May 28, 2003
BIOLASE Obtains Two New Patents
BIOLASE Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLTI) , announced today that it has been granted two new United States patents protecting key areas of consumables and future technology development.
The first patent, #6,561,803, has claims related to fiber optic tips and fluid output devices and technologies. The patent has 53 claims, of which three 3 are independent, and is a continuation-in-part of a previous BIOLASE patent related to laser handpiece technologies.
"This patent has method and apparatus claims covering consumable aspects of BIOLASE's laser technology," explained Jeffrey W. Jones, BIOLASE President and CEO. "The granting of this patent is part of BIOLASE's business plan to protect the consumable components of its products as the installed base of our Waterlase(R) dental lasers grows."
The second new patent, #6,567,582, is a continuation of BIOLASE'S previous Fluid Conditioning System family of patents and includes claims related to the use of medicated agents such as antibiotics, steroids, anesthetics, anti- inflammatories, antiseptics, astringents and others, as well as flavoring agents, tooth whitening substances and other conditioning fluids in conjunction with medical devices, such as dental and medical lasers and electromagnetic energy emitting devices. The patent has 16 claims, of which five 5 are independent.
"This patent further broadens existing coverage for our Fluid Conditioning devices, with potential applications in cosmetic as well as surgical and therapeutic procedures," Jones continued. "The patented technology is applicable to medical and dental devices including lasers. The main purpose is to complement these devices by utilizing various fluids for irrigation, medication, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments, of the treatment or surgical site in between or during procedures. The medical and conditioning fluids covered in this patent include cosmetic substances such as peroxides, tooth whitening agents, flavored agents to provide pleasing tastes and scents to the patient, medicating agents for surgical and therapeutic purposes and/or other conditioning agents. BIOLASE is considering options to commercialize this patent either by implementing this technology with the Waterlase and/or through licensing agreements with other companies."
Web site: http://www.biolase.com/
May 28, 2003
BIOLASE purchases American Dental Laser
On May 21, 2003 BIOLASE Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLTI) finalized the purchase of all laser related assets from American Medical Technologies, Inc. The purchase includes a large portfolio of dental laser patents, intellectual property, products, widely recognized current and past names (including American Dental and American Dental Laser), trademarks, inventory, customer lists and sales channels. BIOLASE purchased American Dental Laser assets for 307,500 shares of BIOLASE stock and $1.825 million cash.
Jeffrey W. Jones, BIOLASE CEO and President commented, "We are very pleased to announce the closing of this transaction on schedule. We expect to begin production and sales of the American Dental Laser products within several weeks. This purchase of American Dental Laser assets gives BIOLASE an additional marketing platform to expand its product offering with entry and mid-level dental laser products that have worldwide recognition. We have also acquired all their existing dental laser relationships with universities, institutions and high profile laser educators. BIOLASE now owns and will have access to the largest installed base of dental lasers in the world. This will also increase BIOLASE's worldwide visibility due to the name recognition and brand loyalty American Dental Laser has built over the last 15 years."
"The acquisition of American Dental Laser is part of our strategic growth plan for 2003 and beyond. Their installed base of lasers will substantially increase our base of customers and give us a large number of new prospects for our Waterlase and LaserSmile systems. The lower cost DiolaseST will give us an entry level product significantly expanding our prospect base. Additionally, the patents we are acquiring will add depth and breadth to our current patent portfolio, furthering BIOLASE's leadership position in the expanding dental laser market."
Web site: http://www.biolase.com/
May 15, 2003
Clinical Study of PerioChip (R
A recent study has shown that the long-term use of PerioChip as an adjunct to a routine periodontal maintenance program in patients with periodontal disease is both safe and effective.
Routine periodontal maintenance is a therapeutic option among dentists where periodontal patients are monitored and treated on a regular interval, typically every 3 months. However, past research has shown that periodontal pockets can be maintained, which is considered stable; but typically do not improve over time.
The study, published in the April 2003 issue of the Journal of Periodontology, evaluated the efficacy of controlled-release delivery of chlorhexidine gluconate, (PerioChip by Dexcel Pharma), and showed a continual decrease in pocket depth over a 24 months period in patients who were seen every 3 months as a part of a routine periodontal maintenance program.
Periodontal disease is initiated by specific bacteria within the gingival tissues. PerioChip is a small biodegradable chip containing chlorhexidine gluconate, which is the gold-standard, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. PerioChip is easily inserted into the periodontal pocket around the tooth. It dissolves naturally in the pocket over seven to 10 days, killing all bacteria and inhibiting the proliferation of perio-pathogenic bacteria for an extended period of time. Patients can eat, drink, and brush their teeth as usual after treatment.
