Sales boost for maker of skin cancer plasters

A MEDICAL device maker spun out of St Andrews University has received a potential sales boost for its key product.

Ambicare Health's Ambulight device is a light-emitting sticking plaster that is used to treat non-melanoma skin cancer.

The company yesterday hailed the initial findings of independent research carried out at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, which examined the use of the Ambulight to treat patients with a rare form of skin cancer.

Gorlin Syndrome affects about one in 57,000 people, with patients suffering from repeated cases of skin cancer throughout their lives.

Gary Conroy, Ambicare's sales and marketing director, said: "We are delighted with the initial findings of this study. Ambulight could bring real benefits to patients with Gorlin Syndrome, enabling them to have easier access to treatment through their own GP's surgery and an improved outcome with reduced scarring following treatment."

Ambicare was launched in 2004 as a spin-out from St Andrews University and Ninewells hospital in Dundee. Both institutions still own shares in it.

In July, the firm raised 1.7 million from existing investors Longbow Capital and Scottish Enterprise, along with new individual shareholders introduced by Beer & Partners and Dundee-based publisher DC Thomson.

Products for treating acne and rejuvenating skin are also in development.