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JUNE 17th, 2005
Dermacia, a company that develops cosmetics that are designed to
enhance the health and healing of the skin, has formed a biomedical research and development subsidiary, National Genecular
Institute, Inc. That subsidiary plans to study the role genes plan in skin and skin aging.
Matt Nicosia, Dermacia's CEO, elaborated on the potential of the
genetic research, "We strongly believe that a focused research effort in this area will accelerate the introduction of more
revolutionary products and will usher in the next generation of cosmeceuticals and skin care -- where each person can get
custom made, individualized products that are targeted only at their own skin's characteristics and susceptibilities, such
as sun sensitivity, tendency to form wrinkles, predisposition to early aging or skin cancers, etc. In the near future, we
expect each customer will be able to take a simple, self administered swab of their inner cheek, return it to National Genecular
Institute, and within days receive customized products for them based on their personal DNA."
Mr. Nicosia also outlined the uses of its present product line,
which are often used after serious burns or surgery, "This is a natural extension of Dermacia's cosmeceutical business. We
already produce specialized products, using our groundbreaking breathable base technology and unmatched color and cover, combined
with patent-pending proprietary ingredients and complexes that facilitate healing and permit the product to be applied directly
on raw skin following a burn or surgery. Research at National Genecular Institute is in the areas of nanotechnology applications,
molecular genetics of the skin, and skin diseases and conditions. We will be able to produce products that are so precisely
matched to the individual's skin needs as to address even genetic skin factors of which the customer is unaware because the
associated skin problems have not yet manifested themselves. This will give consumers the confidence that they are doing all
they can for the health of their skin today, as well as applying the best available prevention for their particular skin problems
of tomorrow."
Cosmeceutical is a term Dermacia uses that refers to cosmetics
and skin care products that have therapeutic benefits and active ingredients in addition to traditional color and coverage
properties.
JUNE 7th, 2005
Electronic Medical Device Reported to Solve Acne Problems
Quickly - Warmth Kills Bacteria
Zeno, a rechargeable handheld medical device, has been reported to diminish or vanquish 90
percent of pimples within 24 hours after treatment. The prescription-free device has won the praises of Charles E. Crutchfield
III, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School
and Medical Director of Crutchfield Dermatology. According to Dr. Crutchfield, who has won National Awards in
the Dermatology area, "When it comes to treating blemishes, Zeno is the most scientifically advanced and effective device
available without a prescription,"
Zeno's secret is allegedly in the short precisely controlled dose
of heat it delivers to the affected area. The heat apparently destroys the bacteria and shortens the pimple's life cycle.
Also increased blood flow to the pimple, as a result of the heat dose, is thought to also aid in the faster disappearance
of the pimple.
MAY 13th, 2005
Anacor Pharmaceuticals, focused on the use of proprietary boron
chemistry to develop drugs for dermatology applications, has secured $25 million in Series financing. The funding was co-led
by Care Capital and Venrock Associates. Other investors included Aberdare Ventures Red Abbey, Venture Partners and Rho Ventures.
J. Markham, partner, Care Capital, now a member of Anacor's board,
noted the company's market positioning, "Anacor's unique boron chemistry coupled with its advanced stage of development places
the company in a strong position to quickly bring new therapeutics to market. The experienced team at Anacor is well-versed
in the intricacies of guiding new products through the clinical development process. "
MAY 10th, 2005
Cell By Cell Facial Makeover Offers New Approach to Eternal
Beauty
The search for younger skin, a time-aged pastime, has a new look - now its pixel by pixel,
as Reliant Technologies puts it. The company back in March announced that it has received FDA 510(k) market approval for its
Fraxel Laser Treatment. The company indicates that the treatment offers softer, smoother and toned skin. One of the secrets
to the technology is that the fractional resurfacing only effects between 12 and 20 percent of the skin, which allows the
other cells to assist in the healing process. The company indicates that the technology divides the skin into thousands of
zones, and then targets just the unhealthy skin, sparing the healthy skin cells.
Dennis Condon, Executive Vice President,
Reliant Technologies commented on the FDA's clearance and the product, "We are pleased to announce the FDA's clearance of
the Fraxel laser for skin resurfacing because it provides our physicians and their patients an innovative and efficacious
treatment without the inconvenience of traditional ablative techniques. This regulatory milestone caps off our successful
introduction of a new science of fractional resurfacing and is another example of our corporate mission to fulfill the promise
of laser aesthetics. We believe the patented Fraxel laser represents the first major invention in laser technology of the
21st century and will be a significant enhancement to physicians' cosmetic treatment regimen."
Roy G. Geronemus, MD,
Director of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York City, stressed the response from patients, "Our patients have
been thrilled with the results from Fraxel laser treatment. The procedure is well tolerated and most of our patients return
to their normal activities the next day. The clinical success and patient satisfaction we've seen in a relatively short period
of time is remarkable. As we continue to explore the versatility and functionality of this laser technology, I expect we will
find more therapeutic and cosmetic applications for fractional resurfacing procedures.
Study Shows Molecule
Will Restart Hair Growth Cycle
At the annual meeting of
the American Academy of Dermatology, Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRIS)announced that it has demonstrated a small molecule drug compound
that is central to the hair follicle growth cycle. The report, which won the first prize among poster presentations at the
meeting, was authored in part by Dr. Rudy Paladini, the senior author.
The study indicated that
a topical formula with the small molecule Hedgehog agonist enabled the hair follicles to reenter the growth phase from the
resting phase, which stimulated hair growth.
Curis' technology strategy
is based on the use of proteins or small molecules to regulate pathways that control repair and regeneration. Curis has been
involved in the biotechnology markets through agreements with a number of well known companies, such as Genentech. The Hedgehog
agonist program was exclusively licensed to Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, however Curis has retained rights to develop products for
hair growth based on the product.
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