Fusion IP plc (AIM: FIP), the university IP commercialisation company that turns world class research into business, is pleased to announce that Cardiff University spin-out company, Asalus Medical Instruments ("Asalus"), has been awarded the CE mark for its Ultravision system, a significant milestone for Asalus.

Ultravision is a revolutionary new technology for handling the surgical smoke produced during laparoscopic surgery.  With approximately six million laparoscopic procedures performed annually worldwide, the award of the CE mark allows hospitals to use the system on patient operations in the European Union member states.

In parallel to being awarded the CE for Ultravision, Asalus has also been awarded ISO13485 and ISO9001 quality management certification.  This will allow the Company to expand Ultravision into additional minimal-access surgery applications.

David Baynes, CEO of Fusion, commented:

"This is the fantastic achievement for Asalus.  This is a disruptive product in a potentially significant market and the overwhelming interest in Ultravision from both the surgical community and global distributors is very exciting."

Ann Casey, Investment Executive at Finance Wales, an investor in Asalus, said:

"Achieving the CE Mark on its Ultravision product is a significant milestone for Asalus. It will now be the springboard for its commercialisation phase. This is a major step forward in Asalus' development and we wish the team well."

Dominic Griffiths, Managing Director of Asalus, said:

"This is a significant achievement in the evolution of Ultravision and is crucial to our launch plans. We have already received overwhelming interest in Ultravision from both the surgical community and global distributors and we're excited about bringing Ultravision to market.

"This is the first of several innovative devices we hope to launch to improve the safety and efficiency of laparoscopic surgery. Our vision is to become a world leader in the development of new devices for advanced minimal access surgery, working with leading surgeons to identify and resolve issues commonly experienced when performing complex surgical procedures. Addressing these issues will make procedures easier and faster for the surgical team, safer for the patient and more cost-effective for the healthcare provider."

Fusion owns a 44% undiluted shareholding in Asalus.

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