ABN Newswire

Westhouse Medical Services plc (FRA:5WM) Announces Results of Annual General Meeting

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 24 May 2012 08:21:05 GMT

Westhouse Medical Services plc (FRA:5WM) confirms that at its Annual General Meeting held today, Wednesday 23rd May 2012 all proposed resolutions were unanimously approved by Shareholders

THE DIRECTORS OF THE ISSUER ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENTS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT

Westhouse Medical Services Plc
Jack Kaye
T: +44-124-321-6141
E: jack.kaye@westhousemedical.com

For all UK Press and Public Relations Matters, please contact:
Westhouse PR Team
Chameleon PR
60 Mark Lane
London EC3R 7ND
Tel: +44-207-680-5500
westhouse@chameleonpr.com

For all Global Press and Public Relations Matters, please contact:
Gabriel Luca / Michael Westhaver
Wedgewood Communications
60 Madison Avenue
Suite 1212
New York
NY 10010
USA
Tel: +1-646-592-7559
westhouse@wwprnews.com

MMRL Scientists Present Ten Lectures and Papers at International Heart Rhythm Society Meeting

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:18:21 GMT

Dr. Charles Antzelevitch, Executive Director and Director of Research of the Cardiac Research Institute (CRI) at Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL) and 4 members of the MMRL staff attended and presented 10 lectures and papers at the 33rd annual scientific sessions of the international Heart Rhythm Society (HRS). HRS2012, held on May 9-12, 2012 in Boston, MA. The event brought together over 13,000 cardiologists, electrophysiologists and other health care professionals from throughout the world.

Antzelevitch was honored with invitations to present 5 didactic lectures dealing with the cellular mechanisms, clinical diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of life-threatening and other arrhythmia syndromes. One of the sessions was dedicated to Brugada Syndrome, which was first described 20 years ago and one in which the MMRL has played a pioneering role. Another lecture dealt with the J wave syndromes, a term coined by Antzelevitch and co-workers and an area in which MMRL scientists had again played a pivotal role, demonstrating over a decade ago that an early repolarization pattern in the electrocardiogram (ECG) is not always benign as once thought.

Two other lectures dealt with the recent exciting discovery by MMRL investigators that the combination of ranolazine and dronedarone, causes a synergistic depression of sodium channel current in the upper but not lower chambers of the heart (atrial-selective), leading to 90% suppression of the development of atrial fibrillation. The effectiveness of the drug combination in humans with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is currently being tested in a clinical trial named Harmony. Details of the clinical trial conducted by Gilead Sciences Inc. can be found at:
http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/LJ7AZG62

If successful, this discovery will bring new hope to the 2.7 Americans afflicted with this disease.

Dr. Alexander Burashnikov presented a poster showing that a drug for atrial fibrillation, being promoted as a small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (SK) inhibitor, actually works to suppress AF via a very different mechanism, namely atrial-selective suppression of sodium channel current.
Dr. Serge Sicouri presented a poster demonstrating the antiarrhythmic effects of a new drug, GS 458967, being developed by Gilead Sciences to prevent sudden cardiac death syndromes via highly-selective late sodium channel inhibition. He also presented another poster showing the effectiveness of drugs to suppress the premature beats that precipitate AF.

Dr. Dan Hu presented a poster introducing SCN10A as a new susceptibility gene for Brugada syndrome. Antzelevitch and his colleagues are proud of the fact that they have discovered 8 of the 12 genes thus far identified as responsible for causing Brugada syndrome, an inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndrome that takes the life of individual as they approach 40 years of age. A poster presented in collaboration with colleagues in Israel and The Netherlands, demonstrated an exciting new way to more definitively diagnose patients with the Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). This method, first conceived by Dr. Sami Viskin and colleagues at the Tel Aviv Medical Center in Israel, consists of a simple test in which the patient is asked to stand up rapidly while being monitored with an ECG. It has proven to be very accurate in diagnosing LQTS.

