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Here is some helpful information about acne treatment.
WASHINGTON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - A device that tackles acne by using light to
destroy the bacteria that causes it has won approval from U.S. regulators, the
company that makes the product said on Monday.
Israeli medical device maker Lumenis Ltd. (LUME) said the Food and Drug
Administration approved the product, called the Clear Light Acne Photo Clearing
System, for a type of acne known as moderate inflammatory acne.
The device employs a blue, high-intensity light, shined on the area to be
treated, to kill the bacteria that is the primary cause of acne. Each treatment
takes about 15 minutes and is painless, the company said. A typical course of
treatment consists of eight visits over a period of four weeks.
Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, a New York city dermatologist, said the Clear Light
system will offer an alternative to antibiotics, which can have side effects, or
to topical treatments that must be applied three times a day.
"It is a real positive option for people who don't want to take antibiotics and
who either don't have the time or for various reasons do not want to comply with
complex topical regimens needed to clear acne," she said.
Also, about 40 percent of acne bacteria is resistant to antibiotics, said Alon
Maor, executive vice president of Lumenis' aesthetic division.
Maor estimated that about 11 million U.S. teenagers would be candidates for the
light therapy. He said the price will vary across the country but he expects
each treatment will cost between $50 and $100.
Maor said there are no known side effects, and patients can return to normal
activities immediately after each treatment. The most common areas for treatment
are the face, neck, chest and back, although the system may be used on other
areas.
More than 30 percent of all dermatologist visits are for acne-related causes,
and in the United States, more than $1.4 billion is spent on anti-acne
medications and treatments, Lumenis said in a statement. REUTERS
© 2002 Reuters
UPDATE 1-Lumenis says US FDA approves acne device
August 19, 2002 9:12:00 PM ET
By Lisa Richwine
WASHINGTON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - A device that tackles
acne by using light to destroy the bacteria that causes
it has won approval from U.S. regulators, the company
that makes the product said on Monday.
Israeli medical device maker Lumenis Ltd. (LUME) said
the Food and Drug Administration approved the product,
called the ClearLight Acne PhotoClearing System, for a
type of acne known as moderate inflammatory acne.
The device employs a blue, high-intensity light, shined
on the area to be treated, to kill the bacteria that is
the primary cause of acne. Each treatment takes about
15 minutes and is painless, the company said. A typical
course of treatment consists of eight visits over a
period of four weeks.
Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, a New York city
dermatologist, said the ClearLight system will offer an
alternative to antibiotics, which can have side
effects, or to topical treatments that must be applied
three times a day.
"It is a real positive option for people who don't want
to take antibiotics and who either don't have the time
or for various reasons do not want to comply with
complex topical regimens needed to clear acne," she
said.
Also, about 40 percent of acne bacteria is resistant to
antibiotics, said Alon Maor, executive vice president
of Lumenis' aesthetic division.
Maor estimated that about 11 million U.S. teenagers
would be candidates for the light therapy. He said the
price will vary across the country but he expects each
treatment will cost between $50 and $100.
Maor said there are no known side effects, and patients
can return to normal activities immediately after each
treatment. The most common areas for treatment are the
face, neck, chest and back, although the system may be
used on other areas.
More than 30 percent of all dermatologist visits are
for acne-related causes, and in the United States, more
than $1.4 billion is spent on anti-acne medications and
treatments, Lumenis said in a statement. REUTERS
© 2002 Reuters
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