September | October 2009

First OTC Laser Approved
Palomar Medical Technologies, a researcher and developer of light-based systems for cosmetic treatments, has received 510(k) over-the-counter FDA clearance for a new, patented, home use laser device for the treatment of periorbital wrinkles. The OTC clearance allows the device to be marketed and sold directly to consumers without a prescription. “Years ago, we believed that light-based antiaging applications could be brought to the home,” said Joseph P. Caruso, CEO of Palomar. “We invested significant resources in research, development, clinical testing and patent protection to make this a reality and ensure that Palomar would be the leader with this innovative technology. We envision a strong market for this OTC device and an increase in consumer awareness to help drive growth in our professional business.” The device was developed by Palomar in conjunction with Johnson and Johnson Consumer Companies.

GSK Acquires Stiefel
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Stiefel have signed an agreement under which GSK will acquire the total share capital of Stiefel for $2.9 billion. GSK’s existing prescription dermatological products will be combined with Stiefel’s and the new specialist global business will operate under the Stiefel identity. Charles Stiefel, CEO and chairman of Stiefel, will lead the new business group.
“As part of our strategy to grow and diversify GSK’s business, we are continuing to make new investments through targeted acquisitions,” said Andrew Witty, CEO of GSK. “This transaction will create a new world-leading, specialist dermatology business and re-energize our existing dermatology products...We look forward to working with Stiefel to develop this exciting opportunity.”

Roche Holding Halts Accutane Sales
Swiss drugmaker Roche Holdings is no longer selling its acne drug Accutane, citing loss of sales to generics. “As always when you have generics around your market share drops,” said company spokeswoman Martina Rupp. “This was an economical decision driven by falling market share. Accutane’s market share was between 4% and 5%.” Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and Mylan Inc. will continue to sell generic versions of Accutane (isotretinoin). The powerful anti-acne medication has been linked to severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy, which led to regulatory action requiring physicians and patients to follow a strict risk management program. Claims that the drug is linked to other side effects such as depression and suicidal thoughts have also been made since Accutane was introduced in 1982.

And the Winner Is…
CellCeuticals Skin Treatment System Kit by CellCeuticals (cellceuticalskincare.com) won the Cosmetic Innovators of the Year or CITY award for Best Skin Care Package. The awards are presented by the Independent Manufacturers and Distributors Association. Nominees are judged by a panel of advertising, marketing and sales executives with experience, but no current affiliation in the cosmetics industry.

CMJ Designs president Mark Jackson (center) and vice president Chris Jackson (right) accept the Cooperative Employer of the year Award from Dr. Subrata Sengupta, dean of engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan..

CMJ Designs Named Co-Op Employer of the Year
CMJ Designs, makers of Orchid Medical Spa Software, has been honored with the Cooperative Employer of the Year Award from the University of Michigan. CMJ Designs is the first small business to receive this award. Past winners include General Electric, Lear, Siemens, TRW, Magna and DTE Energy.

P&G Announces New President
Robert A. McDonald has been elected president and chief executive of Procter & Gamble (pg.com). He brings more than 30 years experience in brand building, market development, global business unit and global operations leadership at P&G to his role. “I’ve worked with Bob for most of my career at P&G,” said former president A.G. Lafley, who is now full-time chairman of the board for P&G. “He believes in this company’s purpose and people to the core. He has broad experience in every facet of our business and in virtually every part of the world.”

Sciton Honored
Sciton, a manufacturer of light- and laser-based technologies, has been selected for the 2009 Best of Palo Alto Awards in the Nuclear Medical Diagnostic Systems category. The Best of Local Business Awards are bestowed upon recipients by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA, us-ca.org) in recognition of businesses that have achieved exceptional marketing success and enhanced the positive image of small business through service in their local community and business category.

AAD Appoints New Officers
Suzanne M. Olbricht, MD, FAAD, of Newton, Massachusetts, has been appointed assistant secretary-treasurer of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) by the AAD's board of directors. Dr. Olbricht is the chair of dermatology at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts, and associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Darryl M. Bronson, MD, MPH, FAAD, has been appointed to the AAD board of directors to fill the vacancy left by president-elect Ronald L. Moy, MD. Dr. Bronson is an immediate past chairman and residency program director of the division of dermatology at the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago.

2010 Medical Spa Board Members
The International Medical Spa Association has announced its 2009-2010 advisory board members and chairpersons. They include Eric J. Light of the Strawberry Hill Group (chairperson); Catherine Atzen of Atzen; Cheryl Blackwell Bryson, esq. of Duane Morris, LLC; Jim Larkey, Canfield Imaging Systems; David Schaffer, Professional Medical Insurance Services; Larry Oskin, Marketing Solutions; and Don Chavis of the Beyond the Image MedSpa (chairperson).

Events

September 10-12
17th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine, San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, California. Contact: 888.997.0112, wwww.worldhealth.net

September 12-15
International Congress of Esthetics and Spa, Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California. Contact: www.lneonline.com

September 15-16
Medical Aesthetics Conference & Expo, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City. Contact: 888.267.3793, www.medaestheticsconferenceny.com

October 1-3 American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fall Meeting, Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, San Diego. Contact: 703.299.8898, www.aafprs.org

October 1-4
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery Joint Annual Meeting, JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix. Contact: 847.956.0900, www.asds.net

October 2-3 5th Annual European Masters in Anti-Aging & Aesthetic Medicine, Palais des Congrés of Paris, Paris, France. Contact: EMAA, www.euromedicom.com

October 5-8 2009 ISPA Conference & Expo, Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas. Contact: 888.651.4772,
www.asds.net

October 15-17
European Congress on Anti-Aging & Aesthetic Medicine (ECAAAM), The Congress Centre Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany. Contact: Matt Thompson, mthompson@tarsus.co.uk, http://germany.anti-agingevents.com

October 23-28
35th Annual Convention of the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses, Grand Hyatt Seattle, Seattle. Contact: 800.272.0136, aspsn.org

October 23-28
Plastic Surgery 2009, Washington State Convention Center, Seattle. Contact: ASPS, 847.228.9900, plasticsurgery.org

December 9-12
17th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine, Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. Contact: 888.997.0112, worldhealth.net

January 14-18
South Beach Symposium, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Miami. Contact: 904.309.6262, www.southbeachsymposium.com

January 15-18
The 7th Annual Orlando Dermatology Aesthetic & Clinical Conference, Peabody Orlando, Orlando, Florida. Contact: 646.453.5720, www.orlandoderm.org

January 27-31
26th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, Florida. Contact: 312.981.6760, www.cosmeticsurgery.org

February 20-21
Medical Aesthetics Conference & Expo, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles. Contact: 877.271.6789, www.spaandresortexpo.com