IRIDEX to Acquire Laserscope
IRIDEX, a worldwide provider of therapeutic based laser systems, disposable laser probes and delivery devices for the ophthalmology and aesthetics markets, has signed a definitive agreement with American Systems Holdings to acquire Laserscope, a global provider of medical laser systems for surgical and aesthetic applications. “We believe this acquisition will provide significant growth opportunities for our dermatology business and allow us to become one of the key players in the $750 million global aesthetic laser market,” notes Barry Caldwell, president and CEO of IRIDEX.

For more information, call 650.940.4700 or visit www.iridex.com.

Obagi Opens Institute in Beverly Hills
In addition to the numerous Obagi-based medical centers on six continents, Dr. Zein E. Obagi has opened the Obagi Skin Health Institute in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Obagi is an internationally renowned dermatologist and educator known for his work in correcting a wide range of skin conditions, including facial melasma, precancerous lesions, deep wrinkles, age spots, acne scars and sun-damaged skin. The Obagi Skin Health Institute offers four service areas: Cosmetic Dermatology, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, the Medical Aesthetic Center and the Laser Center.

For more information, call 800.DR.OBAGI or visit www.obagiskin.com.

Alma Lasers a Winner in Fast 50
For the second consecutive year, Alma Lasers is a winner in the 2006 Deloitte Brighman Almagor Israel Technology Fast 50. The 2006 Fast 50 program ranks Israeli technology companies based on their annualized percentage growth in revenue between 2001 and 2005 audited figures. Commenting on the company’s growth rate of 3,038% over five years, Alma Lasers’ CEO Howard Kelly notes, “Credit for this remarkable accomplishment goes equally to our constantly expanding group of satisfied customers, our excellent distributors around the world and our highly productive employees.”

For more information, call 866.414.2562 or visit www.almalasers.com.

Artes Medical Names Top Executive
Artes Medical has appointed Diane S. Goostree as President and CEO and to its board of directors. Artes is a medical technology company that developed ArteFill, the first nonresorbable dermal filler providing a permanent support structure for enduring wrinkle correction. Ms. Goostree, who has more than 25 years of industry experience, served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Operations for SkinMedica and has also held senior positions at Elan Pharmaceuticals, Dura Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi Aventis. She holds an MBA from the University of Missouri and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kansas. Christopher J. Reinhard, executive chairman of the board of directors, stated, “We are very pleased that Diane, with her leadership and commercial experience, will be guiding Artes during the next phase of our development as we initiate in the U.S. market our recently FDA approved dermal filler, ArteFill.”

For more information, call 415.817.2536 or visit www.artesmedical-usa.com.
 

Palomar Device Receives FDA Clearance
Palomar Medical Technologies, a leading researcher and developer of light-based systems for cosmetic treatments, received a 510(k) over-the-counter (OTC) clearance from the FDA for a patented, home use, light-based hair removal device. OTC clearance allows a product to be marketed and sold directly to consumers without a prescription. The device was initially developed by Palomar and completed together with The Gillette Company. Palomar’s CEO, Joseph P. Caruso, noted “This latest clearance further validates Palomar’s investment in research and development in the field of light-based hair removal and adds to the list of distinctions for Palomar as a technology leader in this industry.”

For more information, call 781.993.2411 or visit www.palomarmedical.com.


Lumenis Completes Sale to LM Partners
Lumenis, a global developer and manufacturer of laser, light and radiofrequency devices for medical, aesthetic, ophthalmologic, dental and verterinary applications, announced it has completed the purchase agreement with LM Partners and Ofer Hi-Tech Group for an investment of $120 million in exchange for newly issued common shares. Additionally, it has completed a bank debt restructuring agreement with Bank Hapoalim. Harel Beit-On, of LM Partners and Lumenis’ newly elected chairman of the board of directors, commented, “We are very excited about the opportunity to invest in a company with Lumenis’ position in the industry. This new infusion of capital will allow us to aggressively build on Lumenis’ already strong portfolio of products.”

For more information, call 866.232.6803 or visit www.lumenis.com.

Allergan Appoints New Board Member
Allergan announced the appointment of Dr. Deborah Dunsire to the company’s board of directors. Dr. Dunsire will initially serve as a member of the Corporate Governance Committee and the Science and Technology Committee. Dr. Dunsire is president and CEO of Millennium Pharmaceuticals, an oncology and inflammation-focused biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Prior to joining Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Dunsire led the Novartis U.S. oncology business, and was also responsible for managing the merger and significant growth of the combined Sandoz Pharmaceuticals and Ciba-Geigy oncology businesses. Dr. Dunsire served on the U.S. pharmaceutical executive committee at Novartis, and is currently a board member of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Dunsire was a practicing physician.”Allergan is very excited that Dr. Dunsire has chosen to join our board. Dr. Dunsire’s global experience, her extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, and her insights as both a clinical researcher and a physician are invaluable,” said David E.I. Pyott, Allergan’s chairman of the board and CEO.

