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Biotech / Medical : PLSIA (Premier Laser Systems) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Mama Bear who wrote (1720)	2/3/1999 1:04:00 PM
From: D.J.Smyth	Respond to of 1773

News: Premier Laser Granted Patent Covering EyeSys Corneal Imaging Technology Material Cost Reductions Yield Substantial Progress in Margin Improvement IRVINE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 3, 1999--Premier Laser Systems Inc. (Nasdaq NM: PLSIA - news) Wednesday announced that it has been granted a U.S. patent covering a multi-camera corneal analysis system, an imaging technology used in the EyeSys.Premier System 2000(TM) corneal topography system. The patent covers EyeSys' three-camera method for capturing a true image of the cornea for mapping purposes. According to the announcement by Premier Laser Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Colette Cozean, Ph.D., the three-camera technology is a simple solution to the complex problem of precisely measuring and mapping the cornea. Enabling practitioners to perform limbus to limbus mapping, this patented technology provides information that is useful to refractive surgeons as a prelude to eye surgery and to optometrists in the fitting of contact lenses. The company has an additional U.S. patent pending on the technology and has filed foreign applications as well. In commenting on the System 2000, Robert Gale Martin, M.D., of Carolina Eye Associates in Pinehurst, N.C. said, ''Anyone familiar with refractive surgery would covet the ability to have the laser linked to the EyeSys.Premier System. Most ophthalmologists have been waiting for this type of technology, which should improve the quality of patient care, especially in difficult cases. American doctors have little else to compare to, but the system has distinct and important advantages over non-topographical driven lasers.'' According to the abstract issued by the United States Patent Office, the information obtained by using the three-camera method provides the practitioner the capability to automatically find the apex and location of the limbus and leads to improved methods for calibration and other advantages in the field of corneal mapping. Dr. Cozean said, ''This patent award further secures the position of the EyeSys.Premier System 2000 as can be seen by the market's resurgent interest in the product. EyeSys products not only extend the breadth of our family of ophthalmic products, they have become an important part of our overall product mix. Shipments of the System 2000 have more than doubled since the summer quarter.'' Douglas D. Koch, M.D., professor of Ophthalmology at Baylor University said, ''The EyeSys.Premier three-camera system is unique in that it provides extraordinary images that are reproducible, thus enabling accurate patient tracking. Its comprehensive software provides the doctor with a wide array of corneal 'maps' providing both practical and technical data.'' Dr. Cozean added, ''Since consolidating the Premier and Eyesys operations in our Irvine facility in mid-1998, we have been able to build measurable efficiencies into the production of the System 2000 and positively impact the manufacturing of our ophthalmic products. System 2000 material cost has been reduced by more than 35 percent and the manufacture of this product in Irvine has helped increase the overall absorption rate of overhead in our factory.'' Premier Laser Systems develops, manufactures and markets several lines of proprietary medical and dental lasers, fiber optic delivery systems, diagnostic devices, and associated products for a variety of dental, ophthalmic, dermatologic and surgical applications. The statements in this release that relate to future events or performance, statements about growth, future regulatory clearances or patent issuances, future levels of sales and market size and future manufacturing capacity and efficiencies are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with uncertainties related to the development of markets for and commercial acceptance of the company's products and services, the availability of components, competitors' product introductions and other risks identified in the company's SEC filings. Actual results may differ from those described in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. biz.yahoo.com