Oculus Innovative Sciences Strengthens Intellectual Property Portfolio With Issuance of U.S. Patent for Treatment of Skin Ulcers With Microcyn(R) Technology

PETALUMA, Calif., Feb. 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCLS), a commercial healthcare company that designs, produces and markets innovative, safe and effective drugs, devices and nutritional products, today announced the issuance of new U.S. patent for the use of Microcyn® Technology in the treatment of skin ulcers. In this application, Microcyn Technology can be delivered to skin ulcers via washing, irrigation and soaking or through application of a wound dressing saturated in the Microcyn Technology. According to claims allowed by the patent examiner, the application of the Microcyn Technology via these methods will:

• Reduce the microbial load of an infected diabetic foot ulcer;
• Decrease the recurrence rate of an infected diabetic foot ulcer;
• Decrease the likelihood of dehiscence of an infected diabetic foot ulcer;
• Decrease the likelihood of amputation resulting from an infected diabetic foot ulcer;
• Decrease the likelihood of systemic inflammatory response syndrome from an infected diabetic foot ulcer;
• Decrease the likelihood of sepsis resulting from an infected diabetic foot ulcer.

Jim Schutz, CEO of Oculus said: "Healing open skin ulcers is a significant challenge for healthcare professionals around the world.  Just in the United States, more than six million Americans each year suffer chronic wounds including arterial, diabetic, pressure and venous ulcers. This latest issued patent is perfectly timed with changes to healthcare rules under the Affordable Care Act, which penalize healthcare institutions for failure to use best-in-class, cost-effective products, such as Microcyn. We are increasing our efforts to convey that compelling message as broadly as possible throughout the U.S. healthcare system."  

The latest-issued patent joins an intellectual property estate (either owned or licensed to Oculus) that now includes 33 issued patents (seven in the U.S. and two in the E.U.) as well 113 pending applications directed to chemical compositions, apparatuses, methods of manufacturing and therapeutic uses.

About Oculus Innovative Sciences

Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCLS) is a commercial healthcare company that designs, produces and markets innovative, safe and effective drugs, devices and nutritional products. Oculus is pioneering innovative solutions in multiple markets for the dermatology, surgical, wound care and animal healthcare markets, and has commercialized products in the United States, Europe, India, China, 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 "increasing," "pending" and "timed," 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, 2012. Oculus Innovative Sciences disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

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

CONTACT: Media and Investor Contact:

         Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc.
         Dan McFadden
         Director of Public and Investor Relations
         (425) 753-2105

Released February 25, 2013