Under the terms of the agreement, the NxStage System One and PureFlow SL dialysate preparation system will be available to dialysis centers and hospitals throughout the UK and Ireland through Kimal. Kimal also has the option to make Medisystems bloodlines and ButtonHole needles available to their customers in these regions.
“After nearly two million treatments and compelling patient and clinical experience with the NxStage System One in the United States, we are excited to partner with Kimal plc, a long-standing and well-respected leader in medical products distribution,” stated Jeff Burbank, chief executive officer of NxStage. “As an industry pioneer, this agreement represents a significant milestone for our Company, demonstrating the strength of our product offering. We expect that this relationship will provide additional growth opportunities for both companies in 2010 and further our founding mission to provide more patients access to our life-changing therapy.” NxStage management expects the agreement to be cash flow neutral to slightly positive upon the joint launch of the distribution relationship in the second half of 2009. NxStage management further stated that they expect initial market penetration to be reflected in revenue contribution in 2010. “We strive to provide our customers with innovative technology that improves patient care,” said Alan Press, chief executive officer of Kimal. “Through this partnership, dialysis patients will gain immediate access to NxStage’s System One that offers treatment flexibility and ease of use to caregivers in critical care settings. NxStage’s System One will also provide us the ability to offer a proven, effective home hemodialysis solution to patients receiving dialysis treatment in the UK and Ireland.”
