LAS VEGAS, Aug. 18, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skinvisible Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQB:SKVI) announced today that its DermSafe® antimicrobial hand sanitizer is being officially launched by Alto Pharmaceuticals ("Alto") in Canada September 1st, just in time for the beginning of school and the flu season. Alto, a Toronto-based dermatology focused company, has licensed the exclusive rights to DermSafe for commercial use in Canada. Alto will market the product under the name DermSafePC.
With the World Health Organization (WHO) advocating proper hand hygiene as an important first-line defense against the spread of the flu, the launch of DermSafe in Canada is very timely. DermSafe, developed by Skinvisible with its patented Invisicare® delivery system, offers unique advantages over alcohol-based hand sanitizers. DermSafe is made with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, an ingredient used in hospitals worldwide due to its effectiveness against a wide range of germs and its persistence. DermSafe hand sanitizer lotion has no alcohol and therefore does not dry the skin like other sanitizers; instead it delivers protection in a lotion formulation that defends the skin from outside irritants.
"We are pleased to see the launch of DermSafePC in Canada," said Terry Howlett, President and CEO of Skinvisible. "Alto is committed to gaining market share quickly in Canada and we believe that the introduction of DermSafePC will help generate a very positive response from end-users as well as potential licensees worldwide." He added, "The manufacturing of DermSafe in Canada is critical to Skinvisible as it will facilitate the quick introduction of the product in Europe and Singapore, where DermSafe is already approved for importation."
Alto will initially target institutions like schools, police forces, penitentiaries, etc. seeking for an alternative to alcohol due to safety and long-term efficacy concerns. Outside of Canada, DermSafe is licensed in Europe, where it recently received regulatory approval. A European launch is scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2011. Skinvisible continues to negotiate additional licenses for the retail (pharmacy) rights in Canada and Europe, along with other parts of the world.
About Alto Pharmaceuticals
Alto Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of unique products for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and improving quality of life. Alto's areas of interest include Dermatology and Skin Care, Infectious Disease and Wound Care, and the company is dedicated to bringing physicians, patients and consumers unique pharmaceutical products and devices. www.altopharma.com
About Skinvisible Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Skinvisible Pharmaceuticals is a research-and-development company that licenses its proprietary formulations made with Invisicare, its patented polymer delivery system that offers life-cycle management and unique enhancements for topically delivered products. Invisicare holds active ingredients on the skin for extended periods of time resisting both wash off and perspiration along with controlling the release of actives and reducing irritation. Skinvisible receives a combination of research and development fees, upfront license fees, and ongoing royalties for the life of the Invisicare patent. Skinvisible's value also lies in its ability to continually generate new IP on topical products formulated with Invisicare. www.skinvisible.com and www.invisicare.com.
The Skinvisible, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7744
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains 'forward looking' statements within the meaning of Section 21A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbors created thereby. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties associated with an emerging company. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of risk factors discussed in Skinvisible, Inc. reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including, but not limited to, a report on Form 10K for the quarter ending June 30, 2011).