First Long-Term Study of Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) Reinforces Procedure as an Effective, Long-Term Treat

In Support of Milestone Study Published in the October Issue of the Journal of Urology, Laserscope Launches National 'Heal BPH' Initiative in Partnership With the Men's Health Network 


SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 26  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Laserscope (NASDAQ:LSCP), a pioneer in the development and commercialization of minimally-invasive medical devices, including medical lasers and advanced fiber-optic delivery devices, today announced the results of a milestone study evaluating the long-term outcomes of men treated with photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using the GreenLight(TM) laser system.  The study, conducted at the Mayo Clinic by Dr. Reza Malek, was published in the October 2005 issue of the Journal of Urology.  Laserscope also announced that in conjunction with the publication of this landmark study, the Company has partnered with the Men's Health Network to launch a national campaign designed to provide men and other consumers with the resources they need to better understand BPH, prostate health, sexual health and other related men's health issues.

Long-Term Study Methodology and Results

The Mayo Clinic study evaluated 94 patients suffering from obstructive BPH who were treated with PVP using Laserscope's GreenLight(TM) laser system and disposable fiber optic delivery devices.  All of the patients studied were candidates for standard transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and exhibited significant obstructive urinary tract symptoms.

"The results of our study demonstrate significant and sustainable improvements in the outcomes of patients suffering from obstructive BPH," said Dr. Reza S. Malek, lead author of the study and Professor Emeritus of Urology who pioneered and performed PVP in this cohort of patients at the Mayo Clinic. "Given that PVP has a well established record for safety, low morbidity and rapid recovery, we are very pleased to reinforce its contribution as an effective, long-term treatment solution for many men suffering from obstructive BPH."

"Until now, the medical community did not have peer-reviewed follow-up data at these time frames for patients who had been treated with PVP.  This study validates our strong belief that the procedure is a viable treatment option for sufferers of BPH that provides long-lasting, positive results," said Eric Reuter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Laserscope.  "There is no other technology that we are aware of for treating BPH that can demonstrate these kinds of clinical outcomes, speed, and safety profile with this kind of durability.  PVP is quickly becoming the treatment of choice because it is safe and effective, and we now have additional evidence that PVP provides lasting relief from the symptoms related to BPH."

National Heal BPH Initiative Launched

In conjunction with the publication of this important study, Laserscope and the Men's Health Network today announced the "Heal BPH" initiative to provide men with in-depth information about BPH including symptoms, causes and diagnosis, treatment options, frequently asked questions, physician locator and other informative resources.  Additional information and timely topics will be explored, including the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and other medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes), and lower urinary tract symptoms, which are often caused by BPH.  The initiative will also include seminars held in major cities throughout the country.

"We're pleased that Laserscope has chosen to partner with the Men's Health Network to help increase the understanding and awareness of BPH among men and their partners," said Cece Dorough, MSW and Marketing Manager of the Men's Health Network.  "The 'Heal BPH' campaign is in alignment with our mission to improve the health and wellness of men by linking them to the best health care resources available."

The initiative was developed in consultation with Dr. Kevin Billups, MD, an internationally recognized expert in the fields of Urology and Sexual Health, and author of a soon-to-be published book on Erectile Dysfunction as an early indicator of cardiovascular disease and other medical problems related to men's health.

"The 'Heal BPH' initiative presented an excellent opportunity to expand the dialogue surrounding the role that conditions such as BPH and ED play in our evolving understanding of cardiovascular disease," said Dr. Billups. "This campaign is meant to empower men with the information needed to better understand and deal with the long-term implications of BPH and erectile difficulty for their overall cardiovascular health."

"Heal BPH" campaign materials and resources are available online at http://www.healbph.com/, or patients can speak directly to a "Heal BPH" representative at 1-866-HEAL BPH.

About BPH and the GreenLight Laser System

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that restricts urine flow.  With age and time, this enlargement places pressure on the urethra, causing problems with urination and in some cases, complete urinary pathway obstruction.  It is estimated that half of all men over the age of 50 will develop this condition and by the age of 70, 80% will experience some form of urinary symptoms.

Laserscope's GreenLight(TM) laser system is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a high-powered laser to vaporize and remove enlarged prostate tissue.  To date, more than 90,000 PVP procedures have been successfully performed worldwide.

About The Men's Health Network

Men's Health Network (MHN) is a non-profit educational organization comprised of physicians, researchers, public health workers, individuals and other health professionals. MHN is committed to improving the health and wellness of men through education campaigns, partnerships with retailers and other private entities, workplace health programs, data collection, and work with health care providers to provide better programs and funding for men's health needs.  More information about the Men's Health Network can be found at http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/.

About Laserscope

Laserscope designs, manufactures, sells and services on a worldwide basis an advanced line of medical laser systems and related energy delivery devices for the office, outpatient surgical center, and hospital markets. More information about Laserscope can be found on the Company's web site at http://www.laserscope.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbor created by this section.  These forward-looking statements include statements about Laserscope's future business, competition, expected continued momentum of Laserscope's business and growth and market penetration.  These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including among other risks: uncertainties regarding the introduction of new technologies competitive to Laserscope's products and the degree to which the Company's current and new products are accepted by customers, which could affect the level of demand for our products; our dependence on sole source providers for key components and products; risk of reductions in government and private insurance reimbursement of hospitals and physicians for health care costs, which may negatively impact hospitals and physicians decisions to purchase our products reducing adoption rates and sales growth; risks that we may be unable to protect adequately the integrity, safety and proper use of our disposable fiber optic delivery device with the GreenLight PV(R) laser system, which could result in negative patient outcomes and reduce our disposable fiber recurring revenue stream; risks that patents and licenses that we hold may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented or that we may become the subject of intellectual property litigation; and uncertainties that new products will receive regulatory approval in applicable jurisdictions.  Actual results may differ materially due to these and other factors.  The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties described from time to time in Laserscope's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see the Risk Factors described in Laserscope's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K. Copies of Laserscope's public disclosure filings with the SEC, including the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the most recent forms 10-Q are available upon request from its Investor Relations Department at its website at http://www.laserscope.com/ or at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/.  Laserscope assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

   CONTACT

   Laserscope:                          Dorland Global Public Relations:
   Derek Bertocci, CFO                  Jamie Dippman
   [phone]                       [phone]
                

   The Men's Health Network:            Steve Cragle
   Cece Dorough                         [phone]
   [phone] Ext. 111              
   

DATASOURCE: Laserscope



CONTACT:  Derek Bertocci, CFO of Laserscope, [phone],

; or Cece Dorough of The Men's Health Network,

[phone], ext. 111, ; or Jamie Dippman of

Dorland Global Public Relations, [phone], , or

Steve Cragle, [phone], 



Web site:  http://www.healbph.com/ 

Web site:  http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/ 

Web site:  http://www.laserscope.com/ 

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