The Company
iTech Medical is a public medical technology company that is engaged in the research and commercial development of healthcare information systems and technologies.  To date, the Company has focused on developing a proprietary information technology platform called Muscle Pattern Recognition (MPR).  iTech Medical acquired all the intellectual property rights covering the MPR System in September 2003. 

iTechnology: Muscle Pattern Recognition (MPR)
MPR is a non-invasive, proprietary technology platform that objectively analyzes integrated patterns of muscle recruitment - the engagement of muscle groups in order to perform specific body movements.  MPR test results provide comprehensive information on muscle interactions that may assist in the diagnosis and treatment of neck and back injuries and illnesses. The results of an MPR evaluation are presented in a detailed report that provides objective, clinically relevant information on the nature of possible muscle dysfunctions at each recorded site.

The Back Pain Market
According to the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), back pain is one of the most common and significant musculoskeletal problems in the world.  In the U.S., it is estimated that the annual direct and indirect cost of diagnosing and treating back injuries is $50 – $100 billion.  Back pain is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for people younger than 45; the most expensive health care problem for those in the 20 to 50 year-old age group, and; accounts for over 24% of all occupational injuries involving days away from work.  Musculoskeletal disorders account for $1 of every $3 spent for workers’ compensation. The Company estimates the target market for MPR to be in excess of $1 billion per year worldwide.

Patent
The MPR System is protected by a U.S. patent covering numerous aspects of the technology.  The patent was issued in August 2001 and expires in January 2020.  The patent protects the method for determining muscle dysfunction of a subject; the system for determining muscle dysfunction of a subject; the computer readable medium having stored instructions (computer programs) for analyzing the muscle dysfunction of a subject; a muscle dysfunction evaluation network (data collection, analysis, reporting and communications links) for determining muscle dysfunction of subjects; and a muscle dysfunction report.

Scientific Validation
Three papers on the MPR system have been published in peer-reviewed journals.  The studies reported in these papers have been subjected to scrutiny by the scientific community and were accepted for publication after peer review.  For further information, please contact the Company. 

Legal Validation
A legal precedent was established through the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board when it issued a decision that confirmed the validity of the MPR methodology and mechanism.  The decision found that Muscle Pattern Recognition - MPR was a “valid and useful diagnostic medical tool” when used in the proper case.