Press Releases

07/15/09
DERMTECH AND STIEFEL LABORATORIES, INC. TO FURTHER EVALUATE EGIR® TECHNOLOGY - PROOF-OF-CONCEPT STUDY LAUNCHED - 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
DermTech
George Schwartz
858.450.4222

For DermTech
Jennifer Larson
415.409.2729
jlarson@dermtech.com

La Jolla, CA, July 15, 2009 – DermTech, Inc., a biotechnology company developing non-invasive molecular diagnostics for the early detection of disease plus additional applications, announced that it has entered into the second part of a feasibility study using DermTech’s advanced EGIR® technology to help Stiefel identify specific genetic markers involved in acne.  The two companies will now move forward with a proof-of-concept study to assess the use of the technology to understand the pathophysiology of acne.

Stiefel is the world’s largest independent dermatology company. 

“Stiefel is one of the dermatology industry’s clear pioneers and is well known for innovation in the field,” said George Schwartz, CEO, DermTech.  “We are looking forward to together embarking on this study that will employ our advanced, genetic-based technology and believe it will appropriately be the first ever to assess the relationship between genetic changes in the skin over time and the observable clinical effects of a marketed acne treatment.”

“Stiefel is committed to using the most advanced, reliable tools for the development and continued refinement of our dermatology products and candidates,” said Gavin Corcoran, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Stiefel. “We believe that DermTech’s EGIR technology, based on the most recent understanding and application of genetics to disease, offers a very strong fit with our mission to introduce breakthrough products.”    

About DermTech:

Headquartered in La Jolla, California, DermTech International (www.dermtech.com) is developing its proprietary EGIR® (Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval) technology for genomic-based, non-invasive disease detection, improved pharmaceutical R&D and personalized medicine to help direct appropriate treatment.  The company’s first product candidate in development is a non-invasive test to detect the presence of melanoma.  The EGIR technology uses custom adhesive tape to easily obtain RNA from the upper layer of skin overlying a suspicious lesion.  A proprietary 17-gene biomarker is then used to analyze the genetic material to differentiate potentially life-threatening melanoma from other forms of pigmented lesions.  Studies to date show the test to be 100% sensitive and 88% specific.   Research is also underway to use the EGIR technology to develop highly accurate, non-invasive tests for other cancers and diseases.   For additional information, visit www.dermtech.com

About Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.

Stiefel Laboratories is enthusiastically committed to advancing dermatology and skin science around the world. The company’s deeply-rooted dedication and drive for innovation along with its sole focus on dermatology has led Stiefel to become the largest independent dermatology company in the world. In addition to more than 30 wholly-owned subsidiaries, six manufacturing plants and a global research and development network, Stiefel’s most valuable asset is its global network of nearly 3,500 driven associates.

By combining expertise, knowledge and imagination, Stiefel delivers exceptional ethical, over-the-counter and aesthetic products to its customers in more than 100 countries around the world, ultimately providing a unique Stiefel skin health experience. Stiefel also is committed to improving today’s treatments and exploring tomorrow’s innovations. Each year, the company invests more than $100 million USD in developing the most advanced skin health solutions. Additionally, Stiefel supplements its research and development efforts by seeking strategic partnerships and acquisitions around the world. To learn more about Stiefel, visit www.stiefel.com.

back to top of page