Oculus Innovative Sciences Receives European Approval to Market Sinudox™ Indicated for Use in Nasal Irrigation


PETALUMA, Calif., April 13, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:OCLS) (NASDAQ:OCLSW), a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and markets solutions for the treatment of dermatological conditions and advanced tissue care, today announced the issuance of a new CE Mark in Europe for Microcyn®-based Sinudox™ solution, a formulation intended for nasal irrigation including the moistening of cuts, abrasions and lacerations located in the nasal cavity.

Lori Smith, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Oculus said, “We are pleased that the European regulatory agency recognizes our Microcyn-based Sinudox as sufficiently safe to be used on mucous membranes in the nasal cavity. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people undergo surgery of the nose for cosmetic purposes as well as for common intranasal surgeries, including chronic sinusitis, septoplasty, turbinate reductions and the removal of nasal polyps.  We believe Sinudox can be an important new product for healthcare professionals in both the cosmetic and traditional nasal surgery settings.”

Oculus is currently in discussions with potential European partners for the distribution of Sinudox in Europe.   

About Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a common disease worldwide, particularly in places with high levels of atmospheric pollution. In the Northern Hemisphere, damp temperate climates along with higher concentrations of pollens are associated with a higher prevalence of chronic sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis is one of the more prevalent chronic illnesses in the United States, affecting persons of all age groups. The overall prevalence of CRS in the United States is 146 per 1000 population. For unknown reasons, the incidence of this disease appears to be increasing yearly. This results in a conservative estimate of 18-22 million physician visits in the United States each year and a direct treatment cost of $3.4-5 billion annually. Chronic sinusitis is the fifth most common disease treated with antibiotics. Up to 64% of patients with AIDS develop chronic sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis may be noninfectious and related to allergy, cystic fibrosis, gastroesophageal reflux, or exposure to environmental pollutants.  Medical therapy is directed toward controlling predisposing factors, treating concomitant infections, reducing edema of sinus tissues, and facilitating the drainage of sinus secretions.  

About Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc.
Oculus Innovative Sciences is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and markets solutions for the treatment of dermatological conditions and advanced tissue care. The company’s products, which are sold throughout the United States and internationally, have improved outcomes for more than five million patients globally by reducing infections, itch, pain, scarring and harmful inflammatory responses. The company's headquarters are in Petaluma, California, with manufacturing operations in the United States and Latin America. European marketing and sales are headquartered in Roermond, Netherlands. More information can be found at www.oculusis.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information herein, matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about the commercial and technology progress and future financial performance of Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as “discussions,” “intended,” and “recognizes,” among others. Forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business that could cause actual results to vary, including such risks that regulatory clinical and guideline developments may change, scientific data may not be sufficient to meet regulatory standards or receipt of required regulatory clearances or approvals, clinical results may not be replicated in actual patient settings, protection offered by the Company’s patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by its competitors, the available market for the Company’s products will not be as large as expected, the Company’s common stock and warrants may be delisted from NASDAQ, the Company’s products will not be able to penetrate one or more targeted markets, revenues will not be sufficient to fund further development and clinical studies, the Company may not meet its future capital needs, the Company may not be able to obtain additional funding, as well as uncertainties relative to varying product formulations and a multitude of diverse regulatory and marketing requirements in different countries and municipalities, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 30, 2015. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Oculus®, Microcyn® Technology and Sinudox™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Media and Investor Contact:

Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc.

Dan McFadden
VP of Public and Investor Relations
(425) 753-2105
dmcfadden@oculusis.com