Thursday, September 27, 2012

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                                                                                     

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Why Invest in Theralase?

  • Proven clinical technology (TLC-1000)
  • Commercial therapeutic laser business and brand developed over last 18 years
  • No debt
  • Positive cash flow / double digit growth
  • Competitive technical advantage (Activates 3 cellular pathways: iNOS, ATP, Na+ / K+)
  • Effective in treating pain, inflammation and for tissue regeneration of neural muscular skeletal conditions and wound healing
  • Theralase therapeutic laser system has now been proven clinically effective in the relief of chronic knee pain and for the treatment of osteoarthritis
  • Photo Dynamic Compound (PDC) cancer destruction in animals helps pave the way for human trials
  • Successful pre-clinical trials - total destruction of cancers and bacteria (including MRSA)
  • Large addressable US market ($ billions)
  • Future technology (Patented biofeedback technology and patented PDC cancer destruction)
  • Opportunity for growth (revenue, profit)
  • IP protection (multiple issued patents)
  • Experienced management team (20+ years)
  • Clear vision and execution strategy
  • Listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TLT:V)

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

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Theralase Announces 44% Improvement in Profitability in Q2 Financials


Toronto, Ontario – August 28, 2012 Theralase Technologies Inc. (“Theralase”) (TSX‐V: TLT) announced its second quarter 2012 financials reporting that revenue remained relatively constant year over year at $670,537 for the three month period ended June 30, 2012, as compared to $688,606 for the same period in 2011.
The net loss for the three month period ended June 30, 2012 was $199,284 which included $77,765 of non-cash expenses (amortization, stock-based compensation expense, foreign exchange gain/loss and lease inducements), as compared to a net loss of $357,262 for the same period last year ($20,597 of non-cash expenses), demonstrating an improvement of 44% year over year.
Selling expenses decreased for the three month period ended June 30, 2012 to $148,526, compared to $327,216 for the same period the previous year, a decrease of 54.6%. The decrease was the direct result of the elimination of non-essential sales personnel and a decrease in product advertising costs associated with their respective territories.
Administrative expenses decreased to $305,693 for the three month period ended June 30, 2012 compared to $319,972 for the same period the previous year, a decrease of 4.5%, as a result of elimination of non-essential administrative personnel.
Research and development costs increased to $241,105 for the three month period ending June 30, 2012 compared to $176,623 for the same period in 2011, a 36.5% increase. The increase is due to the research and development costs associated with the patented TLC-2000 biofeedback therapeutic laser system, scheduled to be commercially launched Q1 2013 and Theralase’s patented Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) under systematic development for clinical evaluation in the destruction of bladder cancer via a FDA Phase 1 human clinical study in 2013.
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 Division to profitability in the latter half of 2012 and then to dramatically increase sales with the launch of the TLC‐2000 biofeedback therapeutic laser system in early 2013. The Photo Dynamic Therapy Division; however, will continue to require equity financings, in order to provide the capital injection required to research and develop the technology for a FDA Phase 1 human clinical study 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 second quarter, Theralase announced that it has selected bladder cancer as the first clinical target in its Photo Dynamic Compound (PDC) research. Theralase now has a clear direction and mandate with which to prepare for a FDA Phase 1 human clinical study. The Theralase light activated PDC drug has been proven superior to any currently approved FDA PDC drug on the market that has been  tested in the company’s lab. Theralase plans to aggressively pursue commercialization of the ground-breaking PDC technology through an 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 it has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Jordan based medical device distributor MediQu to market and sell the Theralase line of therapeutic laser products into 16 countries in the Middle East region, branded as Theralase Arabia.
Theralase is preparing for significant growth in the 2nd half of 2012 and in 2013 as the Company expands its sales and marketing efforts in the US and internationally and prepares for the launch of its patented TLC‐2000 biofeedback therapeutic laser in Q1 2013.
The complete consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the three and six months ending June 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. The technology is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic pain, neural muscular-skeletal conditions and wound healing. When combined with its patented, light-sensitive Photo Dynamic Compounds, Theralase laser technology is able to specifically target and destroy cancers, bacteria and viruses, as well as microbial pathogens associated with food contamination. For further information, please visit www.theralase.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                               

Kristina Hachey
CFO
416-447-8455 x224

Greg Bewsh
Director of Investor Relations,
416-447-8455 ext. 262

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Theralase Creates Two Operating Divisions


