Light-Based Devices Offer Skin Treatment Options

MISSION VIEJO, Calif., April 25 -- New laser and light-based technologies will offer treatment alternatives for diseases such as acne, psoriasis and actinic keratoses (AK) and will offer significant benefits over current treatments, especially for the large acne-treatment market, according to a study by Medical Insight.

Three light-based devices are now being sold to treat acne. By 2006, more than 15,000 physicians worldwide are likely to use similar systems, according to Medical Insight, and will account for over $1.3 billion in annual treatment fees. Six light-based systems are now available to treat psoriasis, and more than 4,000 physicians are expected to use them by 2006. Patients now annually spend about $4.2 billion on acne medications and $695 million on psoriasis medications.

Two companies have launched photodynamic therapy treatments for actinic keratoses (AK), and others are developing similar therapies. Medical Insights said that by 2006, more than 3 million light-based AK therapy procedures will be performed each year.