IMI plans change in name to PreMD Inc.
May 25 2005 - 11:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
IMI plans change in name to PreMD Inc. New name reflects evolution
of company from development-stage biotech to innovator in
predictive medicine TORONTO, May 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IMI
International Medical Innovations Inc. (TSX: IMI; Amex: IME) plans
to change its name to PreMD Inc. later this year to better reflect
the company's predictive medicine focus and growth direction,
announced Dr. Brent Norton, President and Chief Executive Officer,
at the company's annual shareholders' meeting today in Toronto. The
new name will be officially launched in September 2005. "This
important strategic step acknowledges just how far we have come
since our inception," said Dr. Norton. "We have evolved from a
development- stage company to one with a world-class marketing
partnership with McNeil Consumer Healthcare. From a mere concept we
have developed a predictive heart disease test, PREVU(x) Point of
Care Skin (POC) Sterol Test, that is now being commercialized. We
have a very promising pipeline of non-invasive cancer detection
tests with equal potential to be marketable products. And,
underlying all of this, we have established significant scientific
credibility and earned the respect of the international medical
community." The name PreMD Inc. describes the role the company's
products fulfill: predicting disease at an early stage in order to
prevent its progression, or from occurring at all. "Pre" means
"before a time or event". MD, the acronym for "medical doctor",
when combined with "Pre" suggests the early management and
monitoring of one's health. PreMD reflects the company's focus on
empowering patients and doctors alike to better manage total health
and wellness. Dr. Norton continued, "Our new name sets the tone for
an equally exciting future as we strive to capitalize on myriad
growth opportunities. PreMD helps to communicate our company's
leading position in the predictive medicine field and provides a
strong corporate brand platform upon which to build awareness and
shareholder value." The effective date of the corporate name change
to PreMD Inc. will be announced in September 2005. The new
corporate website will be http://www.premdinc.com/ and the
company's shares are currently expected to trade on the Toronto
Stock Exchange under the symbol PMD and on the American Stock
Exchange under the symbol PME. About IMI IMI
(http://www.imimedical.com/) is a world leader in predictive
medicine, dedicated to developing rapid, non-invasive tests for the
early detection of life-threatening diseases. IMI's cardiovascular
products, branded as PREVU(x) Skin Sterol Test, are marketed and
distributed worldwide by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. The company's
cancer tests include ColorectAlert(TM), LungAlert(TM) and a breast
cancer test. IMI's head office is located in Toronto, and its
research and product development facility is at McMaster University
in Hamilton, Ontario. This press release contains forward-looking
statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks and
uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to
differ materially from those in the forward- looking statements.
Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the successful
development or marketing of the Company's products, the
competitiveness of the Company's products if successfully
commercialized, the lack of operating profit and availability of
funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and
timely completion of clinical studies, product liability, reliance
on third-party manufacturers, the ability of the Company to take
advantage of business opportunities, uncertainties related to the
regulatory process, the inability of the Company to change its name
to PreMD Inc. in the time projected due to any reason, and general
changes in economic conditions. In addition, while the Company
routinely obtains patents for its products and technology, the
protection offered by the Company's patents and patent applications
may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by our competitors
and there can be no guarantee of our ability to obtain or maintain
patent protection for our products or product candidates. Investors
should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the
Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information
on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking
statements. Investors are cautioned not to rely on these
forward-looking statements. IMI is providing this information as of
the date of this press release and does not undertake any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in
this press release as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise. DATASOURCE: IMI International Medical Innovations Inc.
CONTACT: For more information, please contact: Company Contact:
Sarah Borg-Olivier, Director, Communications, T: (416) 222-3449, ;
U.S. Investor Contact: Andrea Faville, John Nesbett, The Investor
Relations Group, T: (212) 825-3210, ,
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