Healthcare Industry News: Kerastick
News Release - October 8, 2007
21st World Congress of Dermatology Highlights Clinical Significance of Photodynamic Therapy
More than 55 Presentations and Posters Featuring PDT Presented to the International Dermatology CommunityWILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS--(Healthcare Sales & Marketing Network)--Oct 8, 2007 -- DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.® (NASDAQ GM: DUSA) - Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) was a featured topic discussed during the 21st World Congress of Dermatology held September 30 - October 5, 2007 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Approximately 55 presentations and posters focused on PDT technology, ranging from recommended use in the treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs) and cancers to a range of other skin conditions and photorejuvenation. The World Congress, held under the auspices of the International League of Dermatological Societies, hosted more than 12,000 leaders in dermatology from around the world.
"Research presented at the World Congress demonstrates that PDT is fast becoming a standard treatment for actinic keratoses (AKs) with growing interest in PDT for the treatment of acne vulgaris, photorejuvenation, BCC and other skin conditions," said Dr. Michael Gold, Medical Director, Gold Skin Care Center, Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at Vanderbilt University, and Visiting Professor of Dermatology at Shanghai Medical University, Shanghai, China. "Clearly, aminolevulinic acid (ALA) PDT will continue to have a growing role in the management of many dermatologic conditions." DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.® (NASDAQ GM: DUSA) markets ALA PDT under its Levulan® Photodynamic Therapy technology platform.
The importance of ALA PDT was also reinforced recently when Drs. James Kennedy and Roy Pottier, the two Canadian researchers who pioneered the development of this therapy, were awarded the EnCana principal award at the 25th Annual Manning Innovation Awards, celebrating outstanding Canadian innovators whose research has led to important scientific and/or technological advances. The inventors were recognized for making the original discovery that was then developed and commercialized by DUSA into Levulan PDT.
"The large amount of clinical data and subsequent enthusiasm generated at the World Congress, the increasing demand for Levulan PDT treatment in the U.S. and international dermatology communities, as well as the recent recognition for the discovery of Levulan PDT, clearly underscore the significance and potential of this unique treatment modality," said Bob Doman, President and CEO of DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Levulan PDT has regulatory approval as first-line therapy for AKs in the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Brazil (where pricing approval is pending), Colombia and Korea.
About Actinic Keratoses
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin, caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as sunlight. They are often referred to as "sun spots" and they occur most frequently on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands and arms. They form on the outermost layer of skin and they can range in color from skin toned to reddish brown. They can also range in size from as small as a pinhead to larger than a quarter.
About Levulan Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Levulan PDT is an advanced 2-step treatment for Grade 1 or Grade 2 actinic keratoses (AKs that have not yet become enlarged and thick) of the face or scalp. The therapy consists of treatment with Levulan® Kerastick® Topical Solution, 20% followed by illumination with blue light, and is unique because it uses a light activated drug therapy to destroy AKs.
About DUSA Pharmaceuticals
DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an integrated dermatology pharmaceutical company focused primarily on the development and marketing of its Levulan® Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) technology platform, and complementary dermatology products. Levulan PDT is currently approved for the treatment of Grade 1 or Grade 2 actinic keratoses of the face or scalp, and is being studied for the treatment of acne. DUSA's other dermatology products include ClindaReach(TM), Nicomide® and the AVAR® line. DUSA is also researching additional indications for internal uses of Levulan PDT. Dr. Michael Gold is a consultant to DUSA and a member of its Medical Advisory Board. DUSA is based in Wilmington, Mass. Please visit the company's website at www.dusapharma.com for more information.
Forward Looking Statements
Except for historical information, this news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risk and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements made. These forward-looking statements relate to the growing role of Levulan. Furthermore, the factors that may cause differing results include the ability to penetrate the market, the regulatory approval process, sufficient funding, maintenance of DUSA's patent portfolio, reliance on third parties, and other risks identified in DUSA's SEC filings from time to time.
Source: DUSA Pharmaceuticals
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