VNUS' products comprise the Closure system, a medical device for the minimally invasive treatment of symptomatic venous reflux disease. The proprietary Closure system consists of a radiofrequency (RF) generator, disposable catheters to close diseased veins through the application of temperature-controlled RF energy, and accessories to support the procedure.
How, where and to whom does the company sell its product?
VNUS sells the Closure system through a direct sales force in the U.S., Germany and France, and through exclusive distributors in selected country markets in Europe, Asia, and South America, as well as Canada. Customers include physicians with an active or prospective vein practice, such as vascular and general surgeons, interventional radiologists and phlebologists.
What is the size of the market?
Published population studies indicate that approximately 25 million people in the U.S. and 40 million people in Europe suffer from symptomatic venous reflux disease. As a result of its own market research, VNUS estimates that of these patients, approximately 1.2 million in the U.S. seek treatment each year, while approximately 700,000 in Europe are treated with vein stripping annually.
What is the competition?
Within the market for the treatment of venous reflux disease, the VNUS Closure system competes principally with vein stripping procedures and commercial endovenous laser ablation (EVL) systems, which deliver laser energy to boil blood, damage the diseased vein and create a clot that occludes the length of the vein. Vein stripping and ligation surgery have been the standard of care among surgeons for the past 50 years.
Is VNUS' proprietary technology protected by patents?
As of March 31, 2005, VNUS had 29 issued patents and 27 pending patent applications in the U.S., and eight issued patents and 38 pending patent applications in several European and Asian countries.
When was VNUS founded, and where is it incorporated?
VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1995 and incorporated in the state of Delaware in January of that year.
Where are the company's offices located? How many employees are there?
VNUS' principal offices are located in San Jose, California. As of March 31, 2005, the company had approximately 177 full-time employees.
What is VNUS' fiscal year? When does the company report its quarterly results?
The company's fiscal year runs from January 1 through December 31. VNUS intends to report its quarterly results approximately three to four weeks after the end of each quarter. The exception would be year-end results, which may be reported approximately six to eight weeks after the end of the fourth quarter.
Can anyone listen to VNUS' quarterly teleconferences?
Yes. Quarterly results teleconferences are webcast live and archived on this website on the page titled, Webcasts.
Where is VNUS' stock traded? What is the ticker symbol?
The company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market, under the ticker symbol, "VNUS".
When did the company go public? How many shares were sold, and what was the price?
VNUS completed its initial public offering on October 20, 2004. The company and selling stockholders sold a total of 5.4 million shares, at a price of $15.00 per share.
How many shares are outstanding? What percentage is owned by the board and management?
For the first quarter of 2005, there were approximately 15.7 million weighted average shares outstanding. The board and management owned approximately 6.6 million shares, or about 42% of the shares outstanding.
What should I do if I lose my stock certificate or have another problem related to my shares?
Contact the company's transfer agent, U.S. Stock Transfer at 818-502-1404.
How can I get more information on VNUS?
You can call VNUS Investor Relations at 408-360-7499 Extension 7446, send an email to ir@vnus.com, or write to the company at 5799 Fontanoso Way, San Jose, CA 95138. Typical response time is approximately 24-48 hours from receipt of request.
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