ABIOMED, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABMD) today reported that Hahnemann University Hospital
has announced that Mr. James Quinn, who received an AbioCor™ Implantable
Replacement Heart at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
on November 5, 2001, suffered a fatal stroke on Friday, August 23rd . Despite
efforts to improve his condition, he became unresponsive that evening and was
withdrawn from life support today.
"We are deeply saddened by Mr. Quinn's passing," said Dr. Robert
T.V. Kung, ABIOMED's Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. "Our
thoughts are with the Quinn family and James' many friends. Everyone at ABIOMED
has the utmost respect for the courage, tenacity and will to live that James
exemplified. We are thankful for the contribution he has made, and for the opportunity
to know him."
In accordance with Company policy designed to respect patient privacy rights
throughout the course of the AbioCor clinical trial, ABIOMED will have no further
comment at this time.
The hospital's press release may be viewed at www.hahnemannheart.com or www.drexel.edu.
Based in Danvers, Massachusetts, ABIOMED, Inc. (pronounced "AB'-EE-O-MED")
is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical products designed
to assist or replace the pumping function of the failing heart. The Company's
AbioCor Implantable Replacement Heart is being implanted in patients as part
of an initial clinical trial conducted under an Investigational Device Exemption
from the United States Food and Drug Administration. The AbioCor has not been
approved for commercial distribution, and is not available for use or sale outside
of the initial clinical trial. ABIOMED currently manufactures and sells the
BVS, a heart assist device for the temporary support of all patients with failing
but potentially recoverable hearts.
This Advisory contains statements regarding the clinical trial of the AbioCor
and reference to comments made by representatives of Hahnemann University Hospital
and they alone are responsible for such comments and the content of their website.
Such trials are subject to numerous risks and ABIOMED's actual results may differ
materially based upon a number of factors, including uncertainties associated
with development, testing and related regulatory approvals, anticipated future
losses, complex manufacturing, high quality requirements, dependence on limited
sources of supply, competition, technological change, government regulation,
future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing and other risks
detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investor Contact:
John F. Thero
Chief Financial Officer
(978) 777-5410
Assistant: Christine DeLuca
Press Contact:
Sara J. Goldstein
Corporate Communications Specialist
(978) 777-5410
