Theralase Announces 18% Improvement in Profitability in Q3 Financials

Toronto, Ontario – November 29, 2012 Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: TLT) announced today its third quarter 2012 financial results reporting that revenue remained relatively constant year over year for the three month period ending September 30, 2012 at $437,060, compared to $453,212 for the same period in 2011.

The net loss for the three month period ended September 30, 2012 was $348,478, which included $71,406 of non-cash expenses (amortization, stock-based compensation expense, foreign exchange gain/loss and lease inducements) as compared to a net loss of $423,929 for the same period last year, demonstrating an improvement of 18% year over year.

Selling expenses decreased for the three month period ending September 30, 2011 to $162,596 compared to $237,409 for the same period the previous year, a decrease of 31.5%, while maintaining essentially the same revenue. The decrease in selling expenses and increase in profitability was directly attributable to efficiencies gained in operations through the elimination of non-essential sales personnel and a decrease in product advertising costs associated with their respective territories.

Administrative expenses remained constant at $287,346 for the three month period ending September 30, 2012 compared to $280,587 for the same period the previous year, with the minor increase primarily due to stock based compensation expense.

Research and development costs were $174,841 for the three month period ending September 30, 2012 compared to $225,439 for the same period in 2011. The expenditures are primarily due to the commercialization costs associated with the anticipated launch of the patented TLC-2000 biofeedback therapeutic laser system, scheduled to be commercially launched in 2013 and costs associated with the research and development of Theralase’s patented Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) being developed for the destruction of cancer, viruses and bacteria. 

Roger Dumoulin‐White, President and CEO of Theralase Technologies Inc. stated, “As Theralase expands its presence internationally and maintains its established stronghold in the Canadian market, the Company is committed to bringing its newly designated Therapeutic Laser Therapy (TLT) Division to profitability in 2013 through the dramatic increase in sales associated with the launch of the TLC-2000 biofeedback therapeutic laser system in early 2013. The Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) Division; however, will continue to require equity financings, in order to provide the capital injection required to research and develop the technology through the FDA Phase 1 human clinical approval process in 2013. By investing in future technology, Theralase will secure the coveted position of an international leader in both divisions of medical laser technology for decades to come.”

During the quarter, Theralase announced that it has selected bladder cancer as the first clinical target in its Novel Photo Dynamic Compound (PDC) research. Theralase now has a clear direction with which to proceed with FDA clinical trials. Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in North America being the fourth most common in men and the eighth most common in woman. In North America, it is estimated that there will be over 77,000 new cases and over 15,000 deaths annually. With a recurrence rate of nearly 80%, bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat on a per patient basis; as well, the high recurrence rate raises many issues affecting quality of life. Theralase plans to aggressively pursue commercialization of its ground-breaking PDC technology through the accelerated FDA regulatory approval process. This FDA process is able to "fast-track" approval when a treatment is shown, through proven success rate, to have a positive impact on a serious, life-threatening medical conditions for which no other drug or treatment exists or is as effective.

In addition, during the quarter, Theralase announced 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 (OA). The company commissioned an independent 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. 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 study has been accepted for publication in an international journal, “Photonics & Lasers in Medicine” renowned for the communication of high-quality peer-reviewed research.

The Company also announced during the quarter that it has expanded the distribution of Theralase products into mainland China by signing an exclusive distribution agreement with an active, established Chinese medical device distributor, Chengdu Disi Industrial Co. Ltd. (Chengdu Disi). Under the terms of an exclusive distribution agreement, Chengdu Disi will market, sell and provide customer support on Theralase therapeutic lasers to government, public and private hospitals, in China, training them in the safe and effective operation of this advanced technology

The complete consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2012 can be found at www.theralase.com and www.sedar.com.