While at the conference, Dr. Istvan Koncz, a post-doctoral, received his Heart Rhythm Society Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant, which was recently awarded to him under the sponsorship and mentorship of Dr. Antzelevitch. Koncz, a cardiologist from Szeged, Hungary, was honored to receive this award having competed with numerous other applicants. The grant award will provide him $50,000 of support over the next year.

The Cardiac Research Institute at MMRL has gained international renown and wide acclaim in the scientific and medical community as a leading cardiac research center. The hallmark of the institute is its innovative and imaginative approach to fighting heart disease. The MMRL's legacy of scientific breakthroughs has helped to generate new heart medications and develop diagnostic procedures for the management of cardiac arrhythmias, and has aided in the advancement of life-saving technologies. The MMRL is also one of the top genetic screening centers in the world dedicated to helping families afflicted with sudden death syndromes.
Please visit www.mmrl.edu for more information or to arrange a tour or presentation.

Ronald P. Kamp
Director of Development & Communications
Cardiac Research Institute
Masonic Medical Research Laboratory
TEL: +1-315-735-2217, ext 127
www.mmrl.edu

Westhouse Medical Services Plc. (FRA:5WM) Secures $50M in Additional Funding and Expands Executive Team

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:46:16 GMT

Healthcare Specialist, Westhouse Medical Services Plc. (FRA:5WM) announced today that it has secured US$50M in additional funding through Wedgewood Investment Group of New York in the form of two $25 million gold secured bonds. This allows Westhouse to continue it's acquisition expansion throughout Europe and in the USA.

"The need to secure new technologies in the medical field is increasingly obvious for Westhouse to expand its current technology and services portfolio which in turn will increase shareholder value.", said Jack Kaye, CEO of Westhouse Medical. "Our investments demonstrate our confidence in our already impressive growth strategy and expansion plan."

To capitalize on its market momentum, Westhouse has added several key executive and non-executive board members such as on 03/20/12 Jonathan Rothman and 04/18/12 George Barry Jackson. In addition Dr Michael Sevenoaks joined the Medical Advisory Panel on 04/03/12. The company will continue to hire aggressively across engineering, operations, sales, customer service and marketing with plans to double the workforce in 2012 with the global launch of BreastCheck and the opening of the assembly and distribution facility in the United States during the second quarter of this year.

For press information, contact: 
Jo Lee / Sian Edwards/ George Baggaley 
Chameleon PR 
Email: westhouse@chameleonpr.com 
Phone: +44-207-680-5500

For Global press information:
Gabriel Luca/Michael Westhaver
Wedgewood Communications
westhouse@wwprnews.com
Ph: +1-646-592-7559

Westhouse Medical Services Plc (FRA:5WM) Begins The Process of Dual Listing on the OTCQX

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:37:30 GMT

Healthcare Specialist, Westhouse Medical Services Plc. (FRA:5WM) today announces it has commenced the process for dual listing on the OTCQX, alongside its present listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE). Soloway Group, a licensed Principal American Liaison, will handle and advise on the OTCQX listing procedure.

The OTCQX application follows Westhouse's application to move its listing from the First Quotation Board of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange to the Open Entry Standard.

Jack Kaye, founder and CEO of Westhouse Medical Services, comments: "The listing on the OTCQX is a strategic move to match the company's recent expansion into the US market. The OTCQX listing, as well as the FSE market upgrade, will allow better access to the US healthcare market, appealing to North American investors.

We believe this will allow us to maintain our commitment to creating value for investors, providers and patients alike by delivering step changes in the effectiveness and quality of primary healthcare provision."

The OTCQX application comes before the planned autumn 2012 launch of BreastCheck - a thermographic, non-invasive breast cancer scanning device, which women of all ages can use to detect abnormalities within the breast tissue.

Westhouse also recently secured a deal for the acquisition of US-listed Sunridge International's patents for PNT, a new glaucoma procedure, which could revolutionise the way glaucoma is treated globally.

