BROSSARD, Quebec, June 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diagnos Inc. (“DIAGNOS” or “the Corporation”) (TSX
Venture:ADK) (OTCQB:DGNOF), a leader in early detection of critical health issues through the use of its FLAIRE
platform based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), announces today the availability of its first cardio application called HTA.
This innovative application of CARA’s platform provides an automated system analysis of the microcirculation for hypertensive
patients. It provides an early warning of high blood pressure imbalance by evaluating the state of the circulation of the
retina. This application is scheduled to be commercially available in July 2018 and uses the same cameras that are used for
diabetic retinopathy screening.
“Following months of development in our Cardio product group, we are introducing the HTA application. The
significance of hypertensive retinopathy will be measured by DIAGNOS algorithms. This new application may have great impact to
further reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as demonstrated by several clinical reports and many previous studies. In
fact, an assessment of hypertensive retinopathy is supported by international hypertension management guidelines, including the US
Joint National Committee on Prevention Detection Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure and the British Society of
Hypertension.
Regression of hypertensive retinopathy signs with optimal control of blood pressure and adequate hypertension
treatment, resolution of hypertensive retinopathy signs may occur over a period of 6 months. The new application will be able
to measure and report the impact of the treatment on the state of the microcirculation to further assist medical
professionals. This measurement is simple, low-cost, non-invasive and uses a commercially available fundus camera. At
regular intervals, we can monitor the patients using the same test to reach best control of blood pressure and adequate
hypertension treatment,” said Dr. Hadi Chakor, DIAGNOS Chief Medical Officer.
We often hear from physicians and healthcare insurers that DIAGNOS screening tests are very much needed to
detect the early stages of micro vascular anomalies. High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when blood pressure in the
arteries is elevated if your blood pressure readings are consistently 139 over 89, or higher. Hypertension is often called “the
silent killer” as it has no warning signs or symptoms, and can only be diagnosed through blood pressure measurement. It can affect
anyone and is more common as we age. Once hypertension develops, it usually lasts for life. High blood pressure is the number one
risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease.
An estimated 103 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure, according to new statistics from the American
Heart Association. That’s nearly half of all adults in the United States. As reported in the AHA’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2018 Update, published in January 2018, Dr. Paul
Muntner, co-chair of the group that wrote the document, said “with the aging of the population and increased life expectancy, the
prevalence of high blood pressure is expected to continue to increase.”
“Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, dementia, kidney disease,
eye problems (retinopathy), erectile dysfunction and diabetes. The good news is that hypertension can be prevented and
controlled with healthy lifestyle strategies, and, when required, medication for additional control. With DIAGNOS’ new HTA
application, we can measure the cumulative damage of hypertension on the retinal microcirculation. The retina provides a window and
an easy way to look into your body circulation,” said Dr. Reid Maclellan, member of the Board of Directors, DIAGNOS.
“Our test will address one of the more pressing needs in cardiology and in the preventive medicine field to
decrease the socioeconomic burden and complication cost of hypertension. This approach should complement public actions to reduce
community risk factor levels and promote a healthier lifestyle. The simplicity and effectiveness of our solution will greatly
help decrease the risk of stroke and heart attack," said André Larente, CEO, DIAGNOS.
About CARA
CARA is a tele-ophthalmology platform that integrates with existing equipment (hardware and software) and processes at the point of
care (POC) and comprises: image upload, image enhancement automated pre-screening, grading by a specialist, and referral to a
specialist. CARA’s Artificial Intelligence, based on FLAIRE technology, image enhancement algorithms make standard retinal
images sharper, clearer, and easier to read. CARA is accessible securely over the internet, and is compatible with all recognized
image formats and brands of fundus cameras, and is EMR compatible. CARA is a cost-effective tool for screening large numbers
of patients, in real time and has been approved by regulatory authorities including Health Canada, US Food and Drug Administration,
the European Union and others.
Additional information is available at www.diagnos.ca and www.sedar.com.
For further information, please contact:
This news release contains forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking
information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these
statements. DIAGNOS disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as
a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is
expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