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 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 & CEO,                   

416-629-5356             

rwhite@theralase.com         

Kristina Hachey

CFO

416-937-7391

khachey@theralase.com

Greg Bewsh

Director of Investor Relations,

647-462-2229

gbewsh@theralase.com  

Efficacy of super-pulsed 905 nm Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in the management of Traumatic Brain Injury

World Journal of Neuroscience, 2012, 2, ***-*** WJNS
Published Online November 2012 (http://www.SciRP.org/journal/wjns/)
Efficacy of super-pulsed 905 nm Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in the management of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A case study
William Stephan1, Louis J. Banas1, Matthew Bennett2, Huseyin Tunceroglu3
1William Stephan M.D., Limited Liability Company (LLC), New York, USA
2Bennett Health and Wellness, New York, USA
3University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, New York, USA
Email: huseyint@buffalo.edu

ABSTRACT
Traumatic brain injury is a major health concern worldwide with massive financial and social impact. Conventional treatments primarily focus on the pre- vention of further damage to the brain parenchyma, while failing to address the already existent symptoms. Previous clinical studies have shown that Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can significantly reduce pain and induce temporary vasodilation in capillaries, which the authors hypothesize can be used to improve the quality of life in TBI patients by treating their current symptoms, which are predominately migraine- like headaches. This case report illustrates the use of LLLT in the treatment of a patient with a TBI and the great clinical success achieved in the reduction of pain, as measured by VAS—achievable within five treatments of 10 minutes in duration.
Keywords: Traumatic Brain Injury; Low Level Laser Therapy; LLLT; Chronic Migraines; Headaches
1. INTRODUCTION
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) typically occurs when there is any sudden trauma to the skull that induces damage to the brain. There are many causes of TBIs, but unfortu- nately no documented cures. According to Faul et al., the annual incidence of TBI in the United States is approxi- mately 1.7 million incidents, which account for 30.5% of injury related deaths [1]. The direct and indirect costs of TBI totaled an estimated 76.5 billion dollars in the United States in 2000 [2]. Traumatic brain injuries play a major role in the health care of our nation, especially in our armed forces, where the men and women serving our country are at a higher risk to suffer a TBI.
Treatment is centered on preventing future insult to the brain, but very little can be done to treat the already ex- isting symptoms. These symptoms, as described by the National Institutes of Health, range from mild to severe and include: headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and blurry vision. Current theory on alleviating the symp- toms of TBIs is based on reducing inflammatory and oxi- dative stress and increasing perfusion to support meta- bolic needs [3]. A study by Naeser et al. looked at the use of Near Infra Red (NIR) light for the treatment of TBI, stroke, and neurodegenerative disease. Their results were very promising, showing that nightly treatments with NIR LED over a period of months to years improved cognitive abilities [4]. Furthermore, they showed that the use of NIR light increased ATP production, caused vaso- dilation, and improved perfusion. We believe that the superpulsed 905 nm LLLT system employed in this case study operates through similar mechanisms of action and to support our hypothesis we present a case report of a patient with a traumatic brain injury that was treated with the superpulsed 905 nm LLLT system two years after the injury occurred.
2. CASE REPORT
A 25-year-old man with no pertinent past medical history presented as a new patient. His only complaint was chronic debilitating migraines since a traumatic brain injury which occurred in May of 2010. He was attacked and repeatedly hit over the head with a lead pipe, cons- quently requiring many sutures and leaving a scar on the brain as evidenced by the MRI performed subsequent to the incident. Since the attack, he has been experiencing excruciating migraines daily which he rates at ranging from 7/10 to 10/10 using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) reference and physically describes them as: throbbing, squeezing sensations located primarily to the occipital region of his skull. He complains of being unable to have a peaceful night of sleep or to participate in play with his four children, the oldest being 9, due to the constant pain Published Online November 2012 in SciRes. http://www.scirp.org/journal/wjns
2 W. Stephan et al. / World Journal of Neuroscience 2 (2012) **-**
and agony he experiences.
