Washington, D.C. - AdvaMed 2007, the inaugural MedTech conference brought together industry leaders, policy makers, service providers, investors and leading CEOs of medical technology companies from around the world this week.

With more than 45 industry sponsors, 26 U.S. and international supporting partner organizations, and 10 media partners, this first-of-its kind event will welcome an opening-day crowd of more than 900 attendees from 35 states and 25 countries.

On Oct 1, the first day of the three-day event, a special program coordinated by Siemens Medical Solutions recognized breast cancer awareness month. With physician experts, cancer survivors and patient advocates, the panel offered dynamic presentations and a question and answer session addressing breast cancer as a disease state, highlighting the patient perspective, value of technology, clinical implications and opportunities as well as future technologies.
"There have been tremendous advancements in the fight against breast cancer over the past 20 years due to continuing innovation in diagnostics and treatments. With these and other advances, the five-year breast cancer survival rate has increased by 10 percent and biopsy costs have been reduced by 50 percent. This is just one example of how medical technology can save lives and help reduce health care costs," said Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of AdvaMed.

The International Track opened with a special session entitled "How Flat is Your World?" offering a brief introduction to the medical technology market and global issues and linkages, a precursor to the work of the Global Harmonization Task Force meeting coinciding with AdvaMed 2007 in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center October 3-4, 2007.

In the Oct 1 keynote address at AdvaMed, U.S. Senator Norm Coleman (R-Minnesota) and Kerry Weems, Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, addressed policy issues critical to the MedTech audience. Senator Coleman represents a State that is home to leading medical technologies companies and serves on several Senate committees including the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.

"Without question, AdvaMed member companies are leading the way in developing the next generation of life saving and life-enhancing medical technologies. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss some of the healthcare challenges our nation is facing and how AdvaMed companies are helping Congress and the American people improve our nation's health care system," said Sen. Norm Coleman.

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