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Kind of like the whole paragraph "as key" there.
With so many positive things released lately with Accumed, (direction, growth, changes), it instills an appreciative respect for everyone, if ya know what I mean?
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=49269976
Love this excerpt/part from AMSZ's news today.
Yes it is a huge step and always nice to see, wow!
AMSZ - AcuMedSpa Holdings, Inc. Announces Intention to Immediately Retire 30 Million Outstanding and 25 Million Authorized Shares
On Wednesday April 21, 2010, 9:10 am EDT
TAMARAC, FL--(Marketwire - 04/21/10) - AcuMedSpa Holdings, Inc. (Pinksheets:AMSZ - News), a provider of Medical Aesthetic, Spa and Acupuncture services, announces that the Board of Directors of AcuMedSpa, Inc. have decided that it would be in the best interest of the company and its shareholders to further reduce the Outstanding by 30 million shares and the Authorized by 25 million shares. Both of these share reductions have already been initiated and management expects these reductions to become effective in a timely manner.
AcuMedSpa's priority is to continue increasing transparency to its investors and as such Brian Sperber, President of AcuMedSpa, stated, "It is our intention to always work for the best interest of the overall company and instill a strong sense of shareholder value moving forward as we embark on our next era of growth. At no time has this management team ever thought of the interests of a single person over the entirety of the company or its well being. We hope that with our continued efforts we can begin to clarify that our stance on non dilution is real and that we will not allow anything to distract or deter us from forging ahead with our shareholders' best interests always at the forefront of our now maturing core business model."
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/AcuMedSpa-Holdings-Inc-iw-2924704250.html?x=0&.v=1
AMSZ - AcuMedSpa Holdings, Inc. Announces Intention to Immediately Retire 30 Million Outstanding and 25 Million Authorized Shares
On Wednesday April 21, 2010, 9:10 am EDT
TAMARAC, FL--(Marketwire - 04/21/10) - AcuMedSpa Holdings, Inc. (Pinksheets:AMSZ - News), a provider of Medical Aesthetic, Spa and Acupuncture services, announces that the Board of Directors of AcuMedSpa, Inc. have decided that it would be in the best interest of the company and its shareholders to further reduce the Outstanding by 30 million shares and the Authorized by 25 million shares. Both of these share reductions have already been initiated and management expects these reductions to become effective in a timely manner.
AcuMedSpa's priority is to continue increasing transparency to its investors and as such Brian Sperber, President of AcuMedSpa, stated, "It is our intention to always work for the best interest of the overall company and instill a strong sense of shareholder value moving forward as we embark on our next era of growth. At no time has this management team ever thought of the interests of a single person over the entirety of the company or its well being. We hope that with our continued efforts we can begin to clarify that our stance on non dilution is real and that we will not allow anything to distract or deter us from forging ahead with our shareholders' best interests always at the forefront of our now maturing core business model."
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/AcuMedSpa-Holdings-Inc-iw-2924704250.html?x=0&.v=1
Nice news today for Accumed, wasn't it?
Saw it while checking in and around on things this afternoon.
Nice +15.20% close today with volume this afternoon, good to see.
SNDZ did well on/for a Friday, solid gains.
Oh yeah, And vanity with money is amazing isn't it?. Cha-ching! $$$
Just think about, "envision", when AMSZ grows further to the point of expansion and discounting, "helping/aiding people", in other places and still making money. ???, wwhhooo nellie, more bucks for all on the way, don't you think?
Why Thank You, whoops maybe we're 1 or 2 of them. chuckle.
Certainly an oopps, that was posted before, but still.
Many of the elitist's, or want to be, living in South Florida are certainly going to take advantage of the services offered by AcuMedSpa, AMSZ, don't you think so? Should be just about 80% with money and time that know, and/or even 20% comprising of the wealthy and look at me crowd, right? or no?
Either way, on staff medical services, such as plastic surgeons, etc. should garner alot of work and attention within Florida, right?
Hey there 'misterbet', good to see you.
Small one on "a tip" from last month, a few weeks ago. Looking forward to what "may come", you know what I mean?
And you?
Fully understand and agree. Ssswweeeet pic and position. $$ Cha-ching! $$.