During this study, led by Dr. Aubrey Soskolne, 835 patients in private dental practices had periodontal pockets greater than or equal to 5 mm treated with PerioChip in conjunction with their routine periodontal maintenance visits. At the end of the 24-month study, 73% of sites improved, 58.9% of sites had been reduced to pocket depths of < 5mm and only 2.9% of sites had increased by greater than or equal to 2mm. Adverse events were mild to moderate in nature and resolved spontaneously without medication. Therefore, this study supports PerioChip as a safe and effective adjunct in long-term management of periodontal patients.
For further information regarding PerioChip please contact customer service at 1-866-PerioChip, visit our web site at www.periochip.com or call the undersigned at Dexcel Pharma. Dexcel Pharma is a leading pharmaceutical company with a prestigious international reputation for innovative technologies. For more than 35 years, it has been providing quality product to the worldwide healthcare community.
Source: Dexcel Pharma, Inc.
CONTACT: Joanne Villani, R.D.H, of Dexcel Pharma, Inc., +1-732-494-6006
Web site: http://www.periochip.com/
May 15, 2003
BriteSmile Reports Its Best Quarterly
BriteSmile, Inc. (NASDAQ:BSML) , the leading international provider of a state-of-the-art teeth whitening system, reported today its first quarter 2003 results. When compared with the same quarter for 2002, revenue for 2003 was slightly below last year (-3.8%) while earnings per share showed a vast 39.4% improvement. Of particular interest was March where BriteSmile realized a positive operating cash flow of over $638,000 or 15.5% of sales and a modest net income of 1.7% of sales.
Revenue for the first quarter of 2003 was $9.0 million, versus revenue for the equivalent quarter of 2002 of $9.3 million, or a 3.8% decrease. This performance was in line with BriteSmile's budgeted plan. The BriteSmile Center performance slightly exceeded last year's first quarter revenue while International also exceeded prior year revenues despite the effects of the war with Iraq and the outbreak of SARS in the Far East. Domestic Associated Center revenue was down versus last year.
Expenses were $11.4 million in the first quarter of 2003, versus $13.1 million for the first quarter of 2002, a 13.1% reduction. Of particular note, SG&A expenses were 23.2% below the comparable quarter of 2002 ($6.1 million vs. $7.9 million for 2002) reflecting a significant reduction in marketing expenses, BriteSmile's largest single expense and, conversely, a significant improvement in marketing efficiency.
Net loss for the quarter was $2.5 million versus a net loss of $4.1 million or a 39.5% improvement over the previous year. The net loss excluding non cash deductions such as depreciation and interest totaled $0.8 million versus the previous year's first quarter loss of $2.3 million or a 64.5% improvement over the previous year. Earnings per share were ($1.03) for the first quarter versus ($1.70) for first quarter 2002 or a 39.4% improvement versus the previous year.
"In light of a difficult and uncertain economic climate, we are pleased with our progress," said John Reed, CEO of BriteSmile, Inc. "We anticipate consistent improvement in performance for the balance of 2003, continuing with tight expense controls and adding to revenue with new, innovative products and improvements on existing products.
The Company believes the following unique and positive developments will provide significant benefits:
* The formation of BriteSmile Development, Inc. as a subsidiary of
BriteSmile Inc., which is developing oral care and teeth whitening
products and technologies to further drive revenue and widen
BriteSmile's competitive gap, and the appointment of Dr. Julian Feneley
as Chairman and Nhat Ngo as COO.
* Publication of the Forsyth Institute's study in the prestigious
Journal of the American Dental Association on BriteSmile procedure
safety and efficacy, concluding once and for all that the BriteSmile
light adds significantly to the whitening effect of the BriteSmile
procedure.
* Entering into a binding memorandum of understanding to acquire certain
assets of OraCeutical, including approximately 80 patents and patent
applications, which will increase BriteSmile's portfolio of
intellectual property within the teeth whitening and human oral care
fields.
* The hiring of two new Senior Executives, Roland Guglielmi and Rob
Sieban, brings strategic backgrounds and talents to the organization
and tangible records of success.
* The development of three new break through products to be rolled out in
the balance of 2003. The first to be introduced in June 2003, a
modified BriteSmile procedure protocol that the Company anticipates
will safely achieve 12% more efficacy, and further widen BriteSmile's
lead in whitening performance.
