Synova Healthcare Group,
Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SNVH), who just last week announced the
acquisition of Allendale Pharmaceuticals Inc., and the worldwide rights to
the Today(R) Sponge, announced today that Synova Pre-Natal Healthcare,
Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, and development partner BioPad Ltd. have
successfully produced the initial set of antepartum fetal-movement monitors
for use in their first "in-home" clinical trial. The device is designed to
provide a non-invasive means of monitoring fetal movement during the last
trimester of pregnancy. Unlike ultrasonic instruments, this non-invasive
fetal monitor does not expose either the pregnant mother or her fetus to
radiant energy.
Clinical data supporting the value of antepartum fetal movement
monitoring is both compelling and growing (1). Reduced fetal movement has
been associated with a variety of tragic and preventable outcomes including
stillbirth (2). Reports of fetal movement declining in advance of a
cessation in fetal heart-sounds and fetal death illustrate the value of
fetal movement monitoring (3, 4).
The monitoring of fetal movement is routinely done during the last
trimester (and often earlier), and can be performed at-home manually by the
mother herself. Manual fetal monitoring is currently done while the mother
lies quietly on her side and counts the number of fetal movements within a
given time frame, or the time necessary to detect a given number of fetal
movements. The non-invasive fetal movement monitor currently being
co-developed by Synova and BioPad is aimed at improving this practice by
increasing the accuracy agreement of the measurement via this non-invasive
device versus manual measurement by the expectant mother, when compared
with ultrasound. The Company believes this will reduce maternal anxiety (as
the fetal monitor is expected to identify fetal movement the mother may
miss) and may contribute to improved outcomes by assisting in identifying
real emergencies when they occur and potentially providing the time
necessary to intervene successfully.
In the U.S., there are more than 4 million live births annually.
Benefits of fetal movement counting extend well beyond fetal welfare and
maternal peace of mind. Health-economic analyses have demonstrated the
value of enhanced prenatal care. Any intervention that results in a
decreased likelihood of premature birth and low birth weight infants will
almost assuredly decrease public healthcare expenditures.
"We anticipate that this non-invasive fetal monitor will be the first
of its kind for affordable in-home use," states Dr. Ron Spangler, Ph.D.,
Chief Scientific Officer, Synova Healthcare, Inc. "It is our belief that
this device will provide women with added assurance that their fetus is
exhibiting normal activity throughout the last trimester of their
pregnancy."
References:
(1) Froen, JF. A kick from within - fetal movement counting and the
cancelled progress in antenatal care. J Perinat Med 32 (2004) 13-24.
(2) Moore T, K Piacquadio. A prospective evaluation of fetal movement
screening to reduce the incidence of antepartum fetal death. Am J
Obstet Gynecol 163 (1990): 264-5.
(3) Sadovsky, E., WZ Polishuk, Y Mahler, A Malkin. Correlation between
electromagnetic recording and maternal assessment of fetal movement.
Lancet (1973): 1141-42.
(4) Sadovsky, E. Fetal movement in utero - A review II: Fetal
movements and fetal distress. Isr J Obstet Gynecol 3 (1992): 75-78.
About Synova Healthcare Group, Inc
.
Synova Healthcare Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries Synova
Healthcare, Inc., Synova Pre-Natal Healthcare, Inc. and now Allendale
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is focused on the development, distribution,
marketing and sale of non-invasive medical diagnostic tests and
over-the-counter healthcare products that allow consumers and professionals
to rapidly and accurately diagnose, monitor and/or treat certain woman's
healthcare conditions. The Company's efforts are focused in the areas of
contraception, vaginal health, menopause management, fertility planning,
obstetrics and personal care. Its products are designed to deliver a
meaningful difference in healthcare management for women. The company's
goal is to provide healthcare solutions that address every stage of a
woman's reproductive life. For more information, please visit the Company's
website at synovahealthcare.
Synova Healthcare's current product portfolio includes MenoCheck(R) and
MenocheckPro(R) at-home and in-office diagnostic tests that detect levels
of follicle stimulating hormone that become elevated with the onset of
menopause; and Fem-V(TM), a vaginal acidity test included inside a
pantiliner that assists women when seeking the most appropriate treatment
for vaginal infections. The company also announced in the fourth quarter of
2006 encouraging results from development of its non-invasive fetal
monitor; expected to be the first-ever portable disposable fetal activity
detector and data recorder currently in development for at-home use by
expectant mothers.
About the Today(R) Sponge
The Today(R) Sponge contraceptive device provides women with a
reliable, non-hormonal alternative to birth control pills. It is ideal for
women who want to avoid the side effects of birth control pills, cannot use
hormonal contraceptives, or simply want the convenience of a method that
can be used at a moment's notice. Measuring only 1.75 inches in diameter
and .50 inches in thickness, the sponge is coated with sperm-killing
nonoxynol-9 and has fits comfortably over the cervix. The Today(R) Sponge
has been widely tested and was used by over 6.5 million women from 1983 to
1995. The Today(R) Sponge is now widely available in Canada and the United
States at major retailers such as CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target and
Wal-Mart. For more information, please visit TodaySponge.
This Press Release may contain certain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
The Company has tried, whenever possible, to identify these forward-looking
statements using words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates,"
"expects," "plans," "intends," "potential" and similar expressions. These
statements reflect the Company's current beliefs and are based upon
information currently available to it. Accordingly, such forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements
to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements.
Such risk factors are discussed in the Company's Registration Statement on
Form SB-2 (File No. 333-123498), as amended, as declared effective by the
Securities and Exchange Commission on May 22, 2006, as well as in other
periodic reports and filings with the Commission. There can be no assurance
that such factors will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking
statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or advise in the
event of any change, addition or alteration to the information set forth in
this Press Release including such forward-looking statements. This press
release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy; nor will there be any sale of securities of Synova Healthcare
Group, Inc. in any state where such offer, solicitation or sale would be
unlawful before registration or qualification under the securities laws of
those states.
Synova Healthcare Group, Inc.
synovahealthcare