MDMI (PEI) Inc, a company that focuses on the development, manufacturing and marketing of minimally invasive medical devices, officially announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Charlottetown today. Located in the Stratford Business Park, this new plant is in the process of producing a product known as the ThermaBlate EAS (endometrial ablation system), a medical device used in the treatment of menorrhagia (heavy menstrual periods) in women.
The ThermaBlate EAS is a specialized device that can be inserted in a simple outpatient procedure that can be completed in less than 30 minutes. This "balloon therapy" provides a viable alternative for women seeking to avoid major surgery, such as the currently recommended treatment by hysterectomy.
MDMI (PEI) will create 26 full-time permanent positions within the first six months of operations. This facility will be a test facility used to determine the best method to commercialize the product.
"It's great to see the provincial economy diversifying into exciting new sectors that create employment opportunities for Islanders," said Jamie Ballem, Minister of Health & Social Services on behalf of Minister of Development and Technology, Mike Currie. "The market demand is consistent with the growing worldwide demand for medical devices that enable therapies that are lower risk, more effective and less expensive than existing therapies. This new facility will lead the way in the development and manufacturing of new products of this nature."
"This is great news both for women's health and for the reputation of Prince Edward Island as an important source of health research and health advances," said Shawn Murphy, Member of Parliament for Hillsborough on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "I am very pleased that the Government of Canada is providing a significant loan to launch this company's efforts to commercialize this product worldwide."
MDMI Technologies Inc is a privately owned company, located in Richmond, B.C. The PEI facility in Stratford will be incorporated as a wholly-owned subsidiary known as MDMI (PEI) Inc. It will produce the silicone balloon and diaphragm components of the disposable cartridge used in thermal ablation treatment.
"I would welcome all Islanders to learn more about MDMI. MDMI is a world leader in international cardiology, gynaecology and benign prostate sciences," stated Rob McEachern, General Manager of MDMI (PEI) Inc.