AMSZ - AcuMedSpa Holdings, Inc. to Open Standalone Medical Spa in Coral Gables
On Wednesday April 14, 2010, 4:05 pm EDT
TAMARAC, FL--(Marketwire - 04/14/10) - AcuMedSpa Holdings, Inc. (Pinksheets:AMSZ - News), a provider of Medical Aesthetic, Spa and Acupuncture services, is pleased to announce that in an effort to further enhance the AcuMedSpa brand, the company plans on opening a standalone location in the heart of the Miracle Mile/Coral Gables shopping district(www.shopcoralgables.com/ ), one of the most desired addresses in South Florida. This new location will provide all of AcuMedSpa's service offerings as well as include the services of a renowned South Florida plastic surgeon.
This location is expected to generate nearly $1,000,000.00 in annual revenue and will have the ability to provide up to 20 treatments at any given time. This location will rapidly become AcuMedSpa's "flagship" location.
With this location expected to open in late May or early June 2010, the company has decided to move out of its headquarters in Aventura, Florida; a move which will ultimately save us over $100,000 in rent and related expenses per year. Additionally the company expects to move the administrative staff to both our Tamarac and Coral Gables locations. AcuMedSpa is currently searching for an appropriate store front location in Aventura from which we will be able to offer our loyal customer base the high quality services they have become accustomed to.
We would also like to update the investment community on our progress with the previously stated pending acquisitions. We are meeting with our attorneys today to discuss the finalization procedure on the South Florida acquisition. As well, CEO Sperber will be travelling to Knoxville, TN later this week for meetings with the executive management team of Sohna and frequent their current locations.
Brian Sperber, President of AcuMedSpa summarized, "We expect our new standalone Coral Gables location to become our flagship location and the model for our continued expansion plans throughout South Florida and beyond. The space is beautiful and we expect to staff it with some of the best estheticians and medical professionals in South Florida. With this expansion we are another step closer to our goal of $10,000,000.00 in revenue in 2010 with an EBITDA of over $2,000,000.00."
AMSZ - AcuMedSpa Holdings, Inc. to Open Standalone Medical Spa in Coral Gables
On Wednesday April 14, 2010, 4:05 pm EDT
TAMARAC, FL--(Marketwire - 04/14/10) - AcuMedSpa Holdings, Inc. (Pinksheets:AMSZ - News), a provider of Medical Aesthetic, Spa and Acupuncture services, is pleased to announce that in an effort to further enhance the AcuMedSpa brand, the company plans on opening a standalone location in the heart of the Miracle Mile/Coral Gables shopping district(www.shopcoralgables.com/ ), one of the most desired addresses in South Florida. This new location will provide all of AcuMedSpa's service offerings as well as include the services of a renowned South Florida plastic surgeon.
This location is expected to generate nearly $1,000,000.00 in annual revenue and will have the ability to provide up to 20 treatments at any given time. This location will rapidly become AcuMedSpa's "flagship" location.
With this location expected to open in late May or early June 2010, the company has decided to move out of its headquarters in Aventura, Florida; a move which will ultimately save us over $100,000 in rent and related expenses per year. Additionally the company expects to move the administrative staff to both our Tamarac and Coral Gables locations. AcuMedSpa is currently searching for an appropriate store front location in Aventura from which we will be able to offer our loyal customer base the high quality services they have become accustomed to.
We would also like to update the investment community on our progress with the previously stated pending acquisitions. We are meeting with our attorneys today to discuss the finalization procedure on the South Florida acquisition. As well, CEO Sperber will be travelling to Knoxville, TN later this week for meetings with the executive management team of Sohna and frequent their current locations.
Brian Sperber, President of AcuMedSpa summarized, "We expect our new standalone Coral Gables location to become our flagship location and the model for our continued expansion plans throughout South Florida and beyond. The space is beautiful and we expect to staff it with some of the best estheticians and medical professionals in South Florida. With this expansion we are another step closer to our goal of $10,000,000.00 in revenue in 2010 with an EBITDA of over $2,000,000.00."
AcuMedSpa Holdings, Inc. to Open Standalone Medical Spa in Coral Gables
On Wednesday April 14, 2010, 4:05 pm EDT
TAMARAC, FL--(Marketwire - 04/14/10) - AcuMedSpa Holdings, Inc. (Pinksheets:AMSZ - News), a provider of Medical Aesthetic, Spa and Acupuncture services, is pleased to announce that in an effort to further enhance the AcuMedSpa brand, the company plans on opening a standalone location in the heart of the Miracle Mile/Coral Gables shopping district(www.shopcoralgables.com/ ), one of the most desired addresses in South Florida. This new location will provide all of AcuMedSpa's service offerings as well as include the services of a renowned South Florida plastic surgeon.
