Tactile Systems Technology Announces Medical Advisory Board

Tactile Systems Technology, which develops, manufactures and markets products to treat vascular disorders such as lymphedema, announced the formation of its first Medical Advisory Board. Initial members are Stanley Rockson, M.D., Professor of Lymphatic Research and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Harvey Mayrovitz, Professor of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, Nova Southeastern University; and chair Kathleen Francis, M.D., Medical Director, St. Barnabas Lymphedema Treatment Center.

“This board represents a cross section of well respected authorities on lymphedema,” said Gerald R. Mattys, Chief Executive Officer, Tactile Systems Technology. “We believe they will be instrumental in guiding our company as we increase the size of our direct sales force, fund larger clinical trials and expand into new clinical indications, such as the treatment of chronic wounds. In essence, they will help us gain consensus on how our Flexitouch system fits into the standard of care treatment continuum for lymphedema and venous disorders.”

In 2008, Tactile Systems Technology raised $11.8 million to pursue opportunities for its Flexitouch system, which delivers therapy that simulates manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) through garments covering an individual’s limb and trunk. Preparing the trunk for lymphatic drainage is a unique feature of the Flexitouch system, which follows the principles of MLD as provided by therapists in clinical settings.

Topics of conversation at the first board meeting, held May 15, included payer coverage criteria and clinical research initiatives. The board decided to move forward with two new clinical studies – one comparing pumps on the market today and a second to measure changes in edema of the trunk during therapy.

In 2004, Rockson led a clinical trial that showed the Flexitouch may provide better maintenance edema control than self-administered massage in breast cancer-associated lymphedema. In 2007, Mayrovitz led a clinical study that compared pressures delivered by a competitive sequential compression device with those delivered by the Flexitouch. Francis, a practicing lymphedema physician and member of the National Lymphedema Network’s medical board, has counseled Tactile Systems Technology since early 2005.

Lymphedema is the abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid in body tissues, typically in the dermis of the arms or legs due to blockage or inadequacy of lymph circulation. It is often the unintended consequence of cancer treatment. Approximately 25 percent of breast cancer survivors develop lymphedema within two years of treatment.

In 2007, Tactile Systems Technology was named “Corporation of the Year” by the Lymphatic Research Foundation.

For more information, visit www.tactilesystems.com. For copies of the clinical studies, contact Mary Rausch at mrausch@tactilesystems.com.