WESTHOUSE MEDICAL SERVICES PLC
SYMBOL: (FRA:5WM)
WKN: A1JKH7
ISIN: GB00B6YWDK49
SEDOL: B6YWDK4

For press information, contact: 
Jo Lee / Sian Edwards/ George Baggaley  
Chameleon PR 
Email: westhouse@chameleonpr.com 
Phone: +44-207-680-5500

For Global press information:
Gabriel Luca/Michael Westhaver
Wedgewood Communications
westhouse@wwprnews.com
Ph: +1-646-592-7559

Westhouse Medical Services Plc (FRA:5WM) Announces its Year-End Accounts for 2011

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 11 May 2012 06:19:02 GMT

Healthcare specialist Westhouse Medical Services Plc (FRA:5WM) today announces it has published its audited financial results for 2011 year-end accounts. Copies of the financial statement and its analysis are available for viewing and downloading in the 'Investor' section of the company's website.

Audited accounts for the six-month trading period from the company's inception in July 2011, to 31st December, reveal turnover of GBP1,679,082 and total asset value of GBP8,818,067.

The company continues to develop BreastCheck - a low-cost, non-invasive breast cancer scanning device - and has made significant strides towards the release of the product. Further announcements on the launch of BreastCheck will be made in the coming months.
Westhouse also sold AST Ambulance Service, part of the company's services division, for GBP2.75m to a management buyout. Westhouse has since begun initial negotiations to acquire another patient transport service.

Jack Kaye, CEO, comments: "We are very pleased with the 2011 financial figures. The losses for the period of GBP1,778,900 were in line with expectations, and the company made significant financial gains from the sale of AST. As well as pushing towards the release of BreastCheck, Westhouse has entered negotiations for a number of medical technology acquisitions, to build on the recent purchase of Sunridge International's revolutionary glaucoma treatment patents."

Westhouse Medical will hold its AGM on 23rd May 2012 to further outline its plans going forward. Shareholders can download proxy voting forms from the company's website.

WESTHOUSE MEDICAL SERVICES PLC
SYMBOL: 5WM
WKN: A1JKH7
ISIN: GB00B6YWDK49
SEDOL: B6YWDK4

For (UK) press information, contact: 
Jo Lee / Sian Edwards/ George Baggaley 
Chameleon PR 
Email: westhouse@chameleonpr.com 	
Ph: +44-207-680-5500	

For Global press information:
Gabriel Luca/Michael Westhaver
Wedgewood Communications
westhouse@wwprnews.com
Ph: +1-646-592-7559

Westhouse Medical Services (FRA:5WM) Secures US$50M in Additional Funding and Expands Executive Team

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 8 May 2012 07:24:53 GMT

Healthcare specialist Westhouse Medical Services Plc (FRA:5WM) announced today that it has secured US$50M in additional funding through Wedgewood Investment Group of New York in the form of two $25 million gold secured bonds. This allows Westhouse to continue it's acquisition expansion throughout Europe and in the USA.

"The need to secure new technologies in the medical field is increasingly obvious for Westhouse to expand its current technology and services portfolio which in turn will increase shareholder value.", said Jack Kaye, CEO of Westhouse Medical. "Our investments demonstrate our confidence in our already impressive growth strategy and expansion plan."

To capitalize on its market momentum, Westhouse has added several key executive and non-executive board members such as on 03/20/12 Jonathan Rothman and 04/18/12 George Barry Jackson. In addition Dr Michael Sevenoaks joined the Medical Advisory Panel on 04/03/12. The company will continue to hire aggressively across engineering, operations, sales, customer service and marketing with plans to double the workforce in 2012 with the global launch of BreastCheck and the opening of the assembly and distribution facility in the United States during the second quarter of this year.

Westhouse Medical Services Plc
Jack Kaye - Chairman
E: info@westhousemedical.com

For press information:
Jo Lee / Sian Edwards / George Baggaley 
Chameleon PR
Email: westhouse@chameleonpr.com
Ph: +44-207-680-5500

Westhouse Medical Services Plc (FRA:5WM) Notice of Annual General Meeting

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 8 May 2012 07:16:01 GMT

Healthcare specialist Westhouse Medical Services Plc (FRA:5WM) announces it will be holding its Annual General Meeting for Shareholders on Wednesday, 23rd May 2012, 10am at The Westbury Hotel, Conduit Street, London W1.

