Sound business
Theraclion SA (PARIS:ALTHER) sells a specialist medical device, the EchoPulse, that precisely focuses high-energy sound onto fibrous lumps just below the skin surface: breast fibroadenomas and thyroid nodules. The sound energy heats the lump to just over 800C, causing the fibrotic tissue to break down. The technique has no infection risk and is easy to use with no scarring risk. It is CE marked with eight commercial units installed, mostly in France; the three units that were sold in 2014 generated €774k plus €26k in disposables. US trials have started for a PMA. The FY14 operating loss was €4.95m, with €4.27m cash.
Breast fibroadenomas
At least 10% of women develop small hard lumps, 1-2cm often in the upper, outer breast, which can be very painful; these often develop at a young age. They are benign - but this must be confirmed by biopsy. Fibroadenomas are usually stable and up to 50% regress within three years and with age. Surgical removal is expensive and carries risks. EchoPulse enables fibroadenoma shrinking (average of 72.5% seen after a year) so women can be treated quickly and effectively in an hour.
Thyroid nodules
These form on the margins of the thyroid gland; most are small. About 5% of adults develop palpable nodules; 95% are benign (biopsy needed). Nodules can increase the production of thyroxine causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism like weight loss, tremors and irregular heartbeat. Nodules can only be removed by surgery so are usually monitored. EchoPulse allows simple therapy with 48.9% mean shrinkage.
To Read the Entire Report Please Click on the pdf File Below