This location is expected to generate nearly $1,000,000.00 in annual revenue and will have the ability to provide up to 20 treatments at any given time. This location will rapidly become AcuMedSpa's "flagship" location.
With this location expected to open in late May or early June 2010, the company has decided to move out of its headquarters in Aventura, Florida; a move which will ultimately save us over $100,000 in rent and related expenses per year. Additionally the company expects to move the administrative staff to both our Tamarac and Coral Gables locations. AcuMedSpa is currently searching for an appropriate store front location in Aventura from which we will be able to offer our loyal customer base the high quality services they have become accustomed to.
We would also like to update the investment community on our progress with the previously stated pending acquisitions. We are meeting with our attorneys today to discuss the finalization procedure on the South Florida acquisition. As well, CEO Sperber will be travelling to Knoxville, TN later this week for meetings with the executive management team of Sohna and frequent their current locations.
Brian Sperber, President of AcuMedSpa summarized, "We expect our new standalone Coral Gables location to become our flagship location and the model for our continued expansion plans throughout South Florida and beyond. The space is beautiful and we expect to staff it with some of the best estheticians and medical professionals in South Florida. With this expansion we are another step closer to our goal of $10,000,000.00 in revenue in 2010 with an EBITDA of over $2,000,000.00."
And Thank You 'McKinley.
Almost forgot to reply to yourself and 'DFB' on this same nice news, you know what I mean?
Good deal, Thanks 'DFB'.
Almost forgot to reply to yourself and 'McKinley' on this sweet news, ya know?
Agree, exposure and representing,(presenting), an internationally approved product within these forums should undoubtedly lead to sales and revenues.
Thoughts on, of further expansion and growth within these forums with the contacts they can make and build upon?
Sure there will be after the upcoming conferences that SNDZ have been invited to and plan to attend.
Believe I read somewhere that they were in negotiations with another firm, (or firms), to represent them within specific expansive continental regions other than where they currently have representation.
Just can't remember at the moment, do you know what I mean or do you remember, have reference to?
Yep and looking forward to a bit more, aren't we?
And with the upcoming conference in the U.S. at the end of next week, exposure to firms with clients and capital "in hand" to invest for additional growth in the future of SNDZ, OI and now the Caribbean conference forthcoming? Wow.
Broker Dealers
FSX has a nationwide network of independent broker/dealers. Our member firms have a combined sales force of thousands of licensed professionals whose clients are looking to invest in companies of all sizes and capabilities.
Sunridge International (OTC Bulletin Board:SNDZ.ob - News) announced today, that with the completion of two very successful meetings in the Dominican Republic last month, it has been given the opportunity to present its patented Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty treatment (PNT) at the upcoming Sociedad Dominicana de Oftalmologia conference that will be held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, June 3-6th.
SNDZ - Sunridge Builds off its Successful Meetings in the Dominican Republic
On Wednesday April 14, 2010, 10:40 am EDT
FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz., April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sunridge International (OTC Bulletin Board:SNDZ.ob - News) announced today, that with the completion of two very successful meetings in the Dominican Republic last month, it has been given the opportunity to present its patented Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty treatment (PNT) at the upcoming Sociedad Dominicana de Oftalmologia conference that will be held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, June 3-6th.
Last month's seminars, which were given to over 40 local doctors in the Dominican Republic (DR), were a success. Dr. Bores worked with the local doctors and Luis Tiant (star pitcher for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox) to demonstrate and teach the benefits of PNT. Luis Tiant was in attendance to bring media exposure to glaucoma, which is at an epidemic rate throughout the Caribbean islands. Luis Tiant through his Luis Tiant Foundation and the Scientific Social Solutions Charitable Foundation (S3) of Boston, have partnered with Sunridge International in a medical relief program to provide PNT treatments at no cost to patients suffering from glaucoma in Cuba.
Sunridge International's CEO, G. Richard Smith, states that, "Its local distributor in the DR is following up at the current time with the meeting attendees and is taking orders for equipment and rings to allow them to start treating patients in their local practices." Mr. Smith goes on to say that "While these sales are important to the company, we are very excited about making a presentation at the upcoming conference in June. Attendance for this conference is expected to draw doctors from every Caribbean Island. It's venues like this that allow us to spread the success we are having in one area to another. We expect that this meeting will act as a catalyst for us to install equipment and roll out marketing efforts all throughout the Caribbean."
