NAPA, California, February 12 /PRNewswire/ --
- Dr. Mark Nestor to Present Rosacea Study Results on February 13, 2009 -
Senetek PLC (OTC Bulletin Board: SNKTY), a life sciences company engaged in the development of technologies that target the science of healthy aging, announced today that positive study results from a clinical trial of Pyratine-XR(TM) in patients with rosacea will be presented February 13, 2009, at the 7th Annual South Beach Clinical Dermatology Symposium in Miami, Florida.
Dr. Mark Nestor, the Symposium chair, will be presenting Cytokinins: Cutaneous Aging and Rosacea at 4:45 PM.
Based on positive results demonstrated in previous studies of Pyratine-6(TM) (0.1% furfuryl tetrahydropyranyladenine) for the remediation of photodamaged skin and erythema, with resulting reduction in facial redness and fine wrinkles in as early as two weeks, Senetek initiated a clinical trial for assessing the effects of Pyratine-XR(TM) (0.125% furfuryl tetrahydropyranyladenine) in improving the clinical signs and symptoms of rosacea.
According to the National Rosacea Society, more than 14 million Americans have rosacea, yet only a small fraction are being treated. The chronic skin disease can affect adults and children of any skin type. While the cause is unknown and there is no cure, scientific advancements are now offering rosacea sufferers hope and a way to control the signs and symptoms of this potentially life-disruptive disorder.
Eighteen subjects with mild-to-moderate rosacea participated in a 48-week study at the University of California, Irvine, and were evaluated through physician assessments of inflammatory lesion count (papules and pustules), severity of erythema (redness) and telangiectasia (spider veins) and overall clinical improvement, as well as through patient assessments of signs and symptoms of rosacea and skin tolerance.
Data suggests that Pyratine-XR(TM) may offer important advantages over currently available treatments for rosacea, primarily oral and topical antibiotics, which involve long-term tolerability and other health concerns. Pyratine-XR(TM) produced a progressive decrease in the symptoms associated with rosacea including redness and lesions. All subject self-assessments showed good tolerability and cosmetic acceptability.
After 48 weeks, there was overall clinical improvement in 80% of subjects, including reduction of erythema and papules. The investigators saw continual, statistically significant mean improvement with Pyratine-XR(TM) treatment, including a 90% improvement in lesions, 45% improvement in erythema and a 28% improvement in telangiectasia. The product was well tolerated, and in an earlier assessment of 24 patients, there was a 41% mean improvement in skin dryness as early as week four, with results continuing to improve over the 48-week period. Pyratine-XR(TM) produced a significant improvement in skin barrier function at weeks 4 through 48 as measured by a decrease in water loss from the skin.
We are incredibly pleased with the results reported in this rosacea- specific study, with continual improvement in lesions, redness and spider veins. Unlike current therapies, Pyratine-XR(TM) was well tolerated by all patients, and offers hope to a myriad of individuals suffering from facial redness, acne lesions and spider veins, such as those afflicted with eczema, atopic dermatitis and rosacea. We are pleased that the study results are being presented by Dr. Nestor at this prestigious meeting, said Frank J. Massino, Chairman and CEO of Senetek PLC. The clinical trials are extremely promising, and we anticipate a tremendous physician and patient response to Pyratine-XR(TM), which will officially launch at the American Academy of Dermatology's 67th Annual Meeting in San Francisco, March 6-10, 2009.
About Senetek, PLC
Senetek PLC (OTC Bulletin Board: SNKTY) is a life sciences company engaged in the development of breakthrough technologies that target the science of healthy aging. The company's extensive research collaborations have resulted in a strong pipeline of patented compounds and products with broad therapeutic applications and a leading presence in dermatology. Senetek collaborates with established specialty pharmaceutical companies in the final development and marketing of its proprietary products, most recently resulting in the development of kinetin, the best-selling anti-aging product sold in the North American physician market. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.senetekplc.com.
About Dr. Mark S. Nestor
Mark S. Nestor, M.D., Ph.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, and director of the Center for Cosmetic Enhancement in Aventura, Florida. Dr. Mark Nestor currently serves as President of the American Society for Photodynamic Therapy, and as a Volunteer Associate Professor of the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. He is the immediate Past President of the International Society of Cosmetic and Laser Surgeons.
William O'Kelly of Senetek, PLC, +1-707-226-3900, ext. 102, or Media Contacts, Public Relations, Maggie Carr, maggie@michaelrogerspr.com, or Michael Rogers, michael@michaelrogerspr.com, both of Senetek, PLC, +1-212-255-7210, ext. 22, or Media Contacts/Dr. Mark Nestor, Jennifer Beard Evans, JEvans@Boardroompr.com, or Beth Cohen, BCohen@Boardroompr.com, both of Boardroom Communications, +1-954-370-8999, for Senetek, PLC
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