Further information and Proxy voting forms can be found on the company's website www.westhousemedical.com

WESTHOUSE MEDICAL SERVICES PLC
SYMBOL: 5WM
WKN: A1JKH7
ISIN: GB00B6YWDK49
SEDOL: B6YWDK4

Westhouse Medical Services Plc
Jack Kaye - Chairman
E: info@westhousemedical.com

For press information:
Jo Lee / Sian Edwards / George Baggaley 
Chameleon PR
Email: westhouse@chameleonpr.com
Ph: +44-207-680-5500

Westhouse Medical (FRA:5WM) Technology Holds the Key to Modernising Breast Cancer Screening; Jack Kaye CEO

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Sun, 6 May 2012 04:00:45 GMT

Breast cancer has become a major healthcare issue in the United Kingdom over the past two decades. Since the 1980s, breast cancer has received increasing attention throughout the world, due to the startling rise of the disease. The annual Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, which sees millions of pounds raised for research and charity, is testament to this.

Statistics gathered over the past two decades suggest that breast cancer is caused by environmental factors. North European women have a relatively high probability of developing the disease, along with North Americans and Australians, compared to those from the Mediterranean or the Far East. For example, a Japanese woman born and raised in her homeland will have a very low chance of developing the disease.

However, if she was to live in the UK for five years or more, she will have the same probability of developing the disease as a local. Whilst a scientific explanation remains absent, the reality is that breast cancer poses a greater threat to women in the UK than in other areas of the world.

This year in particular has seen breast cancer fill the news headlines - new research, criticism of the screening process and incidents such as the PIP breast implant scandal. However, arguably the most important news came in October 2011 with the announcement of an independent review into the NHS mammogram breast screening programme. The review, led by Professor Sir Mike Richards, national cancer director at the Department of Health, aims to update the current programme with more developed medical devices.

Nevertheless, mammogram screening saves lives because it allows breast cancers to be diagnosed and, if treated early, lowers mortality rates. That is an established fact, proven by decades of data from the US, Europe and here in the UK. Statistics show that in 1982, the year that the NHS started its breast screening program, there were over 18,000 related fatalities - an increasing trend from the 1970s. Since then, mortality from breast cancer has declined steadily to about 12,500 a year and stabilised at that level. The UK's mortality rate remains above many European neighbours such as Germany and Sweden, suggesting improvement is achievable.

However, at present there are a number of broad issues with the current UK screening programme that need to be addressed:

Age footprint

A woman's risk of developing breast cancer dramatically increases from the age of 42. The current UK screening programme only targets women from the age of 50, although this will soon be reduced to 47 - a clear admission of the fact that screeing at 50 or over is often far too late to prevent breast cancer becoming fatal. Unfortunately, 47 will be too late for many women as well as breast cancer can effect far younger women. Consequently, screening should be made available for all women over the age of 18 as breast cancer is known to develop this early.

Incidence

The frequency of screening is under question. The medical evidence is clear - survival rates for some breast cancers are much better with higher frequency screening. Official advice in the US is for mammograms to be performed at least once every 2 years, while some US organisations advocate annual screening.

Of course it is easy for a government to advise more frequent screening when the Government does not pay for it. The US medical industry is still mainly funded by private insurance, although Medicaid (tax funded medical insurance) is expanding under Obama's reforms.

But even those organisations associated with Medicaid recommend bi-annual screening. Screening in the UK remains once every three years. Reducing this period would lower mortality rates for breast cancers.

Precision

Recent research in the UK has questioned the efficacy of mammograms as a screening tool. That it works is beyond doubt, however, mammograms are assumed to be specific for breast cancers by both patients and the clinical community.

