of CompuMed. "This event was an ideal venue to present our data, given that SCAR is one of the largest gatherings of clinicians and industry participants focused on advanced computer applications in medical imaging."
The study's DICOM BMD results were found to correlate highly with the standard film-based system, which has been used successfully for nearly 10 years to diagnose osteoporosis for more than 140,000 patients worldwide. Over that time, the film-based OsteoGram has developed a reputation as an accurate, low-cost bone density test. The newer DICOM OsteoGram uses a digital image derived from filmless x-ray equipment to enable clinicians to perform accurate and precise osteoporosis testing. As a result, the DICOM OsteoGram can provide a similar result as a standard x-ray, but more quickly and at a lower cost.
"The results of the study demonstrate that the more efficient DICOM OsteoGram performs reliable Bone Mineral Density assessment," added McLaughlin. "The expanding global market for digital x-ray equipment provides many exciting opportunities to bundle CompuMed's software-based system with rapidly proliferating DICOM imaging platforms."
CompuMed initiated shipments of the DICOM-based OsteoGram software to the global market in 2004. The system was jointly launched with a Computed Radiography platform by Orex (Yokneam, Israel), a global leader in filmless medical imaging equipment. Orex was recently acquired by Kodak's Health Group.
Osteoporosis affects more than 200 million people worldwide. Many are not aware they have the disease until they experience a bone fracture. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 20-40 percent of women will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis during their lifetime. New studies also indicate that the prevalence of osteoporosis among men is higher than previously thought, with about 20 percent affected.
About CompuMed:
Founded in 1973, CompuMed, Inc. (BB:CMPD) is a leading provider of computer-aided telemedicine and diagnostics technology. The Company's core products are the OsteoGram and CardioGram systems. The OsteoGram, which is cleared by the FDA for commercial use, is an accurate and precise technology for low-cost osteoporosis testing. The CardioGram system remotely interprets electrocardiograms and is used by private practice, government and corporate healthcare providers nationwide. CompuMed is headquartered in Los Angeles. Visit CompuMed at www.compumed.net or call (310) 258-5000.
About SCAR:
The Society for Computer Applications in Radiology (SCAR) is devoted to advance computer applications and information technology in medical imaging through education and research. A fundamental role of SCAR is to bridge the gap between engineers and scientists who develop the systems and radiologists and technologists who use them. SCAR provides an open environment for imaging information professionals to access expert and cutting edge resources in a collegial and practical atmosphere. Membership in SCAR is open to anyone with an interest in this vital and growing field.
This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning CompuMed's plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not statements of historical fact. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, ability to raise capital, the availability of appropriate acquisition candidates and/or business partnerships, economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, capacity and supply constraints or difficulties, government regulation and other risks identified in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. In addition, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.
CONTACT: Erik Deutsch - Tellem Worldwide, +1 (310) 479-6111 x.15, edeutsch@tellem.com