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, affecting over 70 million people worldwide. PNT has been proven (through studies completed over the last 10 yrs) to be a safe, effective, non-invasive and a cost effective alternative for treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The 2-minute treatment has been developed, patented, and distributed by Sunridge International, wholly owned subsidiary, Ophthalmic International (http://www.oi-pnt.com/ ).
For full details of PNT and its application, we invite you to visit Sunridge International's website at http://www.sunridgeint.com/ .
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Sunridge-Builds-off-its-prnews-1780642680.html?x=0&.v=1
SNDZ - Sunridge Builds off its Successful Meetings in the Dominican Republic
On Wednesday April 14, 2010, 10:40 am EDT
FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz., April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sunridge International (OTC Bulletin Board:SNDZ.ob - News) announced today, that with the completion of two very successful meetings in the Dominican Republic last month, it has been given the opportunity to present its patented Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty treatment (PNT) at the upcoming Sociedad Dominicana de Oftalmologia conference that will be held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, June 3-6th.
Last month's seminars, which were given to over 40 local doctors in the Dominican Republic (DR), were a success. Dr. Bores worked with the local doctors and Luis Tiant (star pitcher for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox) to demonstrate and teach the benefits of PNT. Luis Tiant was in attendance to bring media exposure to glaucoma, which is at an epidemic rate throughout the Caribbean islands. Luis Tiant through his Luis Tiant Foundation and the Scientific Social Solutions Charitable Foundation (S3) of Boston, have partnered with Sunridge International in a medical relief program to provide PNT treatments at no cost to patients suffering from glaucoma in Cuba.
Sunridge International's CEO, G. Richard Smith, states that, "Its local distributor in the DR is following up at the current time with the meeting attendees and is taking orders for equipment and rings to allow them to start treating patients in their local practices." Mr. Smith goes on to say that "While these sales are important to the company, we are very excited about making a presentation at the upcoming conference in June. Attendance for this conference is expected to draw doctors from every Caribbean Island. It's venues like this that allow us to spread the success we are having in one area to another. We expect that this meeting will act as a catalyst for us to install equipment and roll out marketing efforts all throughout the Caribbean."
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, affecting over 70 million people worldwide. PNT has been proven (through studies completed over the last 10 yrs) to be a safe, effective, non-invasive and a cost effective alternative for treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The 2-minute treatment has been developed, patented, and distributed by Sunridge International, wholly owned subsidiary, Ophthalmic International (http://www.oi-pnt.com/ ).
For full details of PNT and its application, we invite you to visit Sunridge International's website at http://www.sunridgeint.com/ .
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Sunridge-Builds-off-its-prnews-1780642680.html?x=0&.v=1
Sunridge International Makes Further Inroads Into Chinese Market
Receives Additional Orders for its Patented PNT Non-invasive Glaucoma Treatment
On Wednesday March 17, 2010, 9:00 am EDT
FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz., March 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sunridge International (OTC Bulletin Board:SNDZ.ob - News), announced today it had received further orders for its patented Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty (PNT) non-invasive glaucoma treatment in China and said it's exclusive distributor, Beijing Vision World Trading Co. (BV) was moving forward rapidly with a robust nationwide marketing program.
Upon receiving China's State Food and Drug Administration approval last month to market (PNT) equipment and treatment, the company has embarked on an aggressive round of marketing that will embrace several hospitals, health authorities and ophthalmic specialists. Just weeks after placing their initial order for 30 vacuum units and 10,000 rings used in the treatment, Beijing Vision World said that they are placing further orders for an additional 30 units.
Sunridge International's CEO, G. Richard Smith, said that he was delighted with the progress the company was making in China. "We are fortunate to be handled by Beijing Vision World, an aggressive company, in one of the world's largest markets and we are especially pleased to think that our treatment, which has been perfected over a number of years, will soon be put to good use in helping, perhaps, many thousands of glaucoma sufferers in China," he said.
PNT is a safe, efficient and cost effective 2-minute non-invasive alternative treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension, that has been developed, patented, and distributed by Sunridge International's wholly owned subsidiary, Ophthalmic International. Further details of the company and its products can be found on the company's website (http://www.oi-pnt.com/ ).
