Leading Florida Dermatologist Launches Study to Evaluate ArteFill for Acne Scars

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--(Business Wire)--Leading St. Petersburg, FL - based dermatologist, Dr. JamesSpencer, announced today he is conducting a study to evaluateArteFill, a non-resorbable dermal filler, for the treatment of acnescars, and other depressed atrophic scars. ArteFill is anon-resorbable dermal filler that is currently approved to treatnasolabial folds, or smile line wrinkles. James M. Spencer, MD,Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, isconducting this study to evaluate ArteFill for the cosmeticimprovement of scars. He expects to enroll 15 patients by the end ofMarch 2008. One month after their ArteFill treatment, patients will return forassessment and standardized photographs will be clinically graded by ablinded dermatologist for degree of scar correction. A patientsatisfaction survey along with patient photos of the results are partof the current study protocol. These patients will be followed for oneyear after ArteFill treatment. After study completion, these findingswill be submitted and are expected to be published in a peer-revieweddermatology journal. "I use temporary fillers in my practice to treat acne scars andother types of scars. Unfortunately, temporary fillers necessitateexpensive repeat injections so a permanent dermal filler would bedesirable to correct a permanent scar. I'm using ArteFill in mymedical practice for smile lines and I can now document the use ofArteFill for acne and other facial scars," said Dr. Spencer. According to published reports, there are 14 million people thathave moderate to severe acne scarring. There are over 5 million peoplewho have previously taken Accutane and generics after being diagnosedwith severe acne. Severe recalcitrant acne, or cystic acne is theworst and most painful form of the skin condition, characterized byinflamed lumps that may result in depressed scars. These scars are amajor source of concern for patients, and there are currently limitedtreatment options for this condition. Dr. Spencer received a research grant from Artes Medical, Inc.

(NASDAQ:ARTE) to conduct this study. For more information on Dr.Spencer at Spencer Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center or his study,please call (727) 572-1333 or visit www.spencerdermatology.com.Spencer Dermatology and Skin Surgery CenterDr. Spencer, 727-572-1333www.spencerdermatology.com.Copyright Business Wire 2007