Toronto, Ontario – August 16, 2012, Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: TLT) announced today that it is reorganizing its operations into two separate reportable operating divisions to better service and focus the company’s resources for both independent markets. The Therapeutic Laser Technology (TLT) division will be responsible for all aspects of the Company’s burgeoning therapeutic laser business, which manufactures products used by healthcare practitioners predominantly for the healing of pain and the Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) division, which researches and develops Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) for the destruction of primarily cancer.
Roger Dumoulin-White, President & CEO of Theralase Technologies stated that “It has become evident through the recent successes of both technology platforms that these two operating divisions have unique requirements in terms of financing, staffing, logistics and resource allocation. Our intent is to manage and focus the direction of each division to better execute on their respective strategic objectives. Our therapeutic laser products have been recognized by independent health care practitioners worldwide as “best-in-class” in terms of safety, efficacy and overall clinical performance. In terms of market size, it has been reported by the American Pain Association that health care expenses, lost work time and reduced productivity due to pain, costs the US medical system approximately $100 billion annually. In order to help alleviate their pain, Americans consume annually in excess of $20 billion of pain medications and according to a recent study 42% felt that pain medications were ineffective in relieving their pain, allowing a minimum $8.4 billion annual market opportunity for Theralase. Our corporate mandate is to capture less than 1% of this underserved market achieving annual revenues of $50 million in a recurring revenue model within the next 5 years. Theralase intends to capitalize on this market through the direct sales, marketing and international distribution of our growing platform of laser technologies; including our flagship TLC-1000 product and soon to be released TLC-2000 product”.
Mr. Dumoulin-White added, “In the current decade, oncology has been one of the most important growth segments among the biotechnology and pharmaceutical markets. The global cancer drug market alone is expected to surpass $US78 billion in 2012. Theralase has recently made significant advances in the research and development of its  novel  patented Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) in terms of cancer destruction that are laying the groundwork for Health Canada and FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, anticipated to be submitted in 2013. The potential market for our advanced PDT technology platform for the first targeted clinical indication of bladder cancer in the US alone is over $3.5 billion annually. Our mandate is to partner the PDC technology after FDA Phase 2 clinical approval, expected within the next 3 to 5 years and to successfully negotiate a royalty agreement for the worldwide distribution of this technology, commencing immediately after formal regulatory Health Canada and FDA approval, expected within the next 5 to 7 years.  Due to the lack of clinical research and advances in the field of bladder cancer treatment over the last 16 years, Theralase is confident that our advanced PDC approach could quickly gain sizable market share with the right pharma partner in this underserved market. Our mandate is to capture 10% of this market with our pharma partner and through royalty revenue generate recurring revenue in excess of $50 million annually.”Mr. Dumoulin-White concluded by stating that, “Theralase’s mandate is to build both the TLT and PDT divisions into separate $50 million annual recurring revenue models within the next 5 to 7 years.”
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 tissue 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
Roger Dumoulin-White                                                                                   
President & CEO,                       
416-447-8455 ext. 225                                          
rwhite@theralase.com            

Greg Bewsh
Director of Investor Relations,
416-447-8455 ext. 262

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Theralase to Be Featured on “The Next Biggest Winner” Business TV Series


Toronto, Ontario – August 14, 2012, Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: TLT) announced today that it is will be featured on “The Next Biggest Winner”, a television series devoted to discovering undervalued companies with the ability to grow significantly in shareholder value and become a big winner as an investment opportunity.
The TV show, "The Next Biggest Winner," which showcases companies with significant growth potential is scheduled to air its in-depth interview with Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO of Theralase Technologies Inc. on the iChannel, Tuesday, August 14th at 7:30pm. The iChannel has over 1.3 million affluent Canadian subscribers who look to its business programming for new investment opportunities. For an advance preview, please visit http://www.thenextbiggestwinner.com/theralase-technologies-inc/ .
Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO of Theralase stated, “Being recognized by “The Next Biggest Winner” underscores the unlocked value and growth potential of Theralase in the near term. The Company has made impressive strides in the development of both our therapeutic laser therapy medical device business and our cancer therapy business.” Mr. Dumoulin-White went on to say that “Investor, shareholder and customer communication is one of our key mandates for the second half of 2012. In addition to our news releases, Theralase will publish a quarterly newsletter and has created active social media pages on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and communicate weekly via a Theralase Blog.” Please visit www.Twitter.com/theralase, www.Facebook.com/theralase, www.LinkedIn.com/theralase and www.Blogspot.com/theralase to review these sites.
To our investors, shareholders, customers and friends of Theralase our 2011 Annual Report is online at our corporate website at http://www.theralase.com/documents/theralase_2011_annual_report_2011.pdf  and is filed on SEDAR.
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 tissue healing in both humans and animals. Theralase 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
Roger Dumoulin-White                                                                                   
President & CEO,                       
416-447-8455 ext. 225                                          
rwhite@theralase.com            

