Gore Reacts to RESPECT Trial Results

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. & MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) today responded to initial results reported in St. Jude Medical, Inc.’s RESPECT clinical trial. The RESPECT study investigated whether transcatheter closure of PFO using St Jude’s AMPLATZER® PFO Occluder device is safe and effective compared to best medical therapy in the prevention of recurrent cryptogenic stroke. Gore is concurrently conducting its Gore REDUCE Clinical Study using both the GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder and, as reported earlier this week, the new GORE® Septal Occluder, in patients with PFO and a history of cryptogenic stroke or imaging-confirmed transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Stuart Broyles, PhD, Associate with the Gore Medical Division Stroke Business, commented: “Our commitment is to patients suffering from cryptogenic strokes and bringing them viable and beneficial treatment options. Our goal is to reduce recurrent stroke and improve the quality of life for patients. The RESPECT study data suggest closure therapy for PFO may be beneficial, but further research is required. Gore is committed to the pursuit of a PFO indication in the US for the GORE HELEX Septal Occluder and the GORE Septal Occluder. Worldwide, these Gore devices have a strong record of patient safety. We will continue to pursue the indication for our devices through the Gore REDUCE Clinical Study. Gore looks forward to further review of the RESPECT data in the coming weeks.”

Patients and physicians interested in learning more about PFO and the Gore REDUCE Clinical Study can visit: http://www.clinical.goremedical.com/REDUCE.

ABOUT W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES

The Gore Medical Products Division has provided creative therapeutic solutions to complex medical problems for more than 35 years. During that time, more than 30 million innovative Gore Medical Devices have been implanted, saving and improving the quality of lives worldwide. The extensive Gore Medical family of products includes vascular grafts, endovascular and interventional devices, surgical meshes for hernia repair, soft tissue reconstruction, staple line reinforcement and sutures for use in vascular, cardiac and general surgery. Gore was recently named one of the best companies to work for by Fortune magazine for the 15th consecutive year. For more information, visit www.goremedical.com.

Products listed may not be available in all markets. GORE®, HELEX®, and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates.