Investor Contact: Dean Linden 604.633.1440
VANCOUVER, BC, October 16, 2008 – CRH Medical Corporation (CRM:TSX-V) announced today that it filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office a new U.S. patent application entitled, “Elastic Band Ligation Device and Method for Treatment of Hemorrhoids.” The Company intends to file corresponding patent applications in important markets throughout the world.
The Company currently has patent protection in several countries covering its core technology and related treatment methods. The new patent application includes a number of improvements that increase the efficiency of the Company�s technology and is expected to extend the Company�s patent protection through 2028.
Commenting on the new patent application, Edward Wright, Chief Executive Officer stated, “To date, we have successfully treated over 50,000 patients in the United States with our proprietary technology. This new patent application represents our commitment to providing patients with the most advanced hemorrhoid treatment technology and methods available. As we broaden our scope of intellectual property, we can also explore the possibility of expanding into certain international markets. Although in the near term we will continue to concentrate solely on the U.S. market employing our current business model, our strong proprietary position affords us the opportunity to consider alternative distribution strategies in other countries.”
About CRH Medical Corporation:
CRH Medical Corporation is utilizing the first single use, patented, disposable, hemorrhoid banding system through its Center for Colorectal Health facilities. According to the National Institute of Health approximately 50% of the U.S. population will develop hemorrhoids by age 50. CRH Medical is opening its Center for Colorectal Health facilities in the United States specializing in the treatment of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and colon cancer screening and plans to significantly increase the number of Centers for Colorectal Health across the U.S. to address this underserved market. The Company�s goal is to become the preeminent resource on colorectal health for consumers and medical professionals in North America.
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.
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.