Zila Demonstrates Effectiveness of Photosensitizing Agent in Animal Model

PHOENIX--(Business Wire)--
Zila, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZILAD) today announced encouraging preliminary
results of an in vivo animal study which showed evidence of
photodestruction of premalignant lesions and squamous cell carcinoma
when treated with Zila's patented pharmaceutical grade toluidine blue,
both a diagnostic adjuvant and a photosensitizer for DMBA-induced
precancers and cancers in the hamster cheek pouch model. Squamous cell
carcinoma is the most common form of oral, cervical and, esophageal
cancers.

"We are extremely encouraged by the results of these first animal
tests," said Dr. Mark Bride, Vice President of Medical Affairs for
Zila. "These results confirm that a topical application of our
toluidine blue, rather than the traditional systemic administration of
a photosensitizer and its attendant side effects, may provide an
effective alternative to current PDT modalities. Additionally, we are
encouraged by the single treatment results with the Zila
photosensitizer when compared to the 4 to 8 treatments that are
required for lesion resolution with other photosensitizers.
Longitudinal studies are still needed to determine treatment
prognoses."

The long-term goal of the study conducted at the University of
California, Irvine - Beckman Laser Institute was to develop a
photodynamic approach to early detection, diagnosis and eradication of
oral dysplasia and malignancy. The specific aim of the study was to
evaluate the phototherapeutic effects of the Zila photosensitizer in
the hamster carcinogenesis model for various grades of pathology.

About Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

PDT is a treatment, and sometimes a pre-treatment, that utilizes a
substance called a photosensitizer and specific wavelengths of light
to activate the photosensitizer. The light penetrates the tissue and
causes excitation of the photosensitizer. Once activated, an oxygen
species of a higher energy state is formed thus producing cytotoxic
effects on target cells and their structures.

PDT cancer therapy has been approved by the FDA for the treatment
of esophageal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer under certain
circumstances. Researchers are currently recruiting patients to study
the applications for PDT in the treatment of brain, skin, prostate,
cervix, intestinal, stomach and liver cancer.

About Zila, Inc.

Zila, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a diagnostic
company dedicated to the prevention, detection and treatment of oral
cancer and periodontal disease. Zila manufactures and markets
ViziLite(R) Plus with TBlue(R) ("ViziLite(R) Plus"), the company's
flagship product for the early detection of oral abnormalities that
could lead to cancer. ViziLite(R) Plus is an adjunctive medical device
cleared by the FDA for use in a population at increased risk for oral
cancer. In addition, Zila designs, manufactures and markets a suite of
proprietary products sold exclusively and directly to dental
professionals for periodontal disease, including the Rotadent(R)
Professional Powered Brush, the Pro-Select Platinum(R) ultrasonic
scaler and a portfolio of oral pharmaceutical products for both
in-office and home-care use. All of Zila's products are marketed and
sold in the United States and Canada primarily through the company's
direct field sales force and telemarketing organization. The company's
products are marketed and sold in other international markets through
the direct sales forces of third party distributors. Zila's marketing
programs reach most U.S. dental offices and include continuing
education seminars for dentists and their staffs.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking
statements are based largely on Zila's expectations or forecasts of
future events, can be affected by inaccurate assumptions and are
subject to various business risks and known and unknown uncertainties,
a number of which are beyond the Company's control. Therefore, actual
results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements
contained herein. A wide variety of factors could cause or contribute
to such differences and could adversely affect revenue, profitability,
cash flows and capital needs. There can be no assurance that the
forward-looking statements contained in this press release will, in
fact, transpire or prove to be accurate. For a more detailed
description of these and other cautionary factors that may affect
Zila's future results, please refer to Zila's Form 10-K for its fiscal
year ended July 31, 2008.

For more information about the company and its products, please
visit www.zila.com.

Investors:
PondelWilkinson Inc.
Robert Jaffe, 310-279-5969

Copyright Business Wire 2008