Abiomed Acquires Exclusive License for Opsens' Optical Sensor Technology

DANVERS, Mass., April 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abiomed, Inc. (Nasdaq:ABMD), a leading provider of break-through heart support technologies, today announced its acquisition of an exclusive license from collaboration partner Opsens (TSX-V:OPS), a leading developer of fiber optic sensors. Through this exclusive licensing agreement, which covers the use of certain optical sensor technology in the field of cardio-circulatory assist devices, Opsens' miniature optical pressure sensors will be integrated into the Impella® heart pump catheters to help further automate the control and operation of the Impella device in the catheterization lab.

"Abiomed is committed to providing continuous enhancements to our Impella platform to help our customers strive to achieve optimal patient outcomes," said Michael R. Minogue, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Abiomed. "This exclusive licensing agreement between the Opsens and Impella technologies offers the ability to understand the role of myocardial unloading and wall tension, as well as the impact of recovery under a future 'smart' pumping algorithm."

This licensing agreement, which secures Abiomed's rights to the technology and gives Abiomed the right to manufacture the sensors, is a continuation of an initial collaboration, entered into between Opsens and Abiomed in 2010.

ABOUT ABIOMED

Based in Danvers, Massachusetts, Abiomed, Inc., is a leading provider of medical devices that provide circulatory support. Our products are designed to enable the heart to rest by improving blood flow and/or performing the pumping of the heart. For additional information please visit: www.abiomed.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding development of Abiomed's existing and new products, the Company's progress toward commercial growth, and future opportunities and expected regulatory approvals. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements based upon a number of factors, including uncertainties associated with development, testing and related regulatory approvals, including the potential for future losses, complex manufacturing, high quality requirements, dependence on limited sources of supply, competition, technological change, government regulation, litigation matters, future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing, and other risks and challenges detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.