ZILA Zila (MM)

Zila, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZILA) today announced that Essex Dental Benefits has begun offering coverage for ViziLite� Plus with TBlue�, Zila�s proprietary screening device for the early detection of oral abnormalities that could lead to cancer. �Wellness screenings, such as oral cancer examinations, have been shown to help improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs,� said Ziad Rubaie, executive vice president, Essex Dental Benefits. �We added oral cancer screening to our dental plan design options because early detection is the key to fighting this disease. Essex Dental is pleased to offer this coverage as part of our commitment to our members.� �ViziLite Plus is being adopted by dentists in the U.S. and other parts of the world,� said David Bethune, Zila�s chairman and chief executive officer. �We are delighted to have Essex Dental Benefits join the insurance industry movement to cover ViziLite Plus exams and help improve the overall care of patients.� Essex Dental Benefits will make oral cancer screening a benefit to approximately 185,000 covered lives. A ViziLite Plus with TBlue examination is simple, quick, pain-free and effective in helping a dentist identify abnormal tissue suspicious for precancer or cancer. A ViziLite Plus exam, after a conventional visual examination, represents an integral part of comprehensive oral-cancer screenings. A recently published clinical study revealed that using ViziLite Plus with TBlue correctly identified all cancers and lesions at highest risk of becoming cancer. Oral cancer is found primarily in tobacco users or heavy drinkers. New research shows a common strain of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) also accounts for a significant percentage of all oral cancer cases in the U.S. About Essex Dental Benefits Essex Dental Benefits is a leader in the mid-west dental insurance market with the most extensive regional managed care provider network in the eastern Missouri and southern Illinois marketplace. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Essex Dental Benefits continues to provide employers with extensive dental care solutions, formidable networks offering real choices at significant cost savings, and reliable customer service. A constant focus on relationships, quality and patient satisfaction enable Essex Dental Benefits to maintain an edge in the industry. About Zila, Inc. Zila, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a diagnostic company dedicated to the prevention, detection and treatment of oral cancer and periodontal disease. Zila manufactures and markets ViziLite� Plus with TBlue� (�ViziLite� Plus�), the company�s flagship product for the early detection of oral abnormalities that could lead to cancer. ViziLite� Plus is an adjunctive medical device cleared by the FDA for use in a population at increased risk for oral cancer. In addition, Zila designs, manufactures and markets a suite of proprietary products sold exclusively and directly to dental professionals for periodontal disease, including the Rotadent� Professional Powered Brush, the Pro-Select Platinum� ultrasonic scaler and a portfolio of oral pharmaceutical products for both in-office and home-care use. All of Zila�s products are marketed and sold in the United States and Canada primarily through the company�s direct field sales force and telemarketing organization. The company�s products are marketed and sold in other international markets through the direct sales forces of third party distributors. Zila�s marketing programs reach most U.S. dental offices and include continuing education seminars for dentists and their staffs. For more information about the company and its products, please visit www.zila.com.