Fisher & Paykel launch 2 new products, see shares rise

Fisher & Paykel (NZE:FPH) said today it launched a new Eson 2 Nasal mask and HumiGard SH870 surgical humidification system, sending shares up to their highest since late last month.

The Eson 2 nasal mask is designed to work with systems designed for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The mask uses the comapny’s RollFit seal technology that adjusts to fit a range of face shapes and minimize pressure on the nose, Fisher & Paykel said.

“Our development team has focused on ease of use, to provide sleep professionals and patients confidence at every step from titration through to adherence. The F&P Eson has been our best performing nasal mask and has proven extremely popular with both healthcare providers and patients. We believe with the large number of design improvements the F&P Eson 2 will be even more popular,” CEO designate Lewis Gradon said in a press release.

The Eson 2 mask will be initially available in New Zealand and Australia in November with a planned European, Canadian and eventual U.S. roll-out upon attaining appropriate clearance.

“We put the patient and their needs at the centre of our mask design and, like all of our masks, the F&P Eson 2 is designed to seal comfortably, simplify use and improve treatment acceptability. Our innovative technologies have significantly advanced mask simplicity and performance, increasing the chance of long-term therapy success and, ultimately, improving patient care and outcomes,” Gradon said.

The company’s HumiGard SH870 surgical humidification system is designed to deliver warm, humidified CO2 during open and laprascopic surgeries, the company said.

“In recent years the focus of surgical humidification has been on its use during laparoscopic surgery, however mounting clinical evidence has demonstrated significant patient benefits such as improved perioperative hypothermia when utilised during open surgery. We believe that this new HumiGard system will facilitate accelerated growth in the uptake of surgical humidification by hospitals in a number of our key markets,” Gradon said.

The HumiGard will be rolled-out in New Zealand, Australia and the U.K. in November and other European markets in January, the company said.

Fisher & Paykel shares rose as high as 3.7% on the New Zealand market, their highest since September 29, and are ranked among the top percentage gainers on its SciTex Index and S&P NZX 50 Capital Index.  Shares on the Australian market rose as much as 3%, its highest since Sept 28.