After undergoing multiple previous treatment modali- ties, which included: medications, vitamin supplements, and chiropractic massage therapies, all of which were unsuccessful at alleviating his symptoms, he had all but given up hope. Willing to try anything to rid himself of the chronic pain, he agreed to undergo LLLT treatment. Using a Theralase® superpulsed LLLT medical laser sys- tem equipped with a multiple probe handpiece (5 × 905 nm wavelength @ 0 to 100 mW average power per laser diode + 4 × 660 nm wavelength @ 25 mW average power per laser diode), he was given a total of five treat- ments delivered over a two week period, with the 905 nm laser diodes set to 50 mW average power. The LLLT was targeted to a total of four areas on the scalp for two and a half minutes each: midline occipital region just below the lamboidal suture, superior aspect of the nape to target the Circle of Willis and over the mastoid processes bilate- rally. We selected 905 nm wavelength based on a previ- ous scientific study that demonstrated that the 905 nm superpulsed wavelength employed by the system was able to increase inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) expression by 700%, as compared to numerous other wave-lengths that showed little or no effect [5]. iNOS has been well documented in numerous clinical studies to cause temporary vasodilation by signaling endothelial cells located in capillary walls to become flaccid and relax. Additional studies have shown that 810 nm and 665 nm wavelengths may also be effective, but those specific wavelengths are not able to produce as much iNOS expression, when compared to 905 nm superpulsed technology [6]. An average power for the superpulsed 905 nm laser diodes was initially chosen to be 50 mW based on personal experience, but further clinical inves- tigations may uncover more clinically effective average power settings.
Immediately after the first treatment of only ten min- utes in duration, the patient reported a 43% reduction in pain, reporting a VAS of 4/10 from a pre-treatment score of 7/10. He stated the throbbing and squeezing nature of his pain had immediately subsided and that all that was left was more of a dull achy pain. He continued with the treatments over the next week and with each new treat- ment his pain was further reduced. By the end of the course of 5 treatments, his pain had reduced by over 90% and all that remained was a minor ache that was barely even noticeable. Furthermore, he reported no side effects from the treatment except for a slight sensation of warmth over the area where the laser was placed. He was no longer experiencing constant pain; even his children no- ticed the difference saying that he looked happier. After two years, he was finally able to achieve a good night’s rest.
3. DISCUSSION
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been used in many acute and chronic conditions, but its effectiveness is yet to be fully documented by human clinical trials for mi- graine, stroke or TBI. Currently Dr. Michael Whalen, working at Massachusetts General Hospital, is conduct- ing controlled studies using a low level laser with the hopes of bringing this new technology into the forefront of neuroscience and medicine. This case study gives one example of how LLLT can be used to treat chronic mi- graines, specifically those that are a result of traumatic brain injuries. LLLT has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, create a state of vasodilation by activating the nitric oxide pathway and further even promote an- giogenesis. The present theory is that by increasing blood flow to the brain, and subsequently, increasing oxygen delivery to the brain, the symptoms of a migraine can be mitigated. This case differs from previous studies per- formed using laser therapy to help patients with TBIs in that the type of laser and the settings used were unique. Specifically, unlike the LED light used by Naeser et al., the therapeutic laser we utilized only required five treat- ments over two weeks to be effective with immediate re- sults after the first treatment.
It is currently unclear whether or not our patient will need maintenance therapy. He was interviewed at two weeks and two months post treatment and remains sym- ptom free. He is deeply appreciative of the care he was given and continues to enjoy family life which was impossible before LLLT. More research needs to be done, especially controlled double blind studies to further eva- luate the full effectiveness and possible side effects of using LLLT in the treatment of TBIs and migraines, but the latest research has shown that LLLT is an extremely safe and effective technology for a wide range of neural and muscular skeletal conditions.
REFERENCES
[1]
Faul, M.X.L., Wald, M.M. and Coronado, V.G. (2010) Traumatic brain injury in the United States: Emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. *, **-**.
[2]
Finkelstein E, C.P., Miller T and associates, The Inci-dence and Economic Burden of Injuries in the United States. Oxford University Press, 2006. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195179484.001.0001
[3]
Sahni, T., et al., (2012) Use of hyperbaric oxygen in traumatic brain injury: retrospective analysis of data of 20 patients treated at a tertiary care centre. British Journal of Neurosurgery, 26, 202-207. doi:10.3109/02688697.2011.626879
[4]
Naeser, M.A. and Hamblin, M.R. (2011) Potential for transcranial laser or LED therapy to treat stroke, trau- matic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disease. Pho- Copyright © 2012 SciRes. WJNS
W. Stephan et al. / World Journal of Neuroscience 2 (2012) **-**
Copyright © 2012 SciRes. WJNS
3
tomedicine and Laser Surgery, 29, 443-446. doi:10.1089/pho.2011.9908
[5]
Moriyama, Y., et al. (2009) In vivo effects of low level laser therapy on inducible nitric oxide synthase. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 41, 227-231. doi:10.1002/lsm.20745