For more information, call 714.246.5134 or visit www.allergan.com.

Sanitas Training Institute Expands Colorado Facility
Sanitas Skincare announced the expansion of the Sanitas Training Institute in Boulder, Colorado. The institute will expand to a newly remodeled 3,000-square-foot space located next to the Sanitas Skincare headquarters and laboratory. The institute is designed to hold a wide range of theory and hands-on classes for licensed skincare clinicians. The facility will also house the Sanitas Research and Development Spa where products and treatment protocols will be tested. Formulator and founder of Sanitas SkinCare, Benjamin Fuchs, RPh noted, “Esthetics education has not caught up to the rapid advances in skincare research development being made on a daily basis. Our strategy is to bring skincare professionals up to speed with the cutting edge of esthetics technologies.”

For more information, call 888.855.8425 or visit www.sanitas-skincare.com.


CEO Begins International Speaking Engagements
Dianne York-Goldman, CEO of La Jolla Spa MD and DYG Mineral Makeup, recently started a string of international speaking engagements on the age-reducing solutions found within mineral makeup. York-Goldman spoke at the annual IMCAS (International Master Course on Aging Skin) in Paris, France, on the topics of “Medical Makeup for a More Youthful Look,” and “Marketing & Spa” within the cosmetic medical community. IMCAS is one of the first congresses in Europe dedicated to both plastic surgeons and dermatologists, welcoming most of the leading companies within the aesthetic medical market.

For more information, call 858.459.6868 or visit www.dygcosmetics.com.

Events

2007

March 3-5
Medical Spa Expo & Conference, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA. Contact: Eileen Baird, 203.840.4800; www.medispaexpo.com.

March 11-13
Medical Spa Pavilion at International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (co-located with IBS New York), Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY. Contact: Jill Hoivik, 218.279.8872; www.americanspaexpo.com.

March 18-19
The International Congress of Esthetics, Arlington Convention Center, Arlington, TX. Contact: Christele De La Haye, 305.443.2322; www.lneonline.com.

March 22-24
Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress 2007, Grimaldi Forum, Monte Carlo, Monaco. Contact: Catherine DeCuyper, 33.15.683.7800; www.euromedicom.com.

April 11-15
American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery (ASLMS) 27th Annual Meeting, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, TX. Contact: Dianne Dalsky, 715.845.9283; www.aslms.org.

April 19-24
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) Annual Meeting, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY. Contact: ASAPS, 800.364.2147; www.surgery.org.

April 26-28
15th International Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, FL. Contact: A4M Customer Service, 800.558.1267; www.worldhealth.net.

May 18
Patients Unlimited Marketing Consultants (PUMC) Jump Start Marketing Symposium, Hyatt Regency, Chicago, IL. Contact: Quintin L. Gunn, 323.756.8371; www.pumc.com.

May 19-21
The International Congress of Esthetics, Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, FL. Contact: Christele De La Haye, 305.443.2322; www.lneonline.com.

June 2-4
International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. Contact: Shelby Swanson, 218.279.8871; www.iecsc.com.

June 13-16
Multispecialty Foundation for Facial Aesthetic Surgical Excellence, Bellagio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV. Contact: S. Randolph Waldman, MD, 877.673.3273; www.multispecialtyfoundation.org.

June 29-July 1
F.A.C.E. 2007 (Facial Aesthetic Conference & Exhibition), Royal College of Physicians, London, England. Contact: David Hicks, 44.207.491.0150; www.cosmeticconference.co.uk.

July 12-15
Pacific Northwest Dermatological Annual Conference, Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene, ID. Contact: Kory Diemert, 206.956.3646; www.dermatologynw.org.

August 1-5
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Academy ‘07, Hilton New York, New York, NY. Contact: Robin Downey, 866.503.SKIN; www.aad.org.

August 2-4
15th International Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago, IL. Contact: A4M Customer Service, 773.528.1000; www.worldhealth.net.

August 15-19
American Dermatological Association (ADA) 127th Annual Meeting, Ritz Carlton Bachelor’s Gulch Resort, Beaver Creek, CO. Contact: Michelle Gratz, 914.923.8540; www.adameeting.org.