Provectus Pharmaceuticals announced today that the Company has an active investigational application for Xantryl drug therapy with the FDA for Psoriasis.

Provectus Pharmaceuticals has completed a successful HUMAN pre-clinical trial in Europe and a number of Phase I trials in the US. Provectus Psoriasis formula, Xantryl, is now ready for Phase II/III HUMAN studies. Psoriasis is a chronic disease and represents a market opportunity of over $1 billion.

The company is advancing the development of Xantryl which is activated by green light for the treatment of psoriasis. One of the standard treatments of psoriasis is photodynamic therapy using drugs activated by ultraviolet light that cross-link cellular genetic material. A hazard associated with this therapy is the potential to develop skin cancer. Several new drugs have been developed that act by suppressing the immune system. These medicines are expensive and require repeated injections. The potential for severe suppression of the immune system may limit the use of some of the new drugs to just a few treatments.

In contrast, Xantryl specifically targets only diseased tissue and the effects of light activation are confined only to areas of the skin affected by psoriasis. The agent is so sensitive to light that only ambient room or sun light may be required for treatment. This would remove the requirement for repeated visits to a physician. A green laser in the physician's office or a simple tanning bed can also activate the formula. Since the effects of the treatment are confined only to areas affected by psoriasis the chance of side effects are slight.

Provectus Pharmaceuticals develops pharmaceutical products in prescription medications, medical devices, and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Prescriptionproducts and devices treat diseases of the skin and many types of cancer.