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Sunridge-International-Makes-prnews-3225826882.html?x=0&.v=1
Ssswwweeeeetttt. Tackin' it on top of previous nice news for the potentail of more to come here with SNDZ, OI, don't you think?
Sunridge Builds off its Successful Meetings in the Dominican Republic
On Wednesday April 14, 2010, 10:40 am EDT
FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz., April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sunridge International (OTC Bulletin Board:SNDZ.ob - News) announced today, that with the completion of two very successful meetings in the Dominican Republic last month, it has been given the opportunity to present its patented Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty treatment (PNT) at the upcoming Sociedad Dominicana de Oftalmologia conference that will be held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, June 3-6th.
Last month's seminars, which were given to over 40 local doctors in the Dominican Republic (DR), were a success. Dr. Bores worked with the local doctors and Luis Tiant (star pitcher for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox) to demonstrate and teach the benefits of PNT. Luis Tiant was in attendance to bring media exposure to glaucoma, which is at an epidemic rate throughout the Caribbean islands. Luis Tiant through his Luis Tiant Foundation and the Scientific Social Solutions Charitable Foundation (S3) of Boston, have partnered with Sunridge International in a medical relief program to provide PNT treatments at no cost to patients suffering from glaucoma in Cuba.
Sunridge International's CEO, G. Richard Smith, states that, "Its local distributor in the DR is following up at the current time with the meeting attendees and is taking orders for equipment and rings to allow them to start treating patients in their local practices." Mr. Smith goes on to say that "While these sales are important to the company, we are very excited about making a presentation at the upcoming conference in June. Attendance for this conference is expected to draw doctors from every Caribbean Island. It's venues like this that allow us to spread the success we are having in one area to another. We expect that this meeting will act as a catalyst for us to install equipment and roll out marketing efforts all throughout the Caribbean."
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, affecting over 70 million people worldwide. PNT has been proven (through studies completed over the last 10 yrs) to be a safe, effective, non-invasive and a cost effective alternative for treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The 2-minute treatment has been developed, patented, and distributed by Sunridge International, wholly owned subsidiary, Ophthalmic International (http://www.oi-pnt.com/ ).
For full details of PNT and its application, we invite you to visit Sunridge International's website at http://www.sunridgeint.com/ .
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Sunridge-Builds-off-its-prnews-1780642680.html?x=0&.v=1
SNDZ - China's SFDA approves Sunridge International's PNT treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension
March 2010
Sunridge International (OTC Bulletin Board: SNDZ), announced today that China's State Food and Drug Administration, (SFDA), had approved the firm's Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty (PNT) treatment in China.
In making the announcement today, Sunridge International's CEO, G. Richard Smith, said that the SFDA approval marked a major step forward for the company which would, hopefully, bring with it added relief to the glaucoma sufferers in China.
"Our exclusive distributors, Beijing Vision World Trading Co, have informed us that they have received all necessary government documentation approving PNT as a medical treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension, as well as marketing approval for our equipment and disposable line of products," Mr. Smith said.
"The SFDA approval has been hard won. It marks the culmination of 3 1/2 years of consistent market development that has included multiple clinical trials in both private and state run military hospitals. It has come through the effort of a number of dedicated people and it was worth every moment," said Mr. Waisheng Yang, the President of Beijing Vision. "We are now ready to start our marketing operations throughout China and to reach out to its 10 million or more glaucoma patients."
Mr. Smith added that the next phase of the company's marketing program in China had already begun. "Along with the good news of the approval, came an initial order for 30 units and 10,000 rings. This order will allow Beijing Vision to place units in hospitals throughout China, and with sub distributors in a number of provinces."
"It marks the beginning of what we know will be a long and mutually profitable move into one of the world's biggest markets where even a 10 % market share can produce millions of dollars in annual revenue to our company," said Mr. Smith.
PNT is a safe, effective, 2-minute non-invasive and cost effective alternative for treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension, that has been developed, patented, and distributed by our wholly owned subsidiary, Ophthalmic International ( www.oi-pnt.com ).
SNDZ - China's SFDA approves Sunridge International's PNT treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension
March 2010
Sunridge International (OTC Bulletin Board: SNDZ), announced today that China's State Food and Drug Administration, (SFDA), had approved the firm's Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty (PNT) treatment in China.
In making the announcement today, Sunridge International's CEO, G. Richard Smith, said that the SFDA approval marked a major step forward for the company which would, hopefully, bring with it added relief to the glaucoma sufferers in China.