* Entering into a distributorship agreement to establish 20 BriteSmile
Centers in 12 cities in Europe.
* The conclusion of financings in the amount of $8 million.
* The dramatic improvement of marketing efficiency with a realization of
$4.18 in revenue for each $1 of media marketing spend versus $2.18 in
the comparable period in 2002
* "BriteSmile is well positioned to build our leadership both short and
long term," said Bruce Fleming, President of BriteSmile Inc. "We are
creating the team, products and patent estate necessary to win in the
marketplace."
May 15, 2003
BIOLASE Expands Customer Base
On May 12, 2003 BIOLASE Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLTI) entered into an agreement to purchase all laser assets, tangible and intangible including patents and the name American Dental Laser, from American Medical Technologies, Inc (AMT). The closing is expected to occur before the end of May, 2003. The transaction expands BIOLASE's customer base, product offering and will enable the Company to quickly penetrate the mid-level dental laser market.
The purchase includes a large portfolio of dental laser patents, intellectual property, products, current and past names (including American Dental and American Dental Laser), trademarks, inventory, customer lists and sales channels. BIOLASE is purchasing these assets for 307,500 shares of BIOLASE stock and $1.825 million cash.
The American Dental Laser name provides BIOLASE with a marketing platform to expand its product offering with mid-level dental laser products that have worldwide recognition. The purchase also includes all dental laser relationships with universities, institutions and high profile laser educators. BIOLASE now effectively owns and will have access to the largest installed base of dental lasers in the world for future sales and marketing purposes. This will also increase BIOLASE's worldwide visibility due to the name recognition and brand loyalty American Dental Laser has built over the last 15 years. Prior to BIOLASE's entrance into the dental laser market, American Dental Laser was recognized as the leader in dental lasers with thousands of diode and Nd:YAG soft tissue laser installed around the world.
American Dental Laser was founded in 1986, launched the world's first dental laser in 1988 and received the first FDA marketing clearance for a dental laser in 1990. Since 1990, American Dental Lasers has been an innovator both clinically and technologically with the first FDA marketing clearance for laser assisted curettage, a breakthrough in the treatment of periodontal disease (1997). American Dental Laser also introduced the first commercially successful dental diode laser, the DiolaseST.
Jeffrey W. Jones, BIOLASE CEO and President commented, "The acquisition of AMT's laser related assets is part of our strategic growth plan for 2003 and beyond. Their installed base of lasers will instantly double our base of customers and give us hundreds of new prospects for our Waterlase and LaserSmile systems. The lower cost DiolaseST will give us an entry level product significantly expanding our prospect base. Additionally, the patents we are acquiring will add to and strengthen our current patent portfolio, furthering BIOLASE's leadership position in the expanding dental laser market.
"This acquisition will allow BIOLASE to further re-enforce its leadership position with a well positioned product offering that ideally complements our current offering to reach a broader customer base. This addition leverages our sale force, the World Clinical Laser Institute and numerous other components of our worldwide marketing."
May 7, 2003
Basel, Switzerland, Halts Decades of Water Fluoridation
Over forty years of water fluoridation failed to reduce tooth decay in Basel, Switzerland, where children's cavity rates increased from 1996 -- 2001, according to a Swiss Government Report(1). Basel, the only Swiss city adding fluoride to water supplies, halted fluoridation(1a) on April 9, 2003, on the advice of their governmental Health and Social Commission, reports the New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation (NYSCOF).
Europe's cavity rates declined despite being 98% fluoridation-free(2). The UK and Spain remain fluoridated at 10% and 3%, respectively. Ireland is 73% fluoridated, where 12-year-olds have more cavities than 12-year-olds in four non-fluoridated European countries and the U.K.(3) .
Twenty years ago Levittown, New York, stopped 29 years of water fluoridation. Neighboring New York City's daily newspaper, "The N.Y. Daily News" predicted Levittowner's teeth would rot(4). However, many studies show cavity rates improve when fluoridation ends(5).
Unfortunately, it appears New Yorker's teeth are rotting, despite drinking and cooking with fluoridated water at home and in restaurants since 1965:
In the South Bronx (NYC), "Bleeding gums, impacted teeth and rotting teeth are routine matters for children..... Children live for months with pain that grown-ups would find unendurable. ...I have seen children with teeth that look like brownish, broken sticks. I have seen teenagers who were missing half their teeth....," writes Jonathan Kozol in "Savage Inequalities."
