U.S. Oral Cancer Rates Increase: Zila's Technology for Early Detection of Oral Lesions, ViziLite(R) Plus Now Available Nationwid
February 15 2006 - 8:30AM
Business Wire
The Zila, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZILA) ViziLite Plus Oral Lesion
Identification and Marking System, the most advanced technology in
the marketplace for early detection of oral abnormalities that
could lead to cancer, is now available to dentists nationwide. This
product release is opportune, as the American Cancer Society (ACS)
recently announced that despite the first overall reduction in
cancer deaths ever recorded, oral cancer incidence and related
deaths are increasing. The ACS estimates 30,990 new cases of cancer
of the oral cavity and pharynx in 2006, along with 7,430 deaths,
compared to 29,370 new cases and 7,320 deaths in 2005. That's a
5.5% increase in new cases (generally resulting in disfigurement,
speech impairment, inability to eat normally, lost wages, etc.),
and a 1.5% increase in deaths. According to ACS projections for
2006, oral cancer is the eighth most common cancer type among men,
with a 10-year survival rate of less than 50%, primarily due to
late detection. An estimated 67% of oral cancer lesions identified
with conventional visual methods are detected late, leading to
disfigurements and a high mortality rate. When detected early, the
oral cancer survival rate increases to almost 90%. The key to
successful treatment is early detection. The American Dental
Association advises that while 73% of oral cancer occurs in people
who use tobacco and/or drink heavily, 27% of oral cancer cases
involve healthy people with no lifestyle risk behaviors. As with
other cancers, age is a primary risk factor for oral cancer.
Patients age 40 and older are at increased risk. ViziLite(R) Plus
with T-Blue630, A New Life-Saving Technology: ViziLite Plus
combines the oral screening technology of ViziLite, an advanced
biophotonic light technology, with TBlue630, a marking system using
Zila(R) Tolonium Chloride (ZTC(TM)), the only patented
pharmaceutical-grade form of toluidine blue used in marking lesions
identified during a ViziLite examination. ViziLite Plus is
indicated for use in individuals at increased risk for oral cancer.
If ViziLite reveals an abnormality, TBlue630 may be used to mark
suspicious lesions for further evaluation. Annual ViziLite Plus
examinations, following the conventional head and neck examination,
are recommended for all adult patients. The average national
patient fee for a ViziLite Plus exam is $65, and it is eligible for
reimbursement under CDT-5 procedure code D0431. "The availability
of ViziLite Plus with TBlue630 is an important milestone in the
fight against oral cancer," said Jeff Mazzarella, Vice President of
Sales at Zila Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "ViziLite Plus helps dental
professionals perform a complete and thorough oral screening in
just minutes, which can be a life-saving act." ViziLite Plus is
sold through dental distributors in configurations of 20 ViziLite
exam kits with two TBlue630(TM) marking systems, and 40 ViziLite
exam kits with four TBlue630 marking systems. A supplemental
configuration of six TBlue630 marking systems and one ViziLite exam
kit will also be available soon to those who have previously
purchased. For more information, visit www.ViziLite.com. The ACS
"Cancer Facts & Figures 2006" report can be viewed at:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/content/STT_1x_Cancer_Facts__Figures
_2006.asp (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted
into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space
if one exists.) About Zila, Inc. Zila, Inc., headquartered in
Phoenix, is an innovator in preventative healthcare technologies
and products, focusing on enhanced body defense and the detection
of pre-disease states. Zila has three business units: -- Zila
Pharmaceuticals, marketer of products to promote oral health and
prevent oral disease, including ViziLite(R) Plus oral examination
kits and Peridex(R) prescription periodontal rinse. -- Zila
Biotechnology, a research, development and licensing business
specializing in pre-cancer/cancer detection through its patented
Zila(R) Tolonium Chloride and OraTest(R) technologies. -- Zila
Nutraceuticals, manufacturer and marketer of Ester-C(R) and
Ester-E(R), branded, highly effective forms of Advanced Protection
vitamins C and E. -- For more information about Zila, visit
www.zila.com. This press release contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
These forward-looking statements are based largely on Zila's
expectations or forecasts of future events, can be affected by
inaccurate assumptions and are subject to various business risks
and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which are beyond
the Company's control. Therefore, actual results could differ
materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein. A
wide variety of factors could cause or contribute to such
differences and could adversely impact revenues, profitability,
cash flows and capital needs. There can be no assurance that the
forward-looking statements contained in this press release will, in
fact, transpire or prove to be accurate. For a more detailed
description of these and other cautionary factors that may affect
Zila's future results, please refer to Zila's Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended July 31, 2005. Photos available for download at
http://www.vizilite.com/download/
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