"Our exclusive distributors, Beijing Vision World Trading Co, have informed us that they have received all necessary government documentation approving PNT as a medical treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension, as well as marketing approval for our equipment and disposable line of products," Mr. Smith said.
"The SFDA approval has been hard won. It marks the culmination of 3 1/2 years of consistent market development that has included multiple clinical trials in both private and state run military hospitals. It has come through the effort of a number of dedicated people and it was worth every moment," said Mr. Waisheng Yang, the President of Beijing Vision. "We are now ready to start our marketing operations throughout China and to reach out to its 10 million or more glaucoma patients."
Mr. Smith added that the next phase of the company's marketing program in China had already begun. "Along with the good news of the approval, came an initial order for 30 units and 10,000 rings. This order will allow Beijing Vision to place units in hospitals throughout China, and with sub distributors in a number of provinces."
"It marks the beginning of what we know will be a long and mutually profitable move into one of the world's biggest markets where even a 10 % market share can produce millions of dollars in annual revenue to our company," said Mr. Smith.
PNT is a safe, effective, 2-minute non-invasive and cost effective alternative for treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension, that has been developed, patented, and distributed by our wholly owned subsidiary, Ophthalmic International ( www.oi-pnt.com ).
China's SFDA approves Sunridge International's PNT treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension
March 2010
Sunridge International (OTC Bulletin Board: SNDZ), announced today that China's State Food and Drug Administration, (SFDA), had approved the firm's Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty (PNT) treatment in China.
In making the announcement today, Sunridge International's CEO, G. Richard Smith, said that the SFDA approval marked a major step forward for the company which would, hopefully, bring with it added relief to the glaucoma sufferers in China.
"Our exclusive distributors, Beijing Vision World Trading Co, have informed us that they have received all necessary government documentation approving PNT as a medical treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension, as well as marketing approval for our equipment and disposable line of products," Mr. Smith said.
"The SFDA approval has been hard won. It marks the culmination of 3 1/2 years of consistent market development that has included multiple clinical trials in both private and state run military hospitals. It has come through the effort of a number of dedicated people and it was worth every moment," said Mr. Waisheng Yang, the President of Beijing Vision. "We are now ready to start our marketing operations throughout China and to reach out to its 10 million or more glaucoma patients."
Mr. Smith added that the next phase of the company's marketing program in China had already begun. "Along with the good news of the approval, came an initial order for 30 units and 10,000 rings. This order will allow Beijing Vision to place units in hospitals throughout China, and with sub distributors in a number of provinces."
"It marks the beginning of what we know will be a long and mutually profitable move into one of the world's biggest markets where even a 10 % market share can produce millions of dollars in annual revenue to our company," said Mr. Smith.
PNT is a safe, effective, 2-minute non-invasive and cost effective alternative for treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension, that has been developed, patented, and distributed by our wholly owned subsidiary, Ophthalmic International ( www.oi-pnt.com ).
Approved for use in Canada and the European Economic Community (EEC)
Welcome to the global home page of Ophthalmic
International, which is leading the way in the development
of PNeumatic Trabeculoplasty (PNT). PNT is a safe,
noninvasive method clinically demonstrated to lower
elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in patients with
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), Pigmentary
Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension.
Ophthalmic International, a private company, is
headquartered near Phoenix, Arizona and has a
European office outside of Rome, Italy. The company's
focus is on the development and commercialization of
Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty (PNT).
Possible solutions
One important way of reducing burden of disease is the development of new and safer surgical options. More research into affordable medical therapy options that do not require as much patient adherence is also needed and could be an additional solution.
“I think that in the next 20 years it’s very likely … that we will develop more effective surgical treatment,” Dr. Quigley said. “We will develop more effective ways of delivering medicine to lower the eye pressure that don’t depend on daily eye drop therapy, which would improve dramatically the adherence to therapy.”
Another potential way to reduce the worldwide glaucoma burden is the creation of effective screening techniques. These screenings could help prevent glaucoma damage through early identification of those with the disease. Awareness of the need for glaucoma screening for those at highest risk for the disease is also vital around the world.
Finally, physicians should be aware that the aging world population is one of the leading reasons for the increasing rates of glaucoma, Dr. Quigley said. They should focus on diagnosing and treating at-risk patients.
