DURHAM, N.C., June 10, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oxygen Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:OXBT) today announced it has expanded the sales territory for its Dermacyte® skin care products into two additional states: Arizona and Michigan. These territories will be serviced by independent contract sales representative Tina Craparotta, who with her organization will promote and sell Dermacyte products to medical practitioners, salons and beauty and health spas in Detroit, Phoenix and their surrounding communities. With a combined population of more than 2.5 million and a median age of just over 30, these two cities host over 750 spas and salons and more than 300 dermatologists. Marketing and sales activities will begin after an introductory period.
"The roll out of Dermacyte is progressing with the addition of these two markets," said Chairman and CEO Chris Stern. "Our strategy is to market it as a high-level cosmetic in various specific formulations. Currently we are developing an internal sale team for certain markets, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Miami supplemented by contract sales representatives in other parts of the country. We plan to gradually add territory sales agreements to cover the U.S. and Canada."
"We look forward to the opportunity to introduce our unique oxygen-rich skin care products to these two important regions," added Maria Isabel Tamargo, Assistant Vice President, Marketing and Sales. "We are pleased to have a sales representative of Tina's caliber building these markets with us. Her experience, customer relationships and networking will be an asset to us and to our customers."
Craparotta has more than seven years of experience in marketing and project management with Visual Services Inc. and Carlson Marketing Group, where she primarily developed and implemented marketing programs for the Ford Motor Company. She has a bachelor's degree in education from Western Michigan University.
About Dermacyte
Introduced in April, Dermacyte Oxygen Concentrate is the first product in a broad and diverse cosmetic line currently under development at Oxygen Biotherapeutics. It uses the company's patented Oxycyte® technology, an oxygen carrier scientifically designed to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues such as skin. Some potential benefits of increased oxygenation to the skin include a decrease in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dryness. This summer the company plans to introduce a formulation for the area around the eye.
About the Company
Oxygen Biotherapeutics, Inc. is developing medical and cosmetic products that efficiently deliver oxygen to tissues in the body. The company has developed a proprietary perfluorocarbon (PFC) therapeutic oxygen carrier and liquid ventilation product called Oxycyte® that is being formulated for both intravenous and topical delivery. In April, the company launched its first cosmetic product, Dermacyte® Oxygen Concentrate. In addition, the company is focused on perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carriers for use in traumatic brain injury, decompression sickness, personal care, and topical wound healing. More information is available at www.oxybiomed.com or www.buydermacyte.com.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements by the company that involve risks and uncertainties and reflect the company's judgment as of the date of this release. These statements include those referring to the plans for the expansion of development of the Oxycyte product line and the timing of the introduction of those new products. The forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including matters beyond the company's control that could lead to delays in the new product introductions and customer acceptance of these new products and other risks and uncertainties as described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the current report on Form 8-K on May 4, 2010. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that such plans will lead to meaningful sales of Dermacyte or generate any revenue for the company. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements beyond the date of this release. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.