Newtown, PA / ACCESSWIRE / October 27, 2014 / Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. (CSE: HSM) ("HMT", "Helius" or the "Company") a medical technology company focused on the treatment of neurological symptoms caused by disease or trauma, is pleased to announce today that noted British surgeon Dr. Jonathan Sackier has agreed to serve as Chairman of the company's newly formed Scientific Advisory Board.
Dr. Sackier has more than 30 years of healthcare experience and was trained in Britain as a surgeon and recruited in 1989 to the USA, where he helped lead the laparoscopic surgery revolution. Dr. Sackier's collaborations with the pharmaceutical and medical device industry have led to multiple technologies coming to market with partners like Forest Laboratories, Clinical Data, Bristol Myers, Valley Lab, Pfizer, Karl Storz and Applied Medical & Pall.
Helius, in consultation with Dr. Sackier, is working to identify and recruit a multidisciplinary board to advise the Company on the development of its primary asset the PoNS(TM) device. The PoNS(TM), an investigational medical device that induces neuromodulation by stimulating the cranial nerves found in the tongue, is initially being studied for the treatment of balance disorder symptoms caused by Traumatic Brain Injury ("TBI") and Multiple Sclerosis.
Helius' CEO, Philippe Deschamps, commented, "We are honored to have someone with Dr. Sackier's exceptional skills in this role. His successful history in leading medical advisory boards combined with his passion, enthusiasm and expertise in the development of medical devices will be a welcomed addition to the Helius team."
"There is no greater satisfaction for a physician than to help bring promising new technologies forward for patients in need," said Dr. Sackier. "Neurology patients, seeking symptom relief, represent one of the largest of unmet medical needs. I look forward to leading the Scientific Advisory Board with a sense of both great excitement and responsibility."
Highlights of Dr. Sackier's distinguished career include:
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-As a Professor at George Washington University, Sackier founded and funded the Washington Institute of Surgical Endoscopy, a center for education, research, innovation and technology transfer.
-Dr. Sackier is a pro bono Visiting Professor of Surgery at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences at Oxford University.
-Dr. Sackier sits on the board of directors of Kypha, Clinvue, and Hemoshear. He is Chairman of the Board of The Load Zero Foundation and a Trustee of First Star and previously chaired The Larry King Cardiac Foundation Board of Governors.
-Sackier also served as a board member of The American College of Surgeons Foundation, The Surgical Fellowship Foundation and Rex Bionics, winner of London's 2014 Aim Award for outstanding achievement for most successful growth market.
About Helius Medical Technologies (HMT)
Helius Medical Technologies is a medical technology holding company focused on neurological wellness. HMT seeks to use unique and non-invasive platform technologies that amplify the brain's ability to heal itself. HMT intends to file for U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance for the PoNS(TM) device. For more information, please visit www.heliusmedical.com.
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The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.
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Contact: Investor Relations:
778-588-7144
Corporate Contact:
Phil Deschamps
614-596-2597
Media Contact:
Becky Kern
914-772-2310
SOURCE: Helius Medical Technologies, Inc.