“Our job is to find those that are more rapidly changing and be very aggressive about treating them,” he said. “Right now, that means lowering their eye pressure and not doing aggressive things that are damaging to persons who are not rapidly progressing, so we don’t compound their glaucoma by causing them to have other problems, like cataract or complications of eye surgery for glaucoma.”
Quality of life
Not only do individuals and governments incur costs in the treatment and care of glaucoma patients, but there is also a quality-of-life cost for those with the disease.
Dr. Bourne is coordinating the vision loss group for the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors project, which will report in 2010 on the contribution of glaucoma to the global burden of disease by reviewing all population-based studies for the past 30 years. He said that limited research has been conducted comparing the effect on quality of life of visual loss or blindness caused by glaucoma as compared with other ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration.
“Although we know as clinicians that there are differences, very few studies have tried to evaluate it,” he said. “The diseases typically affect different areas of the visual field. Glaucoma blindness is far more problematic than the central visual loss associated with age-related macular degeneration in terms of function.”
Dr. Quigley is studying quality-of-life issues in U.S. patients with moderate glaucoma. For the older population, visual loss from glaucoma can be devastating because patients can lose their independence when vision loss prevents them from driving. Patients who cannot drive sometimes have no other option than to leave their homes and move into assisted living facilities, he said.
Loss of vision from glaucoma also becomes a burden when patients attempt to do basic tasks such as reading, he said. In addition, GPS monitoring devices on patients’ belt buckles have shown how physical activity is affected by vision loss from the disease.
“It changes a lot of things that people enjoy in their lives to have a blinding condition like glaucoma, even when it doesn’t put them in the state of being so-called legally blind,” Dr. Quigley said.
Sunridge International Makes Further Inroads Into Chinese Market
Receives Additional Orders for its Patented PNT Non-invasive Glaucoma Treatment
On Wednesday March 17, 2010, 9:00 am EDT
FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz., March 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sunridge International (OTC Bulletin Board:SNDZ.ob - News), announced today it had received further orders for its patented Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty (PNT) non-invasive glaucoma treatment in China and said it's exclusive distributor, Beijing Vision World Trading Co. (BV) was moving forward rapidly with a robust nationwide marketing program.
Upon receiving China's State Food and Drug Administration approval last month to market (PNT) equipment and treatment, the company has embarked on an aggressive round of marketing that will embrace several hospitals, health authorities and ophthalmic specialists. Just weeks after placing their initial order for 30 vacuum units and 10,000 rings used in the treatment, Beijing Vision World said that they are placing further orders for an additional 30 units.
Sunridge International's CEO, G. Richard Smith, said that he was delighted with the progress the company was making in China. "We are fortunate to be handled by Beijing Vision World, an aggressive company, in one of the world's largest markets and we are especially pleased to think that our treatment, which has been perfected over a number of years, will soon be put to good use in helping, perhaps, many thousands of glaucoma sufferers in China," he said.
PNT is a safe, efficient and cost effective 2-minute non-invasive alternative treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension, that has been developed, patented, and distributed by Sunridge International's wholly owned subsidiary, Ophthalmic International. Further details of the company and its products can be found on the company's website (http://www.oi-pnt.com/ ).
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Financial cost in developing countries
In the developing world, cost of treatment has been an acute problem, Dr. Congdon said. He is a professor at the School of Public Health, Chinese University, Hong Kong, and has worked extensively in rural China through the Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou, China. With nearly 70% of China’s population living in rural areas, health care access in those regions is vital to glaucoma diagnosis and treatment.
Beginning in 1978 in China, at the time of Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms, the Chinese government withdrew its support for health care, and the old rural insurance system, the Cooperative Medical System, collapsed as a result, according to Dr. Congdon. Health care became inaccessible and unaffordable to most rural residents; the gaps between rural and urban citizens in blindness rates, life expectancy and infant mortality grew as a result.
The situation has improved in recent years, since the New Cooperative Medical System was established in China, bringing affordable care to more than 95% of rural residents, he said. Patients pay the equivalent of $3 a year to have 40% to 70% of their health care covered by the government.
But there is still a lack of physician training and skill in rural areas that needs to be addressed, he noted.
Financial cost in developed countries
Glaucoma is an expensive disease to treat, and the recent economic downtown has rendered affordability of care in developed countries increasingly difficult.
