Victhom announces the completion of the second phase of the apnea therapy development

Victhom announces the completion of the second phase of the apnea therapy
development

QUEBEC, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Victhom Human Bionics Inc., "Victhom"
(TSX: VHB), announced today the filing of an additional patent for the
detection and treatment of sleep apnea and has also disclosed the preliminary
results from its preclinical studies.
The Company has recently filed a new patent application relating to a method
and device for the detection, identification and treatment of sleep
apnea/hypopnea using its neuromodulation platform. Late in 2007, the Company
filed a patent application on detection of obstructive apnea from sensory
signals in vagal nerve. The continued research has revealed that in fact,
sensory signals in various nerves innervating the larynx and the breathing
airway can provide a good source for the detection of respiration rate and
onset and the duration of any form of apneic event. "The new findings are
filed in a comprehensive patent application that captures our unique approach
to detection and treatment of respiratory disorders", said Mr. Kameli, Chief
Operating Officer of the Neurobionix division.
Over the course of 2008, the Company has validated its findings in various
preclinical research studies. Initial preclinical results show that the
technology can successfully detect onset, duration and termination of any form
of respiratory distress such as hypopnea, obstructive apnea, and central
apnea. "The detection of apnea has always been a challenge", stated Mr.
Kameli. "Many companies have tried various technologies with various degrees
of success. The issue seems to be that artificial sensors that need to be
placed in the airway of patients are neither accurate nor patient-friendly.
Patient compliance and ease of use seems to be an issue", continued Mr.
Kameli. He further stated, "Victhom has been able, in preclinical studies, to
decode what the lungs and the airway passages are reporting to the brain to
identify when the subject is in distress and is in need of help. No other form
of sensing can be as effective".
Once apneas are detected, novel neurostimulation therapies can be used to
restore breathing to patients in a very short time. Mr. Kameli said, "Apnea is
a problem that affects millions of people around the globe. In addition to
being a standalone disorder, the presence of apnea as a co-morbidity to other
diseases and disorders contributes to the suffering of many patients. This
technology has application in standalone therapy for the treatment of
obstructive sleep apnea or in combination therapy in patients suffering from
heart failure and sleep apnea to improve outcomes". The Company plans in
partnering with leaders in the field of sleep apnea and cardiac rhythm
management to complete the development and introduction of this therapy to
each targeted market.
Apnea is defined as an intermitted cessation of airflow. It is a form of
breathing disorder that happens mostly during sleep. Apnea is a co-morbidity
with other physiological issues such as high blood pressure, heart attack,
congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke or depression. The
National Sleep Foundation estimates that more than 18 million American adults
suffer from sleep apnea. Current treatments for sleep apnea include CPAP
(Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device) and various surgeries. CPAP is
offered by companies like ResMed Inc. and Phillips Respironics Inc. Other new
treatments are under investigation by various medical device companies such as
Medtronic Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, St. Jude Medical, in addition
to new start-up companies.

About Victhom

Victhom discovers, develops and manufactures bionic devices involved in the
treatment of a variety of physical and physiological dysfunctions. Victhom's
Neurobionix division focuses on the development and commercialization of
technologies and products involving implantable devices that feature
neurosensing and neurostimulation components, integrated with artificial
intelligence. Victhom's Biotronix division develops biomechatronic products to
support or replace peripheral limbs in what is known as the orthotics and
prosthetics market.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements made herein may constitute forward-looking statements.
These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance
and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may
cause Victhom's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from those expressed or implied by any of Victhom's statements.
Actual events or results may differ materially. We disclaim any intention, and
assume no obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.
SOURCE VICTHOM HUMAN BIONICS INC.

Nader Kameli, Chief Operating Officer, Neurobionix division, Victhom Human
Bionics Inc., (418) 872-5665, Fax: (418) 872-6926, nader.kameli@victhom.com;
www.victhom.com; Source: Victhom Human Bionics Inc.