Obagi Medical Products, Inc has announced the publication of a study of its copper-zinc malonate eye treatment ELASTIderm™ in the September 2008 issue of the dermatology journal, Experimental Dermatology. Findings of the study conducted at Jefferson Medical College suggest that six weeks of ELASTIderm treatment can boost the biosynthesis of elastin in skin helping to repair and regenerate the elastic fiber network. It reduces the number of visible wrinkles by restoring the skin’s elasticity. The product uses a bi-mineral complex technology.

Medivir has submitted an application to the European medical regulatory authorities for marketing authorization for its product Lipsovir®. The cream, a patented combination of acyclovir (an antiviral agent) and hydrocortisone (an anti-inflammatory agent) is used for preventing as well as treating cold sores. None of the already existing products on the market that are indicated for the condition have the effect that Lipsovir promises.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved updated labeling changes for Genentech Inc.’s Raptiva (efalizumab) to warn of  the dangerous infection risks (like PML) associated to its usage. A once-weekly injection, Raptiva is approved for treatment of plaque psoriasis in adult candidates for phototherapy or systemic (whole body) therapy. Also, a risk of immune system’s permanent suppression with repeated administration of Raptiva has been indicated for kids below 14 years.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given 510(k) clearance to Reliant Technologies Inc. for three novel Fraxel re:pair laser hand pieces. This enhanced potential of the Fraxel re:pair laser system will provide physicians with an option for surgical treatment and skin resurfacing. As part of the Fraxel re:pair Complete Fractional Ablative Workstation, all of the three surgical hand pieces can be used alone or along with each other, with no need to turn the system off for changing the hand pieces.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved safety labeling revisions for Photocure’s Metvixia (methyl aminolevulinate HCl 16.8%) for use with the company’s Aktilite CL238 lamp. The site of treatment becomes photosensitive during the period between application of the cream and red-light illumination. That is why FDA has warned of adverse effects of dermal photosensitization, advising patients to avoid exposing the area to bright light. Sunscreen does not help in the protection of treated lesions. Patients should stay away from sunlight for two days after the therapy. FDA has also laid down that only trained physicians can apply the Metvixia cream.

Results of a controlled trial conducted by Cherry Creek Research, Inc, in Colorado show that using the 3-mg drospirenone/20-µg ethinyl estradiol 24/4 combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) can reduce acne lesion counts in females in the age group of 14 to 45 years. Modification of androgen (major cause of acne pathogenesis) can be a potential hormonal therapy for acne. Lesions were reduced by 46.3% in the group which received the combination therapy and the participants having “almost clear” skin was about 3 times greater than the placebo group. The study was funded by Bayer Schering Pharma AG.

Results of a prospective multi-center clinical trial show that a long-term, low-dose schedule of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate does not prevent age-related changes in skin surface. Researchers from Boston University revealed that there was no significant improvement in the skin structure after the end of a year long low-dose hormone therapy. The mean age of the 485 women enrolled in the trial was 53.6 years. Instead they recommended regular basic care through products like Renova that can save the skin from photo-damage.

Cytori Therapeutics has received the patent protecting its Celution® System applications for generation of adipose tissue-derived stem and regenerative cell-enhanced fat grafts that may be used in a variety of cosmetic surgery procedures, such as breast reconstruction, facial applications etc. The patent strengthens the competitive position of Celution System in the cosmetic surgery market. Cytori also seeks to protect other applications of the Celution System. Additional patents for the use of Celution System in cardiovascular and orthopedic proceduress have been filed too.

Latest research conducted by Headache Care Center in Springfield, Missouri has shown that injections of Botox (botulinum toxin) can help in preventing migraines in people suffering from migraine attacks frequently and have not benefited much from oral therapies for prevention. Patients treated with botox had fewer episodes of headache as compared to placebo-treated patients. Also, it fared better in the Headache Impact Test.