According to Dr. Quigley, patients in many European countries benefit from national health care systems that help regulate the cost of treating the disease. However, for patients on multiple medications in the U.S., the out-of-pocket price of medical therapy can be substantial. A total of $2.86 billion is spent annually in the U.S. on glaucoma patients 40 years and older in direct medical costs, representing outpatient, inpatient and prescription drug costs, Rein and colleagues found.
Cost of care for glaucoma is also expensive, Dr. Quigley said. Office visits for glaucoma-related care are the third most frequent reason across all fields of medicine why patients see physicians in the U.S., behind visits for hypertension and diabetes care, he said.
“Since Medicare is now, partly, to some degree covering pharmaceuticals, the visit charge, surgery charges and pharmaceutical charges are huge ticket items under Medicare,” Dr. Quigley said. “I think it won’t take terribly long, if they actually do get serious about reforming health care, before the government in the U.S. looks at that issue and figures out a more efficient way to take care of glaucoma than we’re now doing.”
Nathan G. Congdon, MD, MPH, said other costs that can become expensive over time might be overlooked, including transportation for patients to go to office visits and diminished productivity caused by visual loss.
“There are … burdens of treatment, particularly in the United States and Europe and the developed countries, where the government does pay a substantial part of the treatment,” he said. “[Glaucoma is] one of the more common conditions that we treat among older people, not just the cost of medicines, but the cost of office visits, the cost of various tests that need to be done in order to treat the disease. Those are part of a substantial cost that adds up as well.”
Aging population contributes to rising glaucoma burden around the world
Reducing the occurrence of glaucoma poses a challenge around the world, with nearly 8 million people bilaterally blind from the disease. That number is estimated to increase over the next 10 years as the population ages.
“The actual prevalence of the disease is rising not because the incidence is rising, but because the population at risk is increasing,” Harry A. Quigley, MD, of Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University, said. “For example, in China, the proportion of people who are of the age to get glaucoma is expanding dramatically. In India, in South Asia, it’s expanding dramatically. People are living longer. It isn’t that the disease is becoming more common, it’s that the people who get it are becoming more common.”
Glaucoma is the No. 2 cause of blindness in the world, behind only cataracts. However, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. An estimated 8.4 million people worldwide will be bilaterally blind from glaucoma in 2010. By 2020, that number is estimated to rise to 11.1 million.
The key to preventing blindness from glaucoma is effective diagnosis and treatment for at-risk patients in developed and developing countries. But treating the disease is a challenge in some areas, including China, India and Africa, where patients are often undiagnosed or do not have access to care or affordable care.
A total of 60.5 million people worldwide will have open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma in 2010, and by 2020, an estimated 79.6 million people will have the disease, Dr. Quigley and Aimee T. Broman, MA, found in a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology in 2006.
Harry A. Quigley, MD, of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University, attributes the rise in glaucoma prevalence to the increased number of at-risk patients.
In 2010, China is expected to have the highest number of patients with open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma, followed by Europe and India, Dr. Quigley and Ms. Broman found. Africa will have the highest ratio of glaucoma-to-adult population. India will have the most detectable change in increase of the disease worldwide and will surpass Europe in 2020 in number of cases, the researchers estimated.
About 2.2 million Americans 40 years and older have glaucoma, according to an estimate by Friedman and colleagues in 2004. By 2010, about 2.79 million people in the U.S. will likely have open-angle glaucoma, Dr. Quigley and Ms. Broman found.
In the U.S. and other developed countries, rates of glaucoma are rising as the population ages. In the next 25 years, the American population older than 65 years is expected to double to 72 million people. Because the fastest growing population in developed countries is people older than 80 years, and because age is a major risk factor for the disease, the rate of glaucoma will continue to increase in the next 20 years, Ivan Goldberg, MBBS, FRANZCO, FRACS, a clinical associate professor at the University of Sydney, Australia, said.
“You’ve got a disease that is exponentially increasing in its prevalence with increasing age, and you’ve got an exponentially increasing graying of the population,” Dr. Goldberg said. “You put the two curves together, you realize that glaucoma is becoming an ever-increasing challenge.”
Around the world, the burden of glaucoma affects daily lives, Rupert Bourne, BSc, FRCOphth, MD, said.
“In day-to-day life, suffering from glaucoma has a major impact on one’s ability to function,” Dr. Bourne, who co-directs the Vision and Eye Research Unit in Cambridge, England, said. “There are an enormous number of people with it. It has a significant impact on quality of life even when of moderate severity, and its irreversibility makes this a major public health problem.”