IRVINGTON, N.Y., Oct. 25, 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 Washington D.C. Dermatological Society's Fall Clinical Conference taking place October 26, 2013 in Falls Church, Virginia.
The Washington D.C. Dermatological Society's Fall Clinical Conference is a half-day medical meeting that is well attended by approximately 100 dermatologists, as well as physician assistants and nurse practitioners who specialize in dermatology. The Program Director and Moderator of the conference will be Amir A. Bajoghli, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Georgetown University and Chief of Dermatology at INOVA Fairfax Hospital.
The conference is a hands-on symposium involving live patient case studies and pathology analysis. This interactive activity provides physicians with practical information regarding rare dermatologic conditions, as well as common problems that manifest themselves in unique ways. Attendees will also evaluate diagnostic testing and imaging in dermatology. Physicians and other health care providers will have the opportunity to consider current standards of care, as well as recommendations for optimizing patient care. The overreaching goal for this conference is to update the practicing dermatologist and generalist in topics that will improve patient care.
"We are pleased to have MELA Sciences attending our conference, and look forward to learning more about the company and working with their digital, spectral imaging system, MelaFind," said Dr. Bajoghli. While we believe MelaFind will be a valuable tool when making biopsy decisions, we are also focused on exploring the value of providing these images to our dermatopathologists as these atypical lesions are being assessed for biopsy. The ability for the first time to image up to 2.5 mm below a lesion should provide additional information, which can then be used in determining a proper course of diagnosis and subsequent treatment."
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 .
For further information contact: Investors Lynn Pieper Westwicke Partners 415-202-5678 Media Erica Sperling Rpr Marketing Communications 212-317-1462
