Thoratec Says Interim Data Analysis Demonstrates Statistical Superiority for the HeartMate II(R) in Destination Therapy Trial

Thoratec Corporation (Nasdaq: THOR), a world leader in device-based mechanical circulatory support therapies to save, support and restore failing hearts, said today that a pre-specified interim analysis of data from its HeartMate II Destination Therapy (DT) pivotal trial shows that patients implanted with the device achieved statistically superior outcomes versus those in the control group who were implanted with the company's HeartMate XVE. The DT study protocol called for an interim analysis to test for overwhelming superiority when 67 percent of the first 200 randomized patients had reached two-years of follow up. The primary endpoint for the trial assessed in this analysis includes patients being alive, and free of stroke and the need of reoperation for device replacement at two years.

Ramius Sends Letter to Orthofix Shareholders

Ramius LLC (“Ramius”) today announced that it has sent a letter to the shareholders of Orthofix International N.V. (“Orthofix” or “the Company”)(NASDAQ: OFIX), in which it outlined several opportunities that Ramius believes would substantially increase shareholder value and protect the long-term interests of shareholders. Ramius is the beneficial owner of approximately 4.7% of the Company’s outstanding common shares.

In the letter, Ramius urged the Company to immediately engage a strategic advisor to explore a sale or disposition of Blackstone Medical, take prompt action to reduce corporate overhead expenses, and decrease the Company’s heavy debt load. Ramius also expressed its intention to seek shareholder support to call a special meeting for the purpose of making substantial changes to the composition of the Board.

Pyng Medical Reports Record Sales of $6.5 Million in Fiscal 2008

Pyng Achieves 36% Increase In Revenue over Fiscal 2007 and Gross Margin of 70%

Pyng Medical Corp. (TSX VENTURE:PYT) today released its audited fiscal 2008 results for the year ended September 30, 2008. Pyng reported record sales of $6,549,588, a 36% increase in sales over fiscal 2007, with net income before tax of $858,525 and after tax of $309,525. During the fourth quarter, the Company's revenue from product sales increased 56% to $2,168,645, compared with $1,386,529 during the corresponding period of 2007.

"With more than 160,000 FAST1(R) Intraosseous Infusion Systems shipped to date, we exceeded our previous financial guidance and lay the foundation for continued substantive revenue growth and profitability in fiscal 2009 and beyond," said David Christie, President and CEO. "During fiscal 2008, we enhanced our product portfolio four-fold, expanded our international distribution network while also strengthening our Board, Management and Sales team."

Johnson & Johnson Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Mentor Corporation

Mentor's Aesthetic and Reconstructive Medical Products Complement Ethicon's Industry-Leading Surgery Portfolio

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ - News) and Mentor Corporation (NYSE: MNT - News), a leading supplier of medical products for the global aesthetic market, today announced a definitive agreement whereby Mentor will be acquired for approximately $1.07 billion in a cash tender offer. Mentor is expected to operate as a stand-alone business unit reporting through ETHICON, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company and leading provider of suture, mesh and other products for a wide range of surgical procedures.

Under the terms of the agreement, Johnson & Johnson will commence a tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Mentor at $31.00 per share.