Greg Bewsh
Director of Investor Relations,
416-447-8455 ext. 262

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Quest for a wonder drug started with shrew bait


First, he lured shrews into his backyard with No Name-brand pepperoni. Then, he extracted their venom-laced saliva.
Now Jack Stewart, a Sackville, N.B.-based biochemist-turned-biotechnology entrepreneur, is about to start a human trial for a drug developed from a compound found in shrew spit that could treat ovarian, breast and prostate cancers without many of the side effects of chemotherapy.
It’s an unusual discovery – others knew the saliva had paralytic properties and Dr. Stewart had originally hoped to develop a pain medication. But when he studied the compound in the spit more closely, he found potential cancer-fighting qualities.
Like all new drugs bearing the weight of great expectations, Dr. Stewart’s shrew-saliva spinoff faces long odds. Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set a high bar for approval. The cost of executing clinical trials can be prohibitive, and even if a medicine does reach the market, the competition from other drugs is fierce.
“Starting from a drug conceptually that’s entering preclinical testing in an animal model and following that through to a licensed drug, the fall-off is considerable,” said Ralph Meyer, director of the National Cancer Institute of Canada’s clinical trials groups.
But the novelty of the source of the drug – called soricidin, the compound found in the shrew saliva – and the fact that it could treat three types of cancers has been enough to take Dr. Stewart to this stage. In a few weeks, his company, Soricimed Biopharma Inc., plans to start its first clinical trial on patients in the United States and Canada. There are three phases of human trials, each more rigorous – and expensive – than the last.
Dr. Stewart hopes the trial will prove his drug is a viable alternative to chemotherapy. Unlike chemo, which takes a carpet-bombing approach and kills healthy cells along with cancerous ones, soricidin works in a slower, less destructive way, he said.
Ovarian, breast and prostate cancers produce high numbers of a certain type of calcium channel that feed calcium to cancer cells and allows them to proliferate. The soricidin works to plug the calcium pipeline, which eventually leads to death of the cancer cells.
“It’s a resetting of the cancer cell rather than a poisoning of it,” Dr. Stewart explained. “We leave it to the cancer cell to kill itself.”
Simply getting the soricidin was a challenge, Dr. Stewart said. He tried everything from peanut butter to seeds to trap shrews in his backyard, all of which failed. One morning, though, his traps were filled with the critters. It turns out discount pepperoni brings all the shrews to the yard.
Since Dr. Stewart said there are “not enough shrews on the planet” to produce sufficient soricidin for his trials, his team developed a synthetic, which was used during animal testing and will soon be administered in human trials.
While Soricimed celebrates reaching the human-trial stage, it has many obstacles to clear before its drug can reach the market.
From 2004 to 2011, only 6.7 per cent of the oncology drugs that made it to the first phase of clinical trial were eventually approved by the FDA for sale, according to data tracked by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, a Washington-based trade association. For all other drugs, the approval rate was nearly double.
“It’s difficult to structure and run [oncology drug] trials with clear, robust criteria for success,” said Veronika Litinski, a senior adviser in life sciences and health-care practice at the MaRS Centre in Toronto.
With HIV drugs, she says, researchers look at the viral load before and after the drug is administered – the results are easily measurable. Whereas in cancer drug testing, they rely on survival rates. Did the drug extend the life of a patient by a few months? A year? What was the quality of life for the patient during that year? Did the side effects offset the benefits?
Even if its first trial is a success, Soricimed will need to round up cash to proceed with more trials since it has only raised $11-million so far through private investors and federal government programs.
The anticipated cost of the first human trial is $2.5-million, said Paul Gunn, Soricimed’s chief executive officer. For phase 2, the company will have to shell out anywhere between $4-million and $40-million. The third trial could come with a price tag of more than $100-million.
The small company hopes to partner with a larger pharmaceutical or biotech company after phase 1, Mr. Gunn said.
Even if soricidin were approved by Health Canada or the FDA, it would still face an array of challenges. The way a drug is marketed, the competition it faces and the willingness of provincial health authorities to fund it all play into how well a new medicine does.
“[Soricimed] has cleared a lot of hurdles to get to phase 1,” Dr. Meyer said, “but they still have a lot to get through.”

