Temecula, Calif. and San Diego, Calif. April13, 2009—CVAC Systems, Inc. , the Veterans Medical Research Foundation and the VA San Diego Healthcare System have agreed to begin initial studies investigating the cyclic variations in altitude conditioning™(CVAC™) process for prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders; specifically those conditions resulting in elevations of blood sugar. Expanding on her passion for helping those at risk due to chronic metabolic disease, Karen Herbst, MD, PhD, is initially planning pilot studies using the CVAC process in veterans with diabetes, and with individuals suffering from Dercum's disease, a painful fat disorder. The CVAC process is natural and noninvasive and delivered via a single-occupant altitude simulator. A CVAC session is expected to provide exercise for the entire body without the effort of exercise. A CVAC system is now installed in the Center for Metabolic Research/Special Diagnostics Treatment Unit at the VA San Diego Healthcare System, which is headed by Robert R. Henry, MD.

Dr. Herbst's review of data from the blinded, controlled clinical trial completed by researchers at Stanford University Center on Longevity and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System in July, 2008 convinced her to investigate the use of the CVAC process in the types of patients she treats. In that study, the subject group receiving active CVAC exposure for 40 minutes, three times a week over a 10-week period demonstrated a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose and a significant decrease in blood glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test. These changes were not seen in the control group.

Dr. Herbst and the Veterans Medical Research Foundation are open to collaborations with other investigators willing to write grants for investigating the use of the CVAC process, not limited to the fields of pulmonary medicine, rheumatology, neurology and cardiology.

“We are pleased to work with Dr. Herbst and the VA San Diego Healthcare System, as they represent one of the most highly esteemed research organizations in the country. This significant milestone is direct evidence that the CVAC Systems team is capable of executing its focused strategic plan,” said Allen Ruszkowski, President & CEO of CVAC Systems, Inc.

About Karen L. Herbst, PhD, MD

Dr. Herbst is Assistant Professor of Medicine and Associate Program Director, Endocrinology at UCSD. She is affiliated at UCSD Medical Center, Hillcrest (San Diego) and the Center for Metabolic Research at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. Dr. Herbst's clinical interests are Dercum's disease, Adiposis dolorosa, Madelung’s disease, familial multiple lipomatosis, testosterone deficiency and hypogonadism.

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The CVAC service is available for improved fitness only.  It is not available to diagnose or treat any disease or other medical condition.

CVAC Systems, Inc. recommends that you consult with a physician prior to beginning the CVAC process or any other exercise.  Contact a CVAC service provider for use restrictions.