The laser used in this study was the TLC-1000, super-pulsed multi-probe laser
For more information please call 1-866-843-5273 or visit www.theralase.com

What Is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, with an estimated 74,000 people receiving diagnoses this year and another 15,000 patients dying from bladder cancer. Medical professionals predict an increase in the number of bladder cancer cases in the coming years.
Cigarette smoking and chemical exposure are among the leading causes of bladder cancer, the second-most common urological cancer in adults. Bladder cancer is more common among men than women, and afflicts more Caucasians than African-Americans. It is also known for its high recurrence rate.

But for patients diagnosed with bladder cancer, the silver lining comes in the form of statistics and new medical procedures:

• About 80 percent of bladder cancer patients are diagnosed in the earliest stages.
• The overall five-year survival rate is more than 90 percent.
• Innovative techniques allow an increasing number of patients to keep their bladder rather than having it removed.

Bladder Cancer Causes

Among the risk factors for bladder cancer are advanced age, chronic bladder infections and treatment with certain types of medications. Those medications include cyclophosphamide, a common chemotherapy drug, and pioglitazone, the active ingredient in the type 2 diabetes drug Actos. Studies show that Actos increases the risk of bladder cancer by as much as 80 percent.
Researchers say that because the leading cause of bladder cancer is smoking, it is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Studies show that cigarette smoking raises the risk for bladder cancer fourfold. In addition, some occupations pose a stronger risk of daily exposure to workplace chemicals, which can lead to bladder cancer.

Among them are:

• Hairdressers
• Machinists
• Printers
• Painters
• Medical workers
• Truck drivers

There are also some lesser-known causes, including arsenic and chlorine compounds found in drinking water and sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and human papilloma virus (HPV).

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Symptoms of bladder cancer develop quietly in a majority of people with the disease. Hematuria, also known as bloody urine, is typically the first sign of the disease. But because this symptom is usually painless and fleeting, most patients are either unaware of it or ignore it. Although the blood could be visible, it is most often undetectable unless under a microscope.
For this reason, many patients don’t learn of their diagnosis until after a urine analysis. Frequent bladder infections, frequent urination, back pain and painful urination are among the warning signs. While these are less common, they should not be ignored.

Diagnosing Bladder Cancer

Because of the stealthy nature of bladder cancer, most patients are taken by surprise by a bladder cancer diagnosis. It often comes after testing for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or during a routine medical visit.
Once tumor markers are found in the urine, doctors order a series of other tests. These include an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), the standard imaging test for bladder cancer. Through this test, physicians can view the bladder and surrounding organs for evidence of cancer. Doctors also use CT scans, MRI scans and bone scans, as well as ultrasounds, for a more complete look at the bladder.
For a closer look at the inside of the bladder, doctors may perform a bladder biopsy. This is done with a long, flexible device called a cystoscope that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. Small tissue samples are removed for laboratory examination.
Once bladder cancer is diagnosed, oncologists will stage the cancer using the tumor, node and metastases (TNM) system. With this, medical professionals can determine the extent of the cancer and the best course of treatment.

Bladder Cancer Treatment

While surgery, either alone or in combination with other treatments, is the standard for managing bladder cancer, researchers are finding innovative ways to treat it.