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

How to Grow Your Laser Business Through Social Media Marketing


Wednesday, August 22, 2012 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

Webinar Registration

Below are a few items that you will learn during the Webinar:

Acquire new patients for your business
Establish yourself as an authority in your field
Use Social Media to promote your business
Manage your online reputation
Set yourself apart from the competition
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Webinar organizers are prohibited from soliciting confidential personal information (credit card information, social security numbers, etc.) in the registration form. This questionnaire is not intended to handle sensitive data.
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* Indicates a required field
By clicking the "Register Now" button you submit your information to the Webinar organizer, who will use it to communicate with you regarding this event and their other services.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Theralase Identifies the First Cancer Target for its Advanced Photo Dynamic Therapy


Theralase to Focus Research on Bladder Cancer in Clinical Trials
Toronto, Ontario – July 18, 2012, Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: TLT) announced today 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," says Dr. Michael Jewett, a specialist in uro-oncology and member of Bladder Cancer Canada's Medical Advisory Board. "The high recurrence rate raises many issues affecting quality of life."

Dr Arkady Mandel, Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase said, “We have successfully continued development of the innovative anticancer platform technology that will be first tested in the models of bladder cancer in our labs.  Besides the strong scientific and clinical rationale for successful therapeutic application of Theralase’s advanced phototherapy in this patient population”, continued Dr. Mandel, “there have been no significant advances in bladder cancer treatment in several decades.  We are hopeful that the highly promising results of our research will move the field forward. Bladder cancer is a significant health concern. It is estimated that $2.9 billion is spent in the United States alone each year on the treatment of bladder cancer. We feel our technology will prove as effective in bladder cancer preclinical trials that will eventually lead to FDA clinical approval.”
July has been designated as “Bladder Cancer Awareness Month” in North America and we pray that our announcement is both timely and provides hope for the patients stricken with this devastating disease,” said Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO of Theralase. He added, “The Theralase light activated PDC drug has been proven to be superior to any currently approved FDA PDC drug on the market, tested in our lab and we are working hard to help eliminate this devastating disease that can dramatically affect so many families. Theralase plans to aggressively pursue commercialization of our 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.”
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.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Cold Laser For Smoking Cessation



Cold Laser for Smoking Cessation

Date: Thursday, July 19th, 2012

Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT

 

Below are a few items that will be covered in the Webinar: 


1.      How does cold laser help smokers quit? 
2.      What is the correct laser treatment protocol? 
3.      What type of laser system works best for smoking cessation treatments? 
4.      How does the efficacy of laser compare to other quit smoking techniques?
5.      What is required in setting up a stop smoking program?



After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer


Regards,
The Theralase Team

Links

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Laser Therapy in Rehabilitation

By Perry Nickelston, DC, FMS, SFMA
Effective rehabilitation protocols require a strategic and comprehensive approach integrating soft-tissue techniques, fascial manipulation, joint manipulation, and functional movement patterning.