In reality they miss many cancers, often because the cancers are too small or even precancerous, showing 'shadowing' that may not be indicative of a harmful pathology. Contrary to belief, some cancers are better off left in place as they are not aggressive, usually as they are encased in the ductile tissue of the breast. Only one out of every ten 'positive' mammograms actually turns out to be a cancer that should be treated - a 'false positive'. The problem with false positives is that far too often treatment is given when no such action is necessary, at increased cost to the NHS, and risk to the patient's future health.

Harmful potential

The negative knock-on effects of a mammogram scan are substantial. The invasive, physical nature of the process can cause harm, and increase the chance of healthy tissue becoming damaged or even cancerous in the future. Yet with no precursor to the current scanning system, all women - healthy or not - are put through the rigours of the mammogram.

New technology

A primary scanning alternative would allow women to gain a better understanding of the health of their breasts, without the need for a mammogram. Westhouse Medical is developing BreastCheck - a thermoscanner that detects a wide range of pathologies by analysing and comparing temperature levels in both breasts.

Temperature irregularities can indicate cancer as tumours prompt a build up of capillaries, through which increased blood flow creates heat. Women can use devices like BreastCheck in the comfort of their own home, taking any positive results to their GP who could then advise on further investigation or treatment.

Cost-efficiency

A primary screening procedure such as BreastCheck could save the NHS millions through the avoidance of unnecessary mammograms. At present, there are 2.3 million scans carried out each year, costing the NHS GBP120 million. This figure is predicted to rise during 2013-2014 costing the NHS an additional GBP40 million to accommodate the UK's aging population. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of people over the age of 85 is expected to more than double from 1.4 million to 3.5 million within 25 years. An older female population will require more mammograms.

This widening footprint indicates that the number of mammograms per year will increase close to three million by 2014. If those 3 million mammograms all cost GBP53.33, ignoring the likely effects of inflation, the cost to the taxpayer will be GBP160m overall.

BreastCheck is a quarter of a mammogram's price. If used as a primary screening device BreastCheck could screen three million women a year at a cost of about GBP37.5 million. If 20 per cent produced positive results, they could be given a mammogram at an additional cost of GBP32 million. This conservative estimate places the total cost for the NHS at GBP70 million, a GBP90 million saving on the estimated GBP160 million forecasted for 2014.

Modernisation

If the NHS as a whole is to restructure, it must modernise its health programmes to continue providing the best possible health service for the public. The NHS's mammogram system has done an incredible job, rising to the challenges posed by a growing disease and saving countless lives. However, with new medical technology, the UK's breast screening programme can be modernised to answer the new problems presented by a recession and changing demographics.

A multi-tiered breast screening programme, beginning with a primary scan, will allow more women to be screened more regularly, more conveniently and in more comfort, with little or no additional health risks. The mammogram would then become a procedure recommended by doctors when abnormalities have already been detected to the benefit of all.

By doing this the NHS will create a flexible, wider and more reliable system where more cancers are detected at a lower cost for the taxpayer.

Westhouse Medical Services Plc
E: info@westhousemedical.com

Westhouse Medical Services Plc (FRA:5WM) Announces Appointment of New Non-executive Director

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 3 May 2012 02:06:03 GMT

Healthcare specialist Westhouse Medical Services Plc (FRA:5WM) today announces the immediate appointment of George Barry Jackson as a non-executive director of the company.

With over 40 year's business experience, Jackson brings a wealth of knowledge to the management team, including his entrepreneurial background. Jackson has invested and developed a wide range of businesses from the ground up, including a specialist photography chain and a number of restaurants and event venues.

Jackson currently holds directorship roles with Montroyal Investments Ltd, Montroyal Management Services Ltd, Technis Labs Europe Plc and Technis International Plc.

Jackson began his career with Mars Ltd in marketing, and then moved to become sales director at a London based photography processing business in 1971, before progressing to managing director until the business was sold in 1988. After this, Jackson made the transition into event management, acting as a consultant to companies interested in the restaurant, events and licensed premises markets.

