Oculus Innovative Sciences Licenses Global Rights for Endotracheal Tube From National Institutes of Health to Reduce Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

• Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) afflicts over 300,000 patients per year in the United States; responsible for $12 billion in extended patient length of stay in U.S. hospitals
• Patented ETT integrates cuff, continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions (CASS) and ongoing tube cleansing with solution

PETALUMA, Calif., Sept. 20, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. OCLS, a commercial healthcare company that designs, produces and markets innovative, safe and effective healthcare products, announced today that the company has licensed the exclusive global rights to a unique endotracheal tube (ETT) from the National Institutes of Health. 

The patented ETT represents a potentially breakthrough technology in mitigating ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) which affects 300,000 U.S. patients annually. This ETT uniquely integrates an endotracheal tube cuff to seal the airway with a system that provides for continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions (CASS) as well as a secondary lumen that continually introduces a liquid cleansing formulation. This ETT will further reduce the incidence of harmful pathogens, including those that have become resistant to antibiotics, within the patient's respiratory system.

"This is a perfect example of growing the use of our Microcyn Technology via technologies that are not only compatible, but are significantly improved as a result of this integration," said Hoji Alimi, founder and CEO of Oculus. "This is an opportunity to significantly reduce patient risk of pneumonia—even death—while opening up an entirely new $380 million addressable market to Oculus."

The endotracheal tube requires a device clearance in the United States. Oculus has entered into negotiations with two potential marketing and sales partners for this advanced technology.

"As a physician who often is involved with critically ill patients who develop ventilator associated pneumonia, I believe the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia can be reduced greatly by an intelligent ventilation system that adopts the multiple safeguards available in this new Oculus device," said Dr. Tom Wolvos of Scottsdale Surgical Consultants in Scottsdale, Arizona. "The use of CASS along with the Microcyn Technology should be used to decrease both the incidence and consequences of VAP."

About Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is pneumonia that develops 48 hours or longer after mechanical ventilation is given by means of an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) results from the invasion of the lower respiratory tract and lung parenchyma by microorganisms. Intubation compromises the integrity of the oropharynx and trachea and allows oral and gastric secretions to enter the lower airways.  Pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States with a 33-50% mortality rate.  VAP is responsible for $12 billion in extended patient length of stay in U.S. ICUs and hospitals.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is pneumonia that develops 48 hours or longer after admission to a hospital. HAP is the second most common nosocomial infection. HAP increases a patient's hospital stay by approximately 7-9 days and can increase hospital costs by an average of $40,000 per patient.

About Oculus Innovative Sciences

Oculus Innovative Sciences is a commercial healthcare company that designs, produces and markets innovative, safe and effective healthcare products. Oculus is pioneering innovative solutions in multiple markets including dermatology, oral care, surgical, wound care, animal healthcare and others and has commercialized products in the United States, Europe, India, China and Mexico and select Middle East countries. The company's headquarters are in Petaluma, California, with manufacturing operations in the United States and Latin America. 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 Company's commercial and technology progress and future financial performance. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as "represents," "opening," and "entered," 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 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, and its ability 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 the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2011. Oculus Innovative Sciences disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

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