Unique Phototherapy Device Begins US Sales

Psoria-Light, a new device that treats skin disorders using targeted deep-UV LEDs, has started domestic sales, product maker Psoria-Shield announced.

Psoria-Light is the first device on the market to emit targeted ultraviolet A or B (UVA or UVB, respectively) phototherapy to treat psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo and other UV-treatable skin diseases that affect more than 37.4 million people, or nearly 12 percent of the US population. The device overcomes many of the drawbacks of legacy phototherapy devices by using targeted deep-UV LEDs, the company said, such as excimer lasers, which are expensive to buy and maintain and only emit UVB light, among other limitations.

“During my 25-plus years in the medical device sector, I have only seen two other technologies introduced that were true game-changers,” said Kelly DeGideo, national sales manager for Psoria-Shield who is leading the sales rollout. “The first was the FDA clearance for the refractive PRK laser, which evolved into the well-known lasik devices. The second was the introduction of the first infrared diode for permanent hair removal. Psoria-Light is the next game changer.”

The deep-UV LEDs used by Psoria-Light were created in parts by DARPA, NASA and the ESA (European Space Agency) for use in space. Psoria-Light’s adaptation of them for targeted UV phototherapy earned it distinction from the Space Foundation as a Certified Space Technology (http://www.spacecertification.org/certified-products/psoria-light). The light generated by the LEDs has been demonstrated in previous clinical papers to be more therapeutic and carry fewer side effects than other conventional UV light sources, said Psoria-Shield, a unit of Schaumburg, Ill.-based Wellness Center USA Inc.

Psoria-Light has been in clinical use since January 2012. Production units for the rollout are in process and revenue is expected to start in the next 30 to 45 days from sales in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and California, the company said.

For more information, visit: www.psoria-shield.com