Theralase Proven Effective in Relief of Chronic Knee Pain and Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Toronto, Ontario -- September 27, 2012 -- Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: TLT) announced today that its Theralase therapeutic laser system has now been proven clinically effective in the relief of chronic knee pain and for the treatment of osteoarthritis. 
 
Theralase commissioned an independent “gold standard” clinical study (blinded, randomised, controlled clinical study) to clinically evaluate if the Theralase laser system was safe and effective in reducing chronic knee pain and for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA).The results of the clinical study were dramatic and have proven unequivocally that the Theralase therapeutic laser system is clinically and statistically effective in reducing pain in these debilitating conditions. The efficacy of the study was evaluated by the assessment of subject pain levels via the visual analog scale (VAS) measurement, a validated assessment tool widely accepted by the medical community, especially, neurology and orthopedic specialists.
 
The Theralase clinical study was peer-reviewed and has now been accepted for publication in Photonics & Lasers in Medicine (PLM), a widely respected medical specialist and practitioner journal. PLM’s readership includes: leaders in the fields of medicine, physics and science, as well as healthcare practitioners from all walks of international medical practice. 

"Theralase is delighted that our independent clinical study has passed muster to be accepted for publication in a journal renowned for the communication of high-quality peer-reviewed research. This validation is indicative of the exceptional design and execution of this clinical study, as well as a testament to the important contribution this clinical data makes in supporting the clinical use of Theralase’s therapeutic laser system in the first line treatment of patients suffering from OA” commented Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO of Theralase. 

Dr. Arkady Mandel, Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase said, “A key finding from the Theralase clinical study was that a significant reduction in the VAS pain score was obtained 30 days after discontinuing treatment proving that for patients who suffer from severe chronic knee pain, the Theralase technology is an effective solution. Because of the excellent safety and efficacy profile of the technology proven during the clinical study, it can be stated that Theralase’s non-invasive, superpulsed laser therapy represents a promising therapeutic alternative to pharmaceuticals for patients suffering from chronic knee pain and OA due to degenerative and inflammatory conditions. This clinical study has now paved the way for widespread acceptance of this technology by the medical community and thus provides a cost effective treatment option for anyone involved in treating pain on a regular basis, including: medical doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists”.

Chronic pain is a complex process that profoundly affects a person’s life, forcing alterations in professional, social and other aspects of everyday activities. Knee pain is the third most common pain reported to healthcare practitioners behind low back pain and headaches. Osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common type of arthritis and the major cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and mobility disability in the elderly, which places a significant burden on the healthcare system. OA affects approximately 10% of the population over 60 years of age and an astounding 85% of the population over 75 years of age, leading to estimated socioeconomic costs of over $185.5 billion per year in the US alone. The prevalence of osteoarthritis is rapidly increasing; due to the aging population and an increase in the prevalence of obesity, with an estimated 44% of the US population to be classified as obese by the year 2030. Current treatments for chronic knee pain and OA include pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories, painkillers and corticosteroids, which offer only temporary pain relief at best, with minimal mid to long-term benefits and unfortunately severe negative side effects.

About Theralase Technologies Inc.:

Theralase Technologies Inc., founded in 1995, designs, develops, manufactures and markets patented, superpulsed laser technology utilized in biostimulation and biodestruction applications. Theralase technology is safe and effective in treating pain, inflammation and for tissue regeneration of neural muscular skeletal conditions and wound healing in both humans and animals. Theralase complies with all FDA, Health Canada, CE and international regulatory approvals to ensure effective, safe and high quality products. Theralase also develops patented Photo Dynamic Compound (PDC) technology focused at targeting and destroying cancers, bacteria and viruses when light activated by Theralase’s proprietary and patented laser technologies.

For further information please visit www.theralase.com, regulatory filings may be viewed by visiting www.sedar.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchanges) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For More Information, please contact:

Roger Dumoulin - White,                                                                                

President and CEO                                                                                            

416-447-8455 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            416-447-8455      ext. 225                                                                                     

rwhite@theralase.com