Oclaro Inc., an optical communications and laser technology supplier, has announced that its 9xx-nm high-power laser diode bars have been selected by Pantec Biosolutions AG for use in its next-generation PLEASE (Precise Laser Epidermal System) platform. The platform represents an advance in biomedical applications by enabling an easy, painless and needle-free delivery method for drugs, as well as safe tissue ablation for skin rejuvenation. Designed for medical professionals and consumers, the devices offer a delivery method for a variety of medical applications, including in vitro fertilization, vaccinations and wrinkle removal. Oclaro worked with Pantec to deliver a customized quasicontinuous wave (QCW) subassembly laser diode that delivers suitable performance and reliability at a price that will enable widespread adoption in the consumer space. An electrically isolated, small footprint, hard-soldered, conduction-cooled BPS platform laser diode bar assembly. (Image: Oclaro) Pantec’s first Oclaro-based product, the PLEASE Professional, is a tabletop system for transdermal delivery and tissue ablation. It will be sold initially in Europe, and there are plans to bring it into selected markets worldwide starting this year. “As this market continues to expand, we are confident that only a world-class supplier such as Oclaro will enable us to establish a clear leadership position in a space that is poised for explosive growth in the future,” said Thomas Bragagna, chief technology officer at Pantec Biosolutions. Oclaro developed a conductively cooled 9xx-nm laser diode bar primarily for QCW pumping of miniaturized solid-state lasers, which is what Pantec required for its PLEASE platform. Oclaro’s QCW operation enabled Pantec to develop a compact laser device because of its low cooling requirements, small footprint and extremely high pulse power. PLEASE is a novel transdermal delivery method for high molecular weight drugs. It creates controlled aqueous micropores through the stratum corneum into the epidermis. As a result of the device’s special features, the micropores do not reach the dermis, where nerves and blood vessels reside. The first device using this new platform is the Professional, a stationary medical laser device targeted mainly for the dermatologic and aesthetic markets. An intelligent graphical user interface, together with the CE mark and the integrated class 1 laser, guarantees simple and safe use by the medical personnel or the patient, who can use the device without supervision. At a later time, this device will then be complemented by the PLEASE Private, a battery-powered handheld medical laser device targeted mainly for drug delivery. Oclaro’s products have applications in diverse markets, including telecommunications, industry, science, consumer electronics and medical. The company operates research and development (R&D) and chip fabrication facilities in the UK, Switzerland and Italy, and in-house and contract manufacturing sites in the US, Thailand and China. It maintains design, sales and service organizations worldwide. Pantec Biosolutions AG, based in Ruggell, Liechtenstein, is a private medical technology company specialized in using laser microporation to deliver large-molecular-weight drugs into the epidermis for local or systemic uptake as well as various applications in dermatology. For more information, visit: www.oclaro.com