Aeris CE marks lung sealant system for emphysema

Aeris Therapeutics has CE marked its AeriSeal system for sale in Europe. The lung sealant device, which is intended for patients with emphysema, is a safer method of reducing lung volume than surgery, the company believes. During the surgical procedure, patients have diseased portions of their lung removed using a stapling device or laser ablation, in order to improve the function of the healthier areas of their lungs. Aeris' product uses a bronchoscope to identify the most damaged areas, before delivering AeriSeal foam sealant via a catheter. The foam polymerises and seals the diseased regions; over time these regions collapse, thereby reducing lung volume. The Woburn, Massachusetts-based firm estimates that the EU emphysema treatment market is worth about $7bn.