Overall, treatment depends on the stage, or progress, of the disease:

• Stage 0 through 1 treatments (non-muscle invasive):
• Transurethral Resection (TUR or TURBT) – With the use of a cystoscope, surgeons are able to cauterize, or burn away, the destructive cancer cells.
• Segmental cystectomy – In some early-stage patients, surgeons will remove a portion of the diseased bladder. The remaining bladder is sewn together.
• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy – To ensure the cancer is killed, sometimes oncologists will order several rounds of chemotherapy or immunotherapy to impede the early-stage disease.
• Stage II, III and IV treatments (muscle invasive)
• Radical cystectomy – In this procedure, a surgeon removes the entire diseased bladder and replaces it with one of several urinary diversions. These include creating a new bladder from the intestines or creating a new urinary elimination system.
• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy – Unless the patient is sickly or elderly, oncologists will prescribe either or both of these treatments to further destroy this spreading disease.
• Clinical trials – Many oncologists will recommend that advanced-stage patients seek clinical trials for new and inventive ways to battle bladder cancer.
• Dr. Arkady Mandel, Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase Technologies Inc. stated, “Commercialization of any new anti-cancer medicine depends upon the safe and effective destruction of all cancerous tumours, while upholding the patient’s quality of life. We are excited that our leading patented photo dynamic compound effectively destroyed a human urinary bladder carcinoma cell line (HT-1376) when activated by our proprietary light system. We are confident that as we complete our preclinical research and prepare for human trials in 2013, we will demonstrate to the medical community that we possess a highly effective, safe and efficient alternative treatment option to current bladder cancer patients.”

Incidence Rates of Bladder Cancer

For unknown reasons, the incidence of bladder cancer is higher in New England than the rest of the United States. While Caucasians have a higher incidence of the disease than African Americans, the mortality rate is in Caucasians is only slightly higher. That’s because African Americans tend to be diagnosed at a later disease stage, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, bladder cancer is known to reoccur in most cases. For this reason, medical professionals recommend that patients have check-ups every three months for the first three years after diagnosis and then every year thereafter.

Marketing and Advertising Claims Made by Some Laser Companies

"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!"

There is so much misinformation, inappropriate referencing of research, and pseudo science being presented as scientific fact by some manufacturers and marketers of laser and light therapy devices, it is difficult for potential users and patients alike to know what is real and what is simply hype.

The main thing to remember, however, is that laser & light therapies are bound by the laws of physics and the science of photobiology. If a claim contradicts known physical laws and/or known photobiological mechanisms, the claim is probably untrue! And if a manufacturer’s claim is not backed up by independent third-party or peer-reviewed data, the claim cannot taken as fact.

The most common 'fantastic' claims you'll come across relate to:

• Laser Power or Class: usually claims promoting the use of very-high-power (Class IV) or very-low-power (Class I and II) devices;
  
  
• Penetration Depth: such as claims of laser energy penetrating to depths which are physically impossible;
  
  
• Wavelength: such as 'optimal' or 'patented' wavelengths; and,
  
  
• Unique and Patented Effects: some real classics are the 'piggy-backing' of wavelengths to achieve deeper penetration than is physically possible, so-called 'resonating' lasers, and the creation of 'soliton waves' and other pseudo-scientific nonsense.

There is also a tendency by marketeers to point to the work and words of various authors and researchers as 'supporting' or 'proving' their extraordinary statements. In many cases this type of 'fluff and nonsense' marketing is conducted by manufacturers of laser products themselves, whereas in others it is the fault of the marketers and salespeople who represent their products.

Two authors whose words have been manipulated and taken out of context many times are Jan Tunér and Lars Hode, authors of The Laser Therapy Handbook and many other excellent references. Jan and Lars have finally spoken out about this in a brief paper called 'Confounders & Magicians' [PDF: 181KB].

In this paper, Jan and Lars refer to an article written by Daniel Murphy, DC, which is critical of an article written by Robert Wertz, DC. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, Murphy and Wertz are both closely associated with laser manufacturers - one of which, Avicenna, produces a very-high-power, 7.5 Watt, Class IV laser device, and the other, Erchonia, which produces a 10mW (2x 5mW) laser. Both Murphy and Wertz refer to passages from 'The Laser Therapy Handbook' to support their particular, and very polarized, points of view, and yet both have omitted specific elements of those passages that would put the lie to the very points they are trying to make!

Another article by Wertz, entitled 'A Higher Power' [PDF: 92KB], was published in Advance for Directors in Rehabilitation, and again made inappropriate references to Tunér & Hode and their written works. In response to this article, I felt compelled to write a letter to the editor [PDF: 46KB] of this publication.

