Biopsy Sciences to use Florida's Target Sector Trade Grants

to help launch MAGNE-CATH in Europe

CLEARWATER, FL (Jan. 30, 2013) -   Biopsy Sciences of Clearwater, Florida announced it has received approval to market its new MAGNE-CATH medical device to the European market, and will begin introducing it during the first quarter of 2013.

According to Fred Ahari, Founder and CTO of Biopsy Sciences, "The MAGNE-CATH is designed for use in the cardiovascular system to retrieve or manipulate objects during stent graft placement."

The MAGNE-CATH's design consists of two separate catheters each with a magnetic tip that create a closed loop. This allows the physician to more easily manipulate a guiding wire into the proper location of the stent graft.  This can be tricky and time consuming with the technologies that are currently available.

Dr. Mitchell Weiss M.D., the inventor of the MAGNE-CATH explained the device's value to patients, "This device will make the procedure faster and improve the safety, thus reducing the risks commonly associated with stent graft placement."

Animation of Biopsy Sciences' MAGNE-CATH Device

Dr. John Fisher, the CEO of Biopsy Sciences shared, "Having performed over 500 stent graft placements since they were developed, we understand the difficulties of this complex procedure, and think we've come up with a device surgeons will find very useful. We are excited to bring this device to our European colleagues, and Florida's Target Sector Trade Grants will be quite helpful with our promotional efforts."  

Recognizing the growing importance of exports to their company's bottom line, Biopsy Sciences first used Florida's Target Sector Trade Grants in 2011 to attend the Hospitalar, Latin America's largest medical products trade show in Brazil. 

The  Enterprise Florida Target Sector Trade Grant program provides event-specific grants on a reimbursable basis to eligible small companies in target sectors, like medical device manufacturing.  The funds help offset costs and enable companies to participate in Enterprise Florida trade shows and select U.S. certified trade exhibitions in target sectors.

Biopsy Sciences first learned about the availability of these grants through retention visits with Pinellas County Economic Development's Business Development team.  Business Development Manager's, Andrea Falvey and Scott Talcott meet regularly with Pinellas county companies in target industries to discuss programs that can assist businesses with their growth. 

"There are a number of programs available to assist Pinellas companies with increasing exports, training staff, reducing tax liability and financing growth," explains Andrea Falvey.  "We listen to the needs of Pinellas companies, connect their team to resources and offer consultations to help them grow and create new jobs in Pinellas."

To schedule a retention visit to explore the resources available to your growing business, please contact Pinellas County Economic Development at (727) 464-7332 or email Andrea Falvey at afalvey@pinellascounty.org or Scott Talcott at stalcott@pinellascounty.org.