som euro expansion announcement

AUSTRALIAN SLEEP GROUP SOMNOMED EXPANDS TO EUROPE
Leading anti-snoring and sleep apnea group, Somnomed Limited, announced today it
has commenced its expansion to Europe as part of the group’s global expansion
strategy.
The company has entered into an agreement with the German company Orthosleep to
become Somnomed’s Central European laboratory and will play a central role in the
licensing of partners across the continent.
Orthosleep is one of Germany’s leading dental labs for sleep dentistry and will train
and supply the licence partners in each country to developed as markets for the unique
Somnomed’s locally developed anti-snoring device.
“This is a very important first step in implementing our new global strategy and
rolling out our business in Europe”, said Dr Peter Neustadt, Executive Chairman of
Somnomed.
“Somnomed plans to appoint a license partner in every country in Europe to achieve
full market coverage before the end of 2008.Europe has a population of more than
300 million people and is the second most important market in the world.
“In its role as Somnomed Central Lab Europe, Orthosleep will be responsible for
training of our future license partners to make, reset and repair our Somnomed sleep
apnea and snoring device”, he added.
Central Lab Europe will be the European logistical centre for component purchasing,
coordination and shipping of production kits and finished devices to licensees. It will
be the European hub for all shipments between Europe and our labs in Australia, the
US and the Far East.
Dr Neustadt said “Somnomed will appoint license partners in every individual
European country to assist with the launch and marketing of the Somnomed devices
during 2008. Our licensees will also be responsible to produce and provide warranty
services.
“The agreement with Orthosleep allows us to have our own laboratory without the
cost of building and staffing such a facility. At the same time Orthosleep enjoys a
reputation as one of the leading labs in Europe when it comes to sleep dentistry and
will also make our device for the German market”, he added.
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The European market for dental sleep apnea devices is still small but equal in size to
the market in the US and Canada. Somnomed launched its operation only one year
ago in the US by opening its own US production and service lab in Denton, Texas.
Since then Somnomed has been building its business in the US and Canada in its own
right. “The European licensing model is currently also being analysed for its
suitability to the US market. A mixed licensing/self distribution model could allow us
to develop our business in the US faster”, said Dr Neustadt.
With approval from Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the US and wide support
from physicians and dentists, Australian company Somnomed, has launched a
breakthrough product to effectively treat snoring and mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea
(OSA).
The Somnomed MAS™ (mandibular advancement splint), offers sufferers of snoring
and partners of snorers, a genuine solution amongst the clutter of snoring cures and
anti-snoring products, currently confusing consumers who are looking for effective
treatment.
Following an extensive research and development program, and developed by a team
of doctor’s and dentists in the state-of-the-art lab in Sydney, the Somnomed MAS™
is an oral device that positions the lower jaw (mandible) slightly forward of its usual
position, which has the effect of keeping the airway open and preventing snoring.
The device consists of two separate acrylic plates and is custom made to provide a
perfect fit over the teeth, being kind to teeth and ensuring comfort and durability for
the wearer. The Somnomed MAS™ is innovative, simple to use and competitively
priced, with many advantages over the traditional intrusive and expensive treatments.
The product, which is custom fitted and made for each patient after they visit their
doctor or dentist, has been clinically proven for its effectiveness and is already being
used by more than 5,000 snorers across Australia.
For media enquiries please contact:
Tim Allerton
City Public Relations
(02) 9267 4511.