Kozol's observations aren't just anecdotal. Low-income 100% fluoridated northern Manhattan (NYC) pre-schoolers have significantly more cavities than pre-schoolers nationwide and average more tooth decay than the entire U.S. population, only 60% fluoridated, according to "Pediatric Dentistry," in 2002. Also, NYC African American adults studied have more cavities than all adults nationally," reports "Dental Clinics of North America," January 2003.
"Fluoridation proponents refused invitations to lecture at an upcoming U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Forum," says lawyer Paul Beeber, President, NYSCOF. "It's embarrassing for government officials who promote fluoridation to admit it is ineffective, thereby, risking their jobs and credibility," says Beeber.
"Cavity incidence and severity is clustered in America's poorest. Nourish children and their teeth and health will prosper," says Beeber. "Thirteen million children in the U.S. may go to bed hungry,"(6) reports "Parade magazine."
"Tooth decay, a disease of poverty, hunger and poor diet, can't be fixed with fluoride," says Beeber.
References: http://tinyurl.com/ad9k
May 7, 2003
BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening Highlights Top Celebrity Mom Smiles
With Mother's Day right around the corner, a national survey of 600 adults released today found that actress Jennifer Aniston's Emmy-winning role as "Friends" character and new Mom, Rachel Green, is America's choice for best smile for a TV Mom. According to the poll, Chicago star and Oscar winner Catherine Zeta Jones has the best smile among new celebrity Moms.
The national survey of 600 randomly selected adults was sponsored in advance of Mother's Day by BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening in response to the increasing popularity of BriteSmile treatments as Mother's Day gifts. Respondents were asked to identify the television Mom they felt had the best smile. Respondents were also asked which new celebrity Mom had the best smile.
In addition to Jennifer Aniston, the survey included television Moms Carmela Soprano of "The Sopranos" (Edie Falco), Bonnie Molloy of "Life with Bonnie" (Bonnie Hunt), Debra Barone of "Everybody Loves Raymond" (Patricia Heaton) and Janet Kyle of "My Wife and Kids" (Tisha Campbell-Martin).
Jennifer Aniston was the public's favorite with 26%, Patricia Heaton came in a close second with 23%, while Bonnie Hunt, Tisha Campbell-Martin, and Edie Falco rounded out the respondents with a little over 5% each.
Recent celebrity Moms ranked in the survey (in addition to winner Catherine Zeta Jones) included Oscar nominee Julianne Moore, "Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker, R&B singer Brandy and supermodel Kate Moss.
Catherine Zeta Jones was the clear favorite of the new moms with 31%, Sarah Jessica Parker was second with 15%, Julianne Moore came in third with 8% followed closely by Brandy at 7% and Kate Moss at 4%.
"We at BriteSmile understand how important a bright, healthy looking smile can be to one's appearance and how important BriteSmile's convenience is to busy Moms-on-the-go" said Derek Correia, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Marketing for BriteSmile. "The BriteSmile one hour professional treatment is easy, safe and effective for everyone -- from celebrity Moms to the Mom next door."
To schedule an appointment at a BriteSmile Whitening Spa or dentist office near you, please call 1-800-BRITESMILE.
The survey of 600 adults in the U.S. was conducted Tuesday April 29th - Thursday May 1st by the research firm Public Opinion Strategies. The survey has a margin of error of +/-4%.
Website at http://www.britesmile.com/.
May 7, 2003
BIOLASE Files Lawsuit Against Diodem, LLC
BIOLASE Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLTI) filed suit against Diodem LLC on May 2, 2003 to reinforce BIOLASE's intellectual property position in the marketplace.
Diodem, LLC is a small, recently formed entity purporting to hold some of the patents formerly held by Premier Laser Systems, Inc. which filed for bankruptcy in March 2000. In the LLC's Articles of Organization filed with the California Secretary of State, Diodem identifies Colette Cozean, Premier's former President and C.E.O., as agent, and as initial manager. BIOLASE previously sued Premier Laser Systems for patent infringement shortly before Premier's bankruptcy filing. This action is intended to further assert and protect certain BIOLASE intellectual property rights.
"BIOLASE will continue to take affirmative measures to protect the interests of the Company and our stockholders and enforce our strong patent portfolio and position in the market," said Jeffrey W. Jones, BIOLASE President and Chief Executive Officer.
Web site: http://www.biolase.com/