A particular case in point is the K-Laser, a Class IV laser device which is manufactured in Italy by Eltech, and they make no extraordinary claims about it. However, in the USA the K-Laser is promoted with extraordinary claims about the effects of wavelength and power density on the depth of penetration. The manufacturer's own literature [PDF: 429KB] clearly and accurately illustrates the relative penetration of the two wavelengths, 980nm and 790nm, used in some versions of the K-Laser product, yet in the USA the marketers and sales people representing these products feel the need to rewrite the laws of physics, making such ridiculous claims as "Class III lasers are capable of penetration of only a few millimeters, while Class IV lasers can penetrate over 4 inches into the deep musculoskeletal tissue."

Of course, K-Laser USA is not the only offender, as there are a slew of Class IV laser devices now been marketed along similar lines, such as Pegasus, LiteCure, Companion, and Avicenna to name a few. Not all of their marketing is so far beyond the realms of reality, but most of it certainly gives the grey areas a good nudge.

Pseudo-scientific jargonism is another technique used by unscrupulous marketeers to promote their otherwise lackluster products. By 'pseudo-scientific jargonism', I mean the use in marketing of valid scientific terms and concepts in such a way as to deliberately deceive a non-expert audience into believing there is some scientific-validity to the claims being made. It is an insidious method of marketing that has been used by quacks and snake-oils salesmen for centuries!

A classic piece of pseudo-scientific jargonistic rubbish is published by the promoter of the Q1000, a laser that is supposedly able to create '6 Soliton Waves' that allow "subtle energy to penetrate deep into body tissues to resonate cells and balance organs". In itself this is an extraordinary mouthful of  pseudo-scientific codswallop, pure quackery, but they go on to make it even more astounding!

Anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of physics would choke with laughter at the Q1000 marketeers' following bogus definition of polarization:

Polarization is the body's way of protecting itself against unpredictable energy, such as electromagnetic pollution. Polarization is also known as impedance of resistance. It is triggered by Low Level Lasers utilizing a high power density or by lasers that are not controlled by a mini-computer, which ensures the power density and frequency are constant. The success of many Low Level Lasers is compromised by these two factors and it is important to purchase a laser that is driven by the exactness of a mini-computer for optimal performance.

The US Government's Federal Trade Commission provides the following advice about such false and fraudulent claims as this:

When evaluating health-related claims, be skeptical. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Here are some signs of a fraudulent claim:

• Statements that the product is a quick and effective cure-all or diagnostic tool for a wide variety of ailments. For example: "Extremely beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, infections, prostate problems, ulcers, cancer, heart trouble, hardening of the arteries and more."
• Statements that suggest the product can treat or cure diseases. For example: "shrinks tumors" or "cures impotency."
• Promotions that use words like "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "exclusive product," "secret ingredient" or "ancient remedy." For example: "A revolutionary innovation formulated by using proven principles of natural health-based medical science."
• Text that uses impressive-sounding terms like these for a weight-loss product: "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis."
• Undocumented case histories or personal testimonials by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results. For example: "My husband has Alzheimer['s disease]. He began eating a teaspoonful of this product each day. And now in just 22 days he mowed the grass, cleaned out the garage, weeded the flower beds and we take our morning walk again."
• Limited availability and advance payment requirements. For example: "Hurry. This offer will not last. Send us a check now to reserve your supply."
• Promises of no-risk "money-back guarantees." For example: "If after 30 days you have not lost at least 4 pounds each week, your uncashed check will be returned to you."

Thankfully in many countries, such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the advertising of therapeutic devices is heavily regulated and closely monitored. However this does not always provide protection, and so it is up to the individual to make the sometimes difficult judgement about what constitutes a valid claim, and what is utter rubbish.

In all cases, it pertinent that prospective purchasers and users of therapeutic laser devices view these and other extraordinary and unscientific marketing claims as forming the outer fringes of a credibility bell-curve, where the greatest scientific evidence in support of marketing claims is located in the centre - not at the extremes.

