PhotoMedex’s XTRAC Laser for Treating Psoriasis Featured in Two Dermatology Medical Journals

MONTGOMERYVILLE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

PhotoMedex, Inc. (PHMD) (PHMD.TA) announces that the Companys XTRAC excimer laser was favorably featured in articles that appeared in two dermatology medical trade journals in August 2012. Both articles are available at http://www.photomedex.com/xtrac/index.htm.

The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology featured two case studies in an article entitled Treatment of Psoriasis and Long-term Maintenance Using 308 nm Excimer Laser, Clobetasol Spray, and Calcitriol Ointment. The authors include Jillian W. Wong, MS of the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Department of Dermatology, Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center, as well as Tien V. Nguyen, BA, Tina Bhutani, M.D. and John Y.M. Koo, M.D., colleagues of Ms. Wong at UCSF.

The article profiles one patient with a 15-year history of plaque psoriasis and another with a six-year history of plaque psoriasis. In their conclusion, the authors write, Targeted UVB laser therapy is a promising method of treatment especially for many who have failed systemic therapy and traditional phototherapy. This case series shows that the use of the excimer laser may be a feasible way to manage a significant proportion of generalized psoriasis patients possibly more efficaciously than biologic agents and other systemic immune-suppressants and with nearly absolute systemic safety.

In an article entitled Managing Scalp Psoriasis in The Dermatologist, authors Madelaine Haddican, M.D. of the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, and Gary Goldenberg, M.D., Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pathology and Medical Director of the Dermatology Faculty Practice at Mount Sinai School of Medicine review a number of treatments for scalp psoriasis including phototherapy. The authors write, Although phototherapy is an effective option for treating psoriasis in other areas on the body, the density of hair follicles on the scalp hinders the delivery of ultraviolet light. The 308 nm excimer laser (using a fiber-optic hand piece and a scalp delivery device) offers a promising alternative to topical therapies.

Our XTRAC excimer laser is a powerful tool for the treatment of psoriasis, and there is a growing body of clinical evidence and professional commentary in support of its efficacy. We are delighted XTRAC was favorably highlighted in these two prestigious medical journals, said Dr. Dolev Rafaeli, PhotoMedex CEO. There are hundreds of excimer lasers manufactured by PhotoMedex in use worldwide and we are excited to be providing this solution, which is fully reimbursable. Beginning this past March we began marketing XTRAC to psoriasis patients through direct-to-consumer advertisements, which can be viewed at http://www.xtracnow.com as well as on television and radio nationwide.

About PhotoMedex

PhotoMedex is a global skin health company providing integrated disease management and aesthetic solutions to dermatologists, professional aestheticians and consumers. The company provides proprietary products and services that address skin diseases and conditions including psoriasis, vitiligo, acne, actinic keratosis (a precursor to certain types of skin cancer) and photo damage. Its experience in the physician market provides the platform to expand its skin health solutions to spa markets, as well as traditional retail, online and infomercial outlets for home-use products. As a result of its December 2011 merger with Radiancy Inc., PhotoMedex has added a range of home-use devices under the no!no! brand, for various indications including hair removal, acne treatment and skin rejuvenation. The company also offers a professional product line for acne clearance, skin tightening, psoriasis care and hair removal sold to physician clinics and spas.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

The XTRAC excimer laser is FDA-cleared for the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo. The articles referenced above (Wong J, et al: "Treatment of Psoriasis and Long-term Maintenance Using 308 nm Excimer Laser, Clobetasol Spray, and Calcitriol Ointment" and Haddican M, Goldenberg G: "Managing Scalp Psoriasis") may include discussion of treatment protocols that differ from the cleared treatment regime, and thus would be considered off-label.

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PhotoMedex’s XTRAC Laser for Treating Psoriasis Featured in Two Dermatology Medical Journals