Media Releases

Kyron Investment Helps Brain Imaging Effort

(April 3, 2006) — A revolutionary brain-imaging technology developed by Wauwatosa-based Kyron Clinical Imaging, Inc. soon will be available to help doctors better diagnose and treat brain tumors, thanks to a $1.5 million investment by Froedtert Hospital.

A spin-off of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Kyron was founded in 2004 by three members of the Medical College radiology department faculty. Froedtert Hospital provided the proving ground for the principles behind the technology.

“Kyron’s new medical imaging tools are a breakthrough that has the potential to improve survival and quality of life for brain cancer patients,” said Michael Schmainda, Kyron president and chief operating officer. “This financial support from Froedtert positions Kyron to accelerate product development and bring physicians new tools and patients new hope in treating this very complex disease.”

Kyron developed a computerized system that compiles and integrates a variety of images produced by different types of magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, machines. According to Schmainda, the system, which combines information about brain anatomy, biology and function, is the only one of its kind in the world today. With a unified picture of the brain, physicians will be able to quickly and accurately diagnose tumors and develop more effective surgical and radiation treatment plans.

“The extraordinary potential of this technology to improve patient care made investing in Kyron an easy decision,” said William D. Petasnick, president and chief executive officer of Froedtert Hospital and Froedtert & Community Health. “It’s a textbook example of transferring research to the bedside, and Froedtert’s support of Kyron is consistent with our belief in advancing innovation that will bring both health and economic benefits to the community.”

In December 2005, Kyron received United States Food & Drug Administration clearance for the first phase of its brain imaging technology, and the approval process is under way for the remaining two phases. By fall, full FDA clearance is expected and the system will be available for use with patients. Primary users of the technology are expected to be brain surgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and radiologists.

According to a report published by the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, about 360,000 people in the United States have brain cancer. Also, 7 percent to 23 percent of patients experience post-brain surgery complications such as paralysis, impeded speech or encumbered motor skills. Kyron’s technologies, when used with the latest neurosurgical techniques, can minimize or avoid such complications.

“Incredible discoveries in research labs often never see the light of day,” said Schmainda. “Froedtert’s investment is terrific for patients and beneficial to southeastern Wisconsin as we attempt to improve the quality of life and attract more research and talent to this area.”

Kyron Clinical Imaging Inc. was founded by Medical College of Wisconsin faculty Edgar “Ted” A. DeYoe, PhD, professor, radiology research; Kathleen M. Schmainda, PhD, associate professor, radiology research; and John L. Ulmer, MD, professor, radiology and neuroradiology, who also treats patients at Froedtert Hospital. Each of the founders has received small business grants to continue their research. For more information, visit www.kyronimaging.com.