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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 21, 1997
DATASCOPE CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 0-6516 13-2529596
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.
14 Philips Parkway, Montvale, NJ 07465
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (201) 391-8100
NOT APPLICABLE
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS.
On October 21, 1997, Datascope Corp. issued the press release (the
"Press Release") annexed as an exhibit hereto. The Press Release is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(c) Exhibits.
99.1 Press Release of Datascope Corp., dated October 21, 1997.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
DATASCOPE CORP.
Dated: October 22, 1997 By: /s/ Murray Pitkowsky
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Murray Pitkowsky
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Page No.
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99.1 Press Release of Datascope Corp.,
dated October 21, 1997
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[DATASCOPE CORP. Letterhead]
PRESS RELEASE
For Information Contact:
Lawrence Saper, Chairman and CEO
(201) 307-5508
DATASCOPE PLANS TO ENTER LIFE SCIENCE RESEARCH MARKET
Montvale, New Jersey; October 21, 1997....Datascope Corp. (NASDAQ:DSCP)
announced today that it plans to enter the life science research market with the
introduction of reagents based on a new, proprietary class of DNA molecules
known as 3DNA(TM) (Three-Dimensional Nucleic Acid). The unique reagents,
designed for use with conventional assays, have been shown to greatly increase
the sensitivity of nucleic acid detection. The 3DNA-based reagents may also
provide substantially greater sensitivity for the detection of proteins than
heretofore available. The 3DNA-based reagents were developed by Polyprobe Inc.,
a biotechnology company based in Bala Cynwyd, PA., in collaboration with
Datascope which also funded the development of the technology.
The 3DNA molecule consists of a large, three-dimensional matrix of
double-stranded DNA that can support hundreds to thousands of detection label
molecules. In contrast with PCR (polymerase chain reaction) which enhances
detection through amplification of the target material, 3DNA amplifies the
sensitivity of the actual detection system. Thus far, 3DNA-based reagents have
been used successfully to detect plant, animal, bacterial and viral gene targets
including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Epstein-Barr virus.
Studies by several academic and industrial laboratories have demonstrated a 50-
to 1000-fold increase in sensitivity when 3DNA is used in conjunction with
conventional radioactive and chemiluminescent assays.
"While 3DNA technology was outside of our usual business interests, it
met Datascope's criteria for investing in opportunities with high-growth
potential and strong proprietary technology," said Lawrence Saper, Chairman and
CEO of Datascope, in explaining the inception of the Polyprobe relationship. "We
believe the Polyprobe technology is exceptionally novel with a potentially broad
range of applications, including both the research and clinical diagnostic
markets." Datascope has exclusive rights to commercialize the technology and has
begun renovation of an existing facility for pilot production of 3DNA. The
company is currently exploring both distribution arrangements for the life
science research market and corporate alliances to exploit potential clinical
diagnostic applications for the technology.
Datascope Corp. is a diversified, medical device company that
manufactures and markets proprietary products for clinical health care markets
in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, vascular surgery,
anesthesiology and critical care.
Polyprobe Inc., is a privately-held biotechnology company focused on
development of unique bio-assay systems based on technology pioneered by its
founder, Thor Nilsen.
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Except for historical information contained herein, this press release
contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties,
including the ability to successfully introduce and achieve market acceptance
for new products, continued demand for life science research and clinical
diagnostic assays generally, and the rapid and significant change that
characterizes the biotechnology industry and the ability to continue to respond
to such technological change, as well as other risks detailed from time to time
in documents filed by Datascope with the SEC.
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