IRVINGTON, N.Y., Oct. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MELA Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: MELA ), the medical device company that has developed and is commercializing MelaFind ®, the first and only FDA approved optical diagnostic device for melanoma detection used by dermatologists in their fight against melanoma, today announced that the company will be participating in the 32 nd Annual Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference taking place October 17 – 20, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference is a four-day sold-out medical conference that is well attended by over 500 dermatologists, dermatology residents, fellows, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. The conference offers attendees cutting-edge information on the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions related to medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
MELA Sciences will exhibit four poster presentations of clinical data that demonstrate how MelaFind® has assisted dermatologists in making better biopsy decisions and helped them identify early melanomas. The poster data was derived from studies conducted in both clinical and practice settings and reinforces the importance of MelaFind® as an optical imaging device for dermatologists to aid them in the diagnosis of melanoma.
In addition, MELA Sciences will be hosting its first Clinical Advisory Meeting among Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) at the conference. Mark S. Nestor, MD, PhD, Voluntary Associate Professor of the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University Of Miami Leonard Miller School Of Medicine will be moderating the company's Clinical Advisory Meeting during the conference along with Darrell Rigel, MD, MS, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University, Langone Medical Center and MELA Sciences' Chief Medical Advisor to the Board of Directors.
"Melanoma is an ever-growing problem for people of all ages, genders and skin tones, especially those who are high risk, and prevention as well as early detection are essential for survival," said Dr. Nestor. "I find MelaFind® to be a useful tool in my practice especially when dealing with patients with numerous moles with atypical appearance. MelaFind® can help me validate my decision on whether or not to biopsy a marginal lesion, and may, in certain cases allow me to feel comfortable following a lesion clinically instead of performing a biopsy."
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma is currently the deadliest and fastest growing cancer in the U.S., with one American dying from melanoma every hour. Skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions, even though the cause (ultraviolet rays) and prevention (sun protection) is known. Melanoma is almost 100% curable if caught early, but according to a Harris Interactive Study commissioned by MELA Sciences only 24 percent of American adults have had a skin check by a dermatologist, which can lead to missed cases as well as potentially advanced and fatal stages.
MelaFind® is the first and only FDA-approved optical imaging device for melanoma detection used by dermatologists and was recognized by the Cleveland Clinic as a Top 10 Medical Innovation for 2013. MelaFind® was featured in the Wall Street Journal, and recently received national attention on "The Rachael Ray Show". Consumers can learn more about the device or locate a MelaFind® dermatologist in their area by visiting www.melafind.com .
About MELA Sciences, Inc.
MELA Sciences, Inc. is a medical device company focused on the commercialization of its flagship product, MelaFind® and its further design and development. MelaFind® is a non-invasive tool that provides additional information to dermatologists during melanoma skin examinations. The device uses light from visible to near-infrared wavelengths to evaluate skin lesions up to 2.5 mm beneath the skin. The device supplies information on a lesion's level of morphologic disorganization to provide additional objective information that may be used by dermatologists in the biopsy decision-making process. MelaFind® has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the U.S. In addition, MelaFind® has received CE Mark approval and is approved for use in the European Union.
For more information on MELA Sciences, Inc., visit www.melasciences.com .
Safe Harbor:
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include but are not limited to our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that contain words such as "expects," "contemplates," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "believes," "assumes," "predicts" and variations of such words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends, or that do not relate to historical matters. These statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to significant known and unknown uncertainties and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that our beliefs or expectations will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from our beliefs or expectations due to financial, economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and political factors or conditions affecting the company and the medical device industry in general, as well as more specific risks and uncertainties facing the company such as those set forth in its reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Factors that might cause such a difference include whether MelaFind® achieves market acceptance. Given the uncertainties affecting companies in the medical device industry such as the Company, any or all of these forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Therefore, you should not rely on any such factors or forward-looking statements. The Company urges you to carefully review and consider the disclosures found in its filings with the SEC which are available at www.sec.gov and www.melasciences.com .
Investors Lynn Pieper Westwicke Partners 415-202-5678 Media Erica Sperling Rpr Marketing Communications 212-317-1462
