IRVINGTON, N.Y., Oct. 1, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MELA Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:MELA), the medical device company that has developed and is commercializing MelaFind®, the first and only FDA approved optical diagnostic device for melanoma detection used by dermatologists in their fight against melanoma, today announced that Darrell S. Rigel, MD MS, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University, Langone Medical Center, has been appointed Chief Medical Advisor to the Company's Board of Directors, effective as of October 1, 2013.
Dr. Rigel, is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University, Langone Medical Center and also maintains a private practice in Manhattan, New York. His clinical interests and expertise include dermatology, melanoma, skin cancer, photoprotection, and photoaging. In addition to his extensive research in dermatology, Dr. Rigel has published multiple articles in peer-reviewed medical journals and is a lead editor of "Cancer of the Skin", one of the most prominent skin cancer textbooks in the field. He currently serves as a Regional Chair of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Educational Council. He has also served as President of the American Academy of Dermatology, Director of the American Board of Dermatology, President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and President of the American Dermatological Association.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Rigel as Chief Medical Advisor to the Board of Directors, and look forward to his contribution to MELA Sciences. His significant research expertise in skin cancer and dermatology will be immensely valuable to MELA Sciences as we drive commercial success and adoption of MelaFind," said Robert Coradini, Interim Chief Executive Officer of MELA Sciences.
"I am pleased to be joining MELA Sciences as Chief Medical Advisor to the Board of Directors, and look forward to contributing to the Company's success and commercial efforts," said Dr. Rigel. "MELA Sciences is emerging as the leader in the field of diagnostic devices for melanoma detection. Melanoma, if caught early, is treatable and curable, but continues to lead to a significant number of unnecessary deaths each year. Along with the team at MELA Sciences, I am committed to early melanoma detection and saving lives."
Dr. Rigel has presented at over 700 medical and government policy conferences worldwide and has chaired numerous conferences and symposia. He is the recipient of several awards and honors including the American Cancer Society's National Honor Citation for skin cancer programs and Presidential Citations for public education programs in skin cancer from the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Dr. Rigel received a BS in Management Information Sciences from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an MBA from the Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a MD from George Washington University School of Medicine.
About MELA Sciences, Inc.
MELA Sciences is a medical device company focused on the commercialization of its flagship product, MelaFind® and its further design and development. MelaFind® is a non-invasive tool to provide additional information to dermatologists during melanoma skin examinations. The device uses light from visible to near-infrared wavelengths to evaluate skin lesions up to 2.5 mm beneath the skin. The device provides information on a lesion's level of morphologic disorganization to provide additional objective information that may be used by dermatologists in the biopsy decision-making process. MelaFind® has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in the US. In addition, MelaFind® has received CE Mark approval and is approved for use in the European Union.
For more information on MELA Sciences, visit www.melasciences.com.
Safe Harbor:
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include but are not limited to our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that contain words such as "expects," "contemplates," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "believes," "assumes," "predicts" and variations of such words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends, or that do not relate to historical matters. These statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to significant known and unknown uncertainties and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that our beliefs or expectations will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from our beliefs or expectations due to financial, economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and political factors or conditions affecting the company and the medical device industry in general, as well as more specific risks and uncertainties facing the company such as those set forth in its reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Factors that might cause such a difference include whether MelaFind® achieves market acceptance. Given the uncertainties affecting companies in the medical device industry such as the Company, any or all of these forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Therefore, you should not rely on any such factors or forward-looking statements. The Company urges you to carefully review and consider the disclosures found in its filings with the SEC which are available at www.sec.gov and www.melasciences.com.