Uptake Medical said today that data from a clinical study of its InterVapor device showed significant improvements in lung function and quality of life in patients treated with the device.
The InterVapor uses heated water vapor to reduce bronchoscopic lung volume in patients with heterogenous upper lobe emphysema, the Tustin, Calif.-based company said.
“Uptake Medical is pleased with these promising clinical results, which show that InterVapor plays an important role in offering progressive treatment options for emphysema patients. The technology has now been proven in a randomized clinical trial to improve patients’ lung function and quality of life during the natural progression of this debilitating disease,” CEO King Nelson said in prepared remarks.
The randomized, controlled Step-up clinical study reported that patients treated with the device showed a 14.7% improvement in FEV1 lung function at 6 months, and a 9.7% improvement in quality of life, as rated by St. George’s Respiratory Quotient.
“The Step-up results affirm InterVapor’s safety and effectiveness and represent an important milestone in bronchoscopic intervention. For the 1st time, we have the option to safely treat patients’ most diseased segments and preserve the less diseased segments, while enhancing both their lung function and quality of life,” co-principal investigator Felix Herth said in a press release.
In August, Uptake said it won CE Mark approval in the European Union for its InterVapor ablation device, now indicated to treat patients who suffer from severe emphysema.