Using therapeutic modalities to significantly increase recovery times and heal chemically damaged cells while strengthening surrounding tissue can decrease passive therapy and accelerate the natural regeneration process of injured areas. Laser therapy can be the modality you have been searching for to enhance clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Understanding the therapeutic mechanisms of action involved with laser therapy and treatment protocols is essential. Successful use of any modality in clinical practice ultimately depends on the expertise and skill of the practitioner. Let's take an in-depth look at the physiological benefits of laser therapy and how it can be integrated into rehabilitation programs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first low-level class III laser (LLLT) in 2002 and the first class IV therapy laser in 2003. The most significant clinical and therapeutic difference between class III and class IV lasers is the class IV laser's higher power output may produce a primary biostimulative effect on deeper tissues. Reaching deep-tissue structures is critical to rehabilitation and recovery. If you cannot reach the intended target tissue with adequate therapeutic laser dosages, your overall clinical results will diminish.
LLLT excites the kinetic energy within cells by transmitting healing energy known as photons. The skin absorbs these photons via a photochemical effect, not a photothermal one; therefore, it does not cause heat damage to tissues. As such, laser can be safely used on patients who have metal joint replacements without the risk of injury.
Laser light does not excite or interact with the molecules in metal or plastic. Once photons reach the cells of the body, they promote a cascade of cellular activities, including igniting the production of enzymes, stimulating mitochondria, increasing vasodilation and lymphatic drainage, ATP synthesis, and elevating collagen formation substances to prevent the formation of scar tissues. This is a critical step in reducing long-term, disabling myofascial pain syndromes and joint restrictions.
Photobiomodulation, otherwise known as laser biostimulation, is the medical term for exposure to laser light that enhances tissue growth and healing. Here is a partial list of the positive effects of photobiomodulation in the body, all of which are crucial components of long-term healing:
  • Increased leukocyte activity (acceleration of tissue repair and decrease of pain)
  • Increased neovascularization (new vessel growth and increased oxygenation)
  • Increased fibroblast production (speeds tissue repair)
  • Increased tensile strength (helps prevent reinjury)
  • Stabilization of cellular membrane of damaged cells
  • Enhancement of ATP production and synthesis
  • Decreased C-reactive protein and neopterin; acceleration of leukocytic activity
  • Enhanced lymphocyte response with reduction of interleukin 1 (IL-1)
  • Increased prostaglandin synthesis
  • Enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels
  • Stimulation of vasodilation with increased angiogenesis (new blood vessels)
Principle factors of success with laser therapy for fascial restrictions and joint rehabilitation include optimal dosage, power, wavelength, and accurate clinical diagnoses.
Maintaining or restoring movement of specific segments is the key to preventing or correcting musculoskeletal pain. Fundamentally, rehabilitation is about movement – and lots of it. The foundation of functional movement is proper joint mobility and stability. Without adequate mobility and stability of joints in the kinetic chain, you end up with dysfunctional movement.
Activities of daily living are then built on dysfunctional movement patterns, resulting in compensation and injury. Microtrauma results from small amounts of stress imposed on the body over time caused by poor biomechanics; the body compensates with suboptimal joint alignment, muscle coordination, and posture. Joints begin approximating in an effort to gain stability lost from muscular weakness and compensation. This process, known as "joint centration," is an inherent protective mechanism of the body. If left uncorrected, it may cause osteoarthritis, degeneration and decreased mobility.
As I've said previously, the central nervous system (CNS) learns postural movement patterns early in life. Overactivation of abnormal joint reflexes may alter spinal cord memory, and the brain comes to rely on this faulty information. Neurogenic muscle activation patterning by combining laser therapy and functional movement rehabilitation can help "reprogram" the CNS to improve function and reverse abnormal patterning.
Laser affects areas prior to active movement patterning to accelerate the metabolic rate of deep-tissue structures. Laser therapy on muscle attachment sites can increase a cascade of neurological input to the CNS enhancing proprioceptive awareness. In my experience, most rehabilitation cases require 6-10 laser therapy sessions for maximum benefit, depending on the individual and class of laser used for treatment. Laser affects joints and surrounding tissue with a therapeutic dose following current research of (4-12 J/cm2) depending on depth of tissue. (Joules is the measurement of photon energy, represented in J/cm2.)
Each therapy program is different depending on the unique circumstances of each movement pattern dysfunction. There is no baseline laser therapy program for pain syndromes. The history of each patient determines the laser therapy protocols you implement. The above dosage range is a benchmark foundation for treatment. Reassess after the fourth laser therapy session to document progress and the possible need for change in therapy protocols.
Resources
  • Cook G. Movement: Functional Movement Systems : Screening, Assessment, and Corrective Strategies. Santa Cruz, CA: On Target Publications, 2010.
  • Tuner J, Hode L. The Laser Therapy Handbook. Grangesberg, Sweden: Prima Books, 2004.
  • Turchin C. Light and Laser Therapy: Clinical Procedures, Second Edition. 2006.
  • Boyle M. Functional Training for Sports. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2004.
  • Cook G, Kiesel K, Plisky P. The Selective Functional Movement Assessment: An Integrated Model to Address Regional Interdependence. Presented at the 2009 American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists conference.
  • Riegel R, Pryor B. Clinical Overview and Applications of Class IV Therapy Lasers. 2008
  • Sahrmann S. Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes. St. Louis: Mosby, 2002.
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