SCMS Intellectual Property and Market
The SCMS was invented at the State University of New York at Buffalo (“UB”) School of Medicine, Center for Research and Education in Special Environments and Departments of Physiology, Neurosurgery and Surgery and is subject to 7 U.S. patents and other corresponding patents in major international markets. Scivanta has entered into a worldwide exclusive license agreement with the patent holders to develop, make and sell the SCMS.
Despite its many shortcomings, the Swan-Ganz catheter enjoys combined U.S. and European annual sales of 2 million units, valued at $236 million. Markets for all cardiac monitoring devices totaled approximately $500 million in 2006, according to The BBI Newsletter. This publication predicts a growth rate of about 6% per year for critical care cardiac monitoring of all types through 2008.
A safe, effective, less costly, and less-invasive cardiac monitor could be expected to enjoy far greater market opportunities than the Swan-Ganz catheter. Significant market opportunities for the SCMS include surgical procedures involving anesthesia, emergency room procedures, outpatient and in-office monitoring of cardiac patients and in-hospital monitoring of cardiac-challenged patients not in surgical situations.
