Physical Therapy Products recently spoke with Don Dumoulin, president of Empi, a division of ReAble Therapeutics, Austin, Tex, about the company's newest iontophoresis product .

What products have Empi been known for?

Empi and Iomed have been the two leading companies developing, manufacturing, and marketing iontophoresis products. Iontophoresis is a drug-delivery system that uses low-level current to transport water-soluble ionic drugs through the skin. Empi also offers market-leading products in e-stim, bracing, and traction, including the Empi Select™ Pain Management System.

How does the Hybresis System work? What will it do?

Hybresis is an iontophoresis product that combines the power of a conventional iontophoresis treatment with the convenience and time savings of a patch. Within 3 minutes, Hybresis lowers skin impedance, thereby powering delivery of a full treatment dose that would otherwise take 20 to 40 minutes in the clinic with a conventional box and wire treatment.

What was the reaction when it was unveiled at the American Physical Therapy Association's 2007 Combined Section Meeting in Boston?

There was great interest from the PTs at the APTA. In June, Hybresis won the "Best in Show" award for the Electrotherapy Product Category at the National Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Meeting. Currently, Empi is conducting Hybresis Beta Site Evaluations in select clinics around the country and receiving excellent responses from therapists, who have seen improved patient outcomes.

Was there a demand for a wireless system, but no technology, or had no one thought to make it more convenient before?

There was wireless technology before, using low-voltage patches that the patient wears for 4 to 24 hours. In patients with low skin impedance, these low-voltage patches deliver the drug successfully; however, in patients with high skin impedance, there is less drug delivered than using a conventional treatment. Hybresis combines power with convenience.

What is Empi developing now?

Our focus in iontophoresis is on further developing the Hybresis product platform, which Empi believes will be the iontophoresis platform of the future. We recently launched our online store Empi Direct (direct.empi.com) to make the lives of our clinician customers even easier when ordering products from Empi. 2008 will also see the introduction of several new e-stim and traction products.

What's the status on the Hybresis System? Has it received 510(k) clearance? When will it be available?

Hybresis received 510(k) clearance earlier this year. The Hybresis Beta Site Evaluations are providing excellent results and feedback. We expect a national launch later this year.

What will Empi be doing in 5 years?

We believe that there is a huge potential to grow the iontophoresis product category four to five times its current size. We will focus on expanding the market by educating therapists and physicians on the benefits of iontophoresis by improving treatment outcomes for their patients. Empi will also continue its commitment to delivering best-in-class products for the physical therapy and rehabilitation markets, delivering innovative and effective solutions for clinicians and patients.