Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

Light Sciences:
Another AMD competitor

[But it’s only photodynamic therapy.]

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041118/sfth027_1.html

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Light Sciences Appoints Ophthalmic Surgeon Peter Hamilton to Scientific Advisory Board

SEATTLE, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Light Sciences announced today that ophthalmic surgeon and macular degeneration specialist Peter Hamilton has joined its Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr. Peter Hamilton, FRCS, FRCOphth, FCMSA (Hon), is a consultant ophthalmologist and leading retinal specialist whose research focus is age-related macular disease and diabetic retinopathy. He has worked for more than 30 years at Moorfields Eye Hospital, one of the world's foremost centers for eye health, where he gained unparalleled clinical experience and contributed to the training of ophthalmologists from around the world. He was one of the pioneers who introduced the use of lasers for treatment of ophthalmic diseases. He has published widely in peer-reviewed ophthalmology journals; is the lead editor of the well-respected reference work, Text Atlas of the Retina, and is the lead author of the book, Management of Diabetic Retinopathy. More recently, Dr. Hamilton joined St Thomas' Hospital in London where he continues to work with patients and participate in revolutionary research. Dr. Hamilton was the clinical investigator in a recent European trial of photodynamic therapy using Light Sciences' light activated drug LS11, a part of the Litx (TM) system, in patients with advanced wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

"Peter Hamilton is a world-class expert on age-related macular degeneration and a recognized leader in the field of ocular laser therapy," said Albert Luderer, Ph.D., President and CEO of Light Sciences. "Peter will complement our Scientific Advisory Board, providing further expertise in this key therapeutic area. This addition to our SAB goes a long way toward building an expert base which will help guide our efforts in ophthalmology, and provide a basis for building a clinical network of supporters."

Dr. Hamilton joins the Company's distinguished advisory board, chaired by Dr. Vincent DeVita, the former Director of the National Cancer Institute. He also joins incumbent ophthalmic laser and AMD pioneer Professor John Marshall on the advisory board.

About the Litx System in Ophthalmology

Light Infusion Technology(TM) (Litx) is a next-generation photodynamic therapy platform in which the drug, LS11 (talaporfin sodium), is activated by light from a light-emitting diode (LED)-based light infusion device. Clinical trials of Litx in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are expected to begin in late 2004 in the United States. Results of a European investigator-sponsored clinical trial were released at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting in October 2004.

About Light Sciences

Light Sciences Corporation, founded in 1995, is a privately owned company developing Light Infusion Technology (Litx), a combination product containing a drug activated by red light. The drug activation is accomplished via a proprietary light infusion device powered by tiny light emitting diodes (LEDs), directed or placed in a minimally invasive procedure inside a disease target for the purpose of precise localized tissue effects. Light Infusion Technology represents an important step forward in the clinical application of light activated drugs in cancer, cardiovascular and eye diseases. For additional information about Light Sciences, please visit http://www.lightsciences.com .
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