Investor Contact: Dean Linden 604.633.1440
VANCOUVER, BC, March 2, 2008 ‘ CRH Medical Corporation (CRM:TSX-V) announced the acceptance for publication of a key peer-reviewed clinical study related to the use of its proprietary technology.’ The study, entitled ‘Hemorrhoid Treatment in the Outpatient Gastroenterologist Practice Using the CRH O’Regan Disposable Bander is Safe and Effective’ will be presented at Digestive Disease Week in Chicago, Illinois.’ It is the first study to focus on the use of the CRH technology specifically by Gastroenterologists, an important target segment for the Company.
The publication authored by Neal Osborn, MD, MSc, and Steven Morris, MD, reports the results of 113 patients treated using the CRH O’Regan Hemorrhoid Banding System between June and November 2008. The study covers eleven physicians at seven different locations performed 223 banding procedures. The cases were performed at both outpatient office settings as well as ambulatory surgical centers.
The study concluded that the treatment of hemorrhoids by Gastroenterologists using the CRH O’Regan Banding Technology is safe and effective. The procedures can be done in the office or endoscopy center and patients do not require any time off for recovery after the procedure.’ These data encourage the use of the CRH proprietary device and methodologies by Gastroenterologists.
Dr. Neal Osborn stated, ‘This study is the first to show that Gastroenterologists can effectively treat hemorrhoids using the CRH O’Regan Banding Technology.’ It is proof-of-principle that we can better serve our patients with common conditions, like hemorrhoids, without the need for additional referrals or potentially unnecessary surgery.’ Traditionally, Gastroenterologists have focused only on treating the symptoms of hemorrhoids.’ However, with the training and support of CRH Medical Corporation and the O’Regan Band Ligator, Gastroenterologists can now successfully offer definitive treatment options for patients suffering from hemorrhoids. ‘
Commenting on this study, Edward Wright, Chief Executive Officer of CRH Medical Corporation stated, ‘This study concludes that Gastroenterologists utilizing our technology and treatment protocols achieve the same excellent patient outcomes as we experience in our own, Company-operated Centers for Colorectal Health. This study validates the training and support components of our Partnership Program. We remain extremely encouraged by the results and look forward to further expanding this strategy within the Gastroenterologist community.’
An abstract of the study can be viewed at www.crhmedicalproducts.com
About CRH Medical Corporation:
CRH Medical Corporation specializes in the treatment of hemorrhoids utilizing its proven treatment protocol and patented proprietary technology. CRH’s single use, disposable, hemorrhoid technology is safe and highly effective in treating hemorrhoid grades I ‘ IV. CRH Medical employs two commercialization strategies: First, it operates Centers for Colorectal Health facilities in the United States specializing in the treatment of hemorrhoids and fissures, and colon cancer screening. In addition CRH distributes its hemorrhoid banding technology, treatment protocols, operational and marketing expertise as a complete, “turn key” package directly to its partner physicians. The Company’s goal is to establish the CRH hemorrhoid technology as the standard for hemorrhoid treatment.
The information in this news release contains so-called ‘forward-looking’ statements. These include statements regarding CRH Medical expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies for the future, which may be indicated by words or phrases such as ‘anticipate’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘will’, ‘we believe’, ‘CRH Medical believes’, ‘management believes’ and similar language. All forward-looking statements are based on CRH Medical current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties and to assumptions made.
For further information call Dean Linden, Corporate Communications, CRH Medical Corporation at 604.633.1440 or ir@crhmedcorp.com. Additional information may also be found by visiting the Company’s website at www.crhmedcorp.com or the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.
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