ZILA Zila (MM)

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/