Syneron Medical to Acquire Primaeva Medical

A definitive agreement to acquire Primaeva Medical Inc., an aesthetic technology firm based in Pleasanton, CA, has been signed by Syneron Medical Ltd. Primaeva developed a minimally-invasive RF aesthetic device for the treatment of skin wrinkles and laxity. The proposed acquisition is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close before the end of calendar year 2009. Syneron expects to introduce the non-surgical skin tightening Primaeva technology in 2010.

The Primaeva product, which has already received FDA clearance for wrinkle treatment, employs an innovative micro-needle electrode array housed in an advanced single-patient use applicator tip to deliver bipolar fractional radiofrequency (RF) energy directly within the reticular dermis. Its fractional treatment patterns and unique energy delivery mechanism have demonstrated noticeable skin tightening, with minimal downtime, in a multi site clinical study which included more than 100 patients.

"The Primaeva system is a leap forward, utilizing fractionated RF energy to target the dermis in a selective and predictable manner. It has undergone rigorous scientific studies, with consistent physician and patient satisfaction," says Syneron CEO Lou Scafuri. "The team at Primaeva is developing a non-ablative application for dermal remodeling and skin laxity improvement that we expect will complement our other aesthetic technologies such as the recently introduced eMatrix system for Sublative Rejuvenation and Vela Shape II body shaping technology. The Primaeva acquisition adds to our platform of innovative products and is well suited for our dermatologist and plastic surgeon customers," Scafuri adds.

"The Primaeva technology has been studied by key opinion leaders in the aesthetic medical area, and is the subject of three published papers and one paper pending publication in a leading peer-reviewed aesthetic journal," Scafuri says. New York dermatologist Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, MD, PhD, PC, presented the findings of the Primaeva clinical trials at this year's American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting. According to Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas, Primaeva's results on the face "surpass any other device I've seen in terms of tightening for a single treatment. And there's no reason it could not potentially be used elsewhere on the body, like the jowls or the abdomen."

With the Primaeva system, treatment temperature is preselected and energy is delivered directly within the dermis using proprietary, patented technology that seeks to eliminate the uncertainty previously associated with the location of energy delivery and tissue temperature control. Its Intelligent Feedback System (IFS) is designed to ensure precise dermal targeting, via sensors embedded in the applicator to provide real-time feedback of skin temperature and tissue impedance within the treatment zone.

As part of the agreement, Primaeva founder and CEO Bankim Mehta will join the Syneron management team. Mehta brings broad experience in the medical aesthetic industry. "I am excited to join Lou Scafuri and the Syneron management team that is establishing itself as a leader in aesthetic technology," Mehta states. "Syneron with its expanding distribution network will ensure that the Primaeva technology is rapidly introduced to the broadest possible customer base."

Syneron recently announced its agreement to acquire Candela Corp. With the acquisition of Primaeva, Syneron continues to develop and broaden its industry-leading portfolio of superior technologies and applications for the aesthetic physician.

Syneron will acquire Primaeva for $7 million in cash, with potential additional consideration of up to $23 million in cash contingent on the achievement of commercial milestones.

http://www.syneron.com