"We are pleased to welcome George Jackson to the company," comments Jack Kaye, founder and CEO of Westhouse Medical Service. "His experience and understanding of company acquisition assessments will be a great asset to Westhouse Medical Services fast-paced growth strategy within the healthcare sector."

Jackson is beneficially interested in 50 ordinary shares of 15p each in the capital of Westhouse, with each ordinary share holding one right to vote in the issued ordinary share capital of the Company.

Westhouse Medical Services is a specialist company creating value for investors, providers and patients by delivering step changes in the effectiveness and quality of primary healthcare delivery, listed on the Open Standard Section of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Westhouse is currently developing BreastCheck - a revolutionary, non-invasive breast cancer screening product which can act as a precursor to mammogram scanning. BreastCheck is due for launch in summer 2012. The company also recently secured a deal for the acquisition of a majority stake in US-listed Sunridge International and its patents for PNT, a new glaucoma procedure, which could revolutionise the way glaucoma is treated globally.

WESTHOUSE MEDICAL SERVICES PLC
SYMBOL: 5WM
WKN: A1JKH7
ISIN: GB00B6YWDK49
SEDOL: B6YWDK4

~ends~

For press information, contact: (UK)
Jo Lee / Sian Edwards/ George Baggaley 
Chameleon PR
Email: westhouse@chameleonpr.com
Ph: +44-207-680-5500
			
Global:
Gabriel Luca / Michael Westhaver
Wedgewood Communications
Email: westhouse@wedgenews.com
Ph: +1-646-592-7559 (New York)

Westhouse Medical Services plc (FRA:5WM): Chairmans Report, Acquisition of BreastCheck, Profemme and AST Ambulance Service

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 2 May 2012 03:55:08 GMT

Since Westhouse Medical Services' (FRA:5WM) formation in July 2011, the company has been developing and growing at an exponential rate. In its initial six months of operation, it has acquired BreastCheck, a low cost non-invasive breast screening device, Profemme, a surgery / clinic based non-invasive testing device for Breast Cancer and also acquired AST Ambulance Service - a specialist Bariatric and Intensive Care patient transport service operating in the U.K.

The company continued throughout 2011 to develop BreastCheck and are very pleased with our progress leading up to the launch of the product. Further announcements regarding launch dates and global roll out plans will be made during the course of 2012. The international launch of BreastCheck will be launched through a major, multi-media PR campaign which is currently being developed.

The company sold its patient transport service business, AST Ambulance Service, in March 2012 to a Management Buyout for GBP2.75m. We were very pleased with the financial gains that the company realized through the sale of AST. As previously announced, negotiations are under way to acquire other Patient Transport Services for its Westhouse's Medical Services Division.

We have also entered into discussions with a number of Medical Device Businesses who have developed new and exciting products to further enhance and improve on patient care and treatment. To this end we have announced agreed terms with Sunridge International for the acquisition of their revolutionary Glaucoma treatment and device patents. Further acquisition announcements will be made during the course of 2012.

During May 2012, the company plans to apply to move up to the Open Standard tier on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Concurrently, the company will be making a submission for a secondary listing on the United States OTC QX Exchange.
Our Audited Accounts for the period ending 31st December 2011 have now been published. In the 6 month period trading period from the company's inception in July 2011, Turnover for the period was GBP1,679,082 with losses for the period of GBP1,778,900 which were in line with expectations. Total Assets as at 31st December 2011 amounted to GBP8,818,067.

As part of its on-going long term strategy, Westhouse will continue to develop its portfolio of Medical Devices and add to its portfolio of Technology and Patents as appropriate. Additionally, the Company will seek to expand and consolidate targeted acquisitions in the Patient Transport sector for its Medical Services Division.

Westhouse Medical Services Plc
Jack Kaye - Chairman
E: info@westhousemedical.com

For press information:
Jo Lee / Sian Edwards / George Baggaley 
Chameleon PR
Email: westhouse@chameleonpr.com
Ph: +44-207-680-5500