FDA Approves PhotoThera’s Laser Therapy Technology
New Technology for Athletes
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 24, 2004- PhotoThera Inc. announced that it has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to market the company's Acculaser Pro™ therapeutic laser for use in the non-surgical treatment of a painful overuse tendonitis injury of the knee common to runners and athletes called iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS).
“We are very excited to be able to offer this new technology to athletes suffering from ITBS tendonitis,” said Jackson Streeter M.D., CEO of PhotoThera. “The pain of ITBS can be so severe that people cannot continue their active lifestyle.”
Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders are a leading health problem and economic burden for both the American public and the US Armed Forces. PhotoThera conducted their clinical trial in cooperation with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The trial demonstrated improved clinical outcomes of Marine Corps recruits suffering from tendonitis of the iliotibial band. This injury is very common to military recruits. Musculoskeletal injuries limit the activity of more Americans than any other disease category with 9% to 10% of the American population experiencing an acute musculoskeletal injury each year. Occupationally related musculoskeletal injuries are associated with an estimated annual economic cost in excess of $20 billion. Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common adverse effect of regular exercise, with reported injury rates as high as 65% in recreational runners.
“We have a very robust technology,” said Dr. Streeter. “The PhotoThera laser is non invasive and easy to apply in the doctor’s office by a trained therapist.” Recently, Laser Therapy has been successfully used in treatment of several of the New England Patriots football players prior to winning the Super Bowl by Ellen Spicuza a registered nurse/physical therapist in the Boston area. Before the big game Spicuza used laser therapy on more than 10 of the Patriots with tendon and muscle injuries.
PhotoThera is also pursuing FDA market clearance for other indications, and is conducting animal research in the area of bone regeneration in collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin.
“We look forward to becoming the world leader in developing the science and future applications of Laser Therapy, not only in the area of orthopedics, but also in other markets,” says Dr. Streeter.
For more information, visit the website.
4/14/2004
|
|
