EDAP EDAP TMS SA

EDAP TMS Appoints Sigmacon (UK) Ltd as Exclusive U.K. Ablatherm(R)-HIFU Distributor LYON, France, June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EDAP TMS S.A. (NASDAQ:EDAP), is pleased to announce a distribution agreement with Sigmacon UK Ltd, giving the company exclusive rights to promote and market Ablatherm- HIFU in the U.K. Sigmacon (UK) Ltd has more than 25 years of experience marketing a wide range of therapeutic devices to the urological community in the U.K. The company has extensive experience in organizing workshops and seminars promoting the utilization of new technologies to enhance patient outcomes and grow clinical business for physicians. Sigmacon's history of success includes technologies such as lasers and radiofrequency devices. Due to the exclusive partnership with Sigmacon, EDAP will be able to reach the majority of British clinics and hospitals where urology procedures are performed, significantly expanding the patient population which can be served by Ablatherm-HIFU treatment for localized prostate cancer. Based on the recent guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) supporting the use of HIFU for the treatment of prostate cancer, Sigmacon will be actively introducing the Ablatherm-HIFU device to the U.K. market and adding new treatment sites. EDAP has been providing Ablatherm-HIFU treatment to British patients from its pilot installation in Stockport for more than a year with great success. Hugues de Bantel, CEO of EDAP, commented: "We are excited to expand our presence in the U.K. and confident Sigmacon is the right partner to bring Ablatherm-HIFU technology to this market. The company has a long history in medical devices, including winning approvals and reimbursement in the U.K. for dedicated products. The company also has the reach and credibility within a large medical market to increase Ablatherm-HIFU recognition, a key part of our strategy in expanding the utilization of this innovative and highly successful technology." More than 27,000 men in the U.K. are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and 10,000 die from the disease. Ablatherm(R)-HIFU offers an alternative therapeutic option for patients with localized prostate cancer, particularly for patients who are not candidates for surgery or those for whom radiotherapy treatment has failed. In contrast to other treatment methods, Ablatherm-HIFU requires only a short period of hospitalization and has low complication and side-effect rates. Unlike radiation, HIFU treatment can also be safely repeated if necessary. David Levey, Director of Sigmacon, added, "Sigmacon has always been at the cutting edge of medical technology. We are constantly in contact with our customers to ensure they are fully satisfied with our innovative products dedicated to enhance the quality of treatment available to patients. Through our partnership with EDAP, we will work to support the business model necessary for our customer clinics to successfully incorporate the new Ablatherm-HIFU treatment into the daily practice. We are very excited to begin moving Ablatherm-HIFU technology for the treatment of localized prostate cancer into the U.K. market, while offering the patient better quality of life." Hugues de Bantel concluded: "EDAP continues to build on its already strong presence in key European markets, including the U.K. We are working to earn appropriate reimbursement approvals and further the acceptance and awareness of Ablatherm-HIFU as a preferred treatment for prostate cancer, especially in cases where the patient's health may make traditional treatments less favorable or in cases where the patient wishes to avoid the many side effects associated with surgery and radiation. Ablatherm-HIFU is a safe, proven treatment method coupled with unique business models for the clinical setting which allow for flexible installation as a permanent or mobile treatment option." Sigmacon will be present at the British Association of Urology Surgeons (B.A.U.S.) meeting to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from June 27 to July 1, 2005. An Ablatherm-HIFU unit will be on display at booth #87. Urologists are invited to visit the Sigmacon booth to meet HIFU users and discuss the potential of the Ablatherm-HIFU technology in the clinical setting and its availability in the U.K. About EDAP TMS S.A. EDAP TMS S.A. develops and markets Ablatherm, the most advanced and clinically proven choice for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of localized prostate cancer. HIFU treatment is shown to be a minimally invasive and effective treatment option with a low occurrence of side effects. The company is also developing this technology for the treatment of certain other types of tumors. EDAP TMS S.A. also produces and commercializes medical equipment for treatment of urinary tract stones using Extra-corporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL). For more information on the Company, contact the Investor Relations Dept by phone at +33 (0)4 78 26 40 46 or see the Company's Web site at: http://www.edap-tms.com/ . This press release contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These include statements regarding the Company's growth and expansion plans. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CONTACT: EDAP TMS S.A. Hugues de Bantel - Philippe Chauveau Blandine Confort +33 4 78 26 40 46 Halliburton Investor Relations Matt Kreps - Geralyn DeBusk 972 458 8000 DATASOURCE: EDAP TMS S.A. CONTACT: Hugues de Bantel, Philippe Chauveau or Blandine Confort, all of EDAP TMS S.A., +33-4-78-26-40-46; or Matt Kreps or Geralyn DeBusk, both of Halliburton Investor Relations, +1-972-458-8000, for EDAP TMS S.A. Web site: http://www.edap-tms.com/

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