Oculus Innovative Sciences Receives New U.S. Patent for Microcyn(R) Technology in Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

PETALUMA, Calif., July 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCLS), a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and markets solutions for the treatment of dermatological conditions and advanced tissue care, today announced the receipt of a new U.S. patent for the use of the Microcyn® Technology hypochlorous acid in the treatment and mitigation of