DermTech and Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Begin Feasibility Study to Discover Genes...

DermTech and Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Begin Feasibility Study to Discover
Genes Involved in Acne

LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan 7 /PRNewswire/ -- DermTech, Inc., a biotechnology
company developing molecular diagnostics for the early detection of melanoma
and other diseases, announced that it has entered into an agreement with
Stiefel Laboratories, Inc., the largest, privately owned, dermatology company
in the world. The two companies will work together using DermTech's patented
EGIR technology and proprietary gene expression assays to identify and further
understand the genes involved in causing acne. It is envisioned that data
from the feasibility study may be used by Stiefel Laboratories in the
development of targeted products to treat this widespread skin condition.
"We are very pleased to initiate this study with Stiefel, a global
powerhouse in the development of focused, next-generation dermatology
products," said George Schwartz, CEO, DermTech. "Using our EGIR technology, a
painless method of collecting RNA from the epidermis and identifying
biomarkers of interest, we are confident that we will be able to help confirm
and identify the molecular causes of acne."
"Acne has long been regarded as a nuisance condition but for a patient who
suffers from frequent outbreaks or chronic blemishes, it is a major source of
concern," said Gavin Corcoran, M.D., Senior Vice President, Global Research
and Development for Stiefel Laboratories. "We are looking forward to using
DermTech's non-invasive 'tape stripping' technology and expertise in analysis
to help determine the genes associated with the development of acne. Results
from the study may help guide the development of novel, targeted
therapeutics."
Specifically, DermTech will provide to Stiefel Laboratories its EGIR skin
sampling technology consisting of adhesives that will be applied to the
patients' epidermis under an agreed-upon protocol. The adhesives will be sent
back to DermTech for RNA extraction and gene expression analysis using
quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction techniques (qRT-
PCR).
About DermTech:
Headquartered in La Jolla, California, DermTech International
(www.dermtech.com) specializes in the development and validation of molecular
tests using specimens derived from the skin. The company's proprietary
Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval (EGIR) technology is being studied in
the context of tracking treatment efficacy for a variety of dermatologic and
other conditions, including the effects of drugs on skin at the molecular
level, and aiding in the diagnosis of disease. DermTech is actively pursuing
research using EGIR and its applications toward molecular diagnostics and
theranostics in the areas of melanoma, prostate cancer and various skin
disorders, such as psoriasis. For additional information, visit
www.dermtech.com
About Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.
Founded in 1847, Stiefel Laboratories (a privately held company) is the
world's largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in
dermatology. The company manufactures and markets a variety of prescription
and non-prescription dermatological products. Some of the newest and best-
known brands include Duac(R) (clindamycin, 1% - benzoyl peroxide, 5%) Topical
Gel; Evoclin(R) (clindamycin phosphate, 1%) Foam; Luxiq(R) (betamethasone
valerate, 0.12%) Foam; MimyX(R); Olux(TM) (clobetasol propionate, 0.05%) Foam;
Olux-E(TM) (clobetasol propionate, 0.05%) Foam; Soriatane(R) (acitretin) CK
CONVENIENCE KIT(TM); Verdeso(TM) (desonide, 0.05%) Foam; Brevoxyl(R) (benzoyl
peroxide, 4% or 8%) Creamy Wash packaged in the convenient new BREVOXYL Acne
Wash Kit; Extina(R) (ketoconazole, 2%) Foam; Oilatum(R); Physiogel(R);
Stieprox(R) (ciclopirox olamine); REVALESKIN(TM); and Sarna(R). Its wholly-
owned global network is comprised of more than 30 subsidiaries, manufacturing
plants in six countries, research and development facilities on four
continents, and products marketed in more than 100 countries around the world.
Stiefel Laboratories supplements its R&D efforts by seeking strategic
partnerships and acquisitions around the world. To learn more about Stiefel
Laboratories, Inc. visit www.stiefel.com.
Contacts:
DermTech
George Schwartz
858.450.4222

For DermTech
Jennifer Larson
415.409.2729
jlarson@labfive.com

SOURCE DermTech, Inc.

George Schwartz of DermTech, +1-858-450-4222; or Jennifer Larson,
+1-415-409-2729, jlarson@labfive.com, for DermTech