For more information please call 1-866-843-5273 or visit www.theralase.com

Theralase Compound Effective in Destroying Bladder Cancer Tumour Cells

Toronto, Ontario –November 12, 2012 -- Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: TLT) Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) Division, announced today study results proving that its patented Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs)  were significantly more effective in destroying a human urinary bladder carcinoma cell line than a FDA approved photosensitizer, aminolevulinic acid (ALA).

Dr. Arkady Mandel, Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase stated, “Commercialization of any new anti-cancer medicine depends upon the safe and effective destruction of all cancerous tumours, while upholding the patient’s quality of life. We are excited that our leading compound effectively destroyed a human urinary bladder carcinoma cell line (HT-1376) when activated by our proprietary light system. To validate our initial success, we evaluated the efficacy of the Theralase PDC in comparison with aminolevulinic acid (ALA). The results indicated that the Theralase PDC was effectively destroying bladder cancer cells at much lower concentrations than ALA (1/1000^th of the dose).”

Dr. Lothar Lilge, Professor and Senior Scientist, Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network stated, “In my lab, the Theralase PDCs have shown remarkable efficacy and robustness in the destruction of various cancer cell lines, such as: colon, brain, breast and now bladder cancer. This research potentially offers a new opportunity for individualized cancer therapy across various invasive tumours.”

Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO, Theralase Inc. stated, “Based upon our recent success, we have now reconfirmed that bladder cancer is our lead cancer target for our lead PDC compound. Our research confirms what we had already suspected; our PDC technology is lethal to human urinary bladder carcinoma cells. Given that our technology can deliver effective results at significantly lower doses than ALA, this would suggest a superior safety and cost effectiveness for our lead compound, as compared to ALA. We are confident that as we complete our preclinical research and prepare for human trials in 2013, we will demonstrate to the medical community that we possess a highly effective, safe and efficient alternative treatment option to current bladder cancer patients.”

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the North America; the fourth most common among men and eighth most common in women. In the United States 73,000 new bladder cancer cases and 15,000 deaths are reported annually. With a recurrence rate of nearly 80%, bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat on a per patient basis. The high recurrence rate severely affects the quality of life of patients and also the total cost of treatment, which in the United States exceeds $2.9 billion in direct treatment related costs annually.

In other related news, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (NSE: SUNPHARMA, BSE: 524715), with a market value of $USD 13.3 billion, announced on November 8, 2012, that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Dusa Pharaceuticals Inc. (DUSA) for $8 per share for a total cash consideration of $USD 230 million. DUSA is a dermatology company focused on developing and marketing its FDA approved Levulan photodynamic therapy platform (active ingredient of Levulan is ALA), for actinic keratosis of the face or scalp (dry, scaly patches on the skin that can lead to skin cancer). http://www.sunpharma.com/news/press/20121108%20Sun%20Pharma%20to%20Acquire%20DUSA%20.pdf

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. Theralase is currently developing patented Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) that are able to target and destroy cancers, bacteria and viruses when light activated by Theralase’s proprietary and patented laser technology.

 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

Roger Dumoulin-White                                                                                   

President & CEO                         

416-447-8455 ext. 225                                          

rwhite@theralase.com

Kristina Hachey

Chief Financial Officer

416-447-8455 ext. 224

khachey@theralase.com 

Arkady Mandel

Chief Scientific Officer

416-447-8455 ext. 242

amandel@theralase.com

Greg Bewsh

Director of Investor Relations

416-447-8455 ext. 262

gbewsh@theralase.com   

Cold Laser Therapy: Certificate Course Nov. 24th in Toronto

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TO REGISTER By email: Forward completed Registration form to rmostyn@theralase.com (After selecting 'Forward' you will be able to type into form) By Fax: Fax completed Registration form to 1.416.447.3020 By Phone: 1.866.843.5273 ext:243 Registration Form - Cold Laser Therapy: Certificate Course Name: Address: City: Province / State: Postal / Zip Code: Phone: E-Mail: Method of Payment Cheque (payable to Theralase Inc.) Visa: MasterCard: Amex: Credit card Number: Expiry Date: