New skin sterol data published in Journal of Clinical Chemistry

New skin sterol data published in Journal of Clinical Chemistry



TORONTO, Jan. 12  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Predictive medicine company IMI
International Medical Innovations Inc. (TSX:IMI; Amex: IME) announced today
that new skin sterol data from a study conducted independently at the
University of Vienna has been published in the January edition of the Journal
of Clinical Chemistry.

"This preliminary study presents some interesting data about the impact of
certain cholesterol-lowering medications on skin sterol values," said Dr. Brent
Norton, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The initial data shows that
skin sterol may be a useful monitoring tool for patients taking statins."

A total of 129 patients were tested with PREVU(x) Point of Care Skin Sterol
Test at baseline, and again at follow-up visits six weeks and six months after
the start of the study. Patients also underwent blood cholesterol testing.
Patients were categorized in three groups: patients taking 40 mg of
simvastatin; patients taking 20 mg of atorvastatin; and a control group of
patients who did not receive lipid-lowering treatment.

Over the course of the study, patients treated with statins experienced
decreases in skin sterol values as well as in blood cholesterol. The skin
sterol levels of patients in the control group increased nominally from
baseline to the six-week follow-up visit and subsequently declined.

"The relationship between PREVU(x) and various therapies is worthy of further
examination," continued Dr. Norton. "We are currently involved in additional
studies at the University of California at San Francisco, the Johns Hopkins
Bayview Medical Centre and the recently announced study at the University of
British Columbia."

About PREVU(x)

PREVU(x) Point of Care Skin Sterol Test, which does not require fasting or the
drawing of blood, tests the amount of sterol, or cholesterol, in the skin
tissue. Clinical studies have shown that as cholesterol accumulates on artery
walls it also accumulates in other tissues, including the skin. High levels of
skin sterol are correlated with higher incidence of coronary artery disease
(CAD). PREVU(x) POC has been approved for sale in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

About IMI

IMI is a world leader in predictive medicine, dedicated to developing rapid,
non-invasive tests for the early detection of life-threatening diseases. IMI's
cardiovascular products, which are branded as PREVU(x) Skin Sterol Test, will
be marketed and distributed worldwide by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. The
company's cancer tests include ColorectAlert(TM), LungAlert(TM) and a breast
cancer test. IMI's head office is located in Toronto, and its research and
product development facility is at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
For further information, please visit http://www.imimedical.com/.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements
involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the
Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-
looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the
lack of operating profit and availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D
projects, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the
successful development or marketing of the Company's products, reliance on
third-party manufacturers, the competitiveness of the Company's products if
successfully commercialized, the ability of the Company to take advantage of
business opportunities, uncertainties related to the regulatory process, and
general changes in economic conditions. In addition, while the Company
routinely obtains patents for its products and technology, the protection
offered by the Company's patents and patent applications may be challenged,
invalidated or circumvented by our competitors and there can be no guarantee of
our ability to obtain or maintain patent protection for our products or product
candidates.

Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the
Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information on risks
and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are
cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. IMI is providing
this information as of the date of this press release and does not undertake
any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press
release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

DATASOURCE: IMI International Medical Innovations Inc.



CONTACT: Sarah Borg-Olivier, Director, Communications,

T: [phone], ; U.S. Investor: Andrea Faville,

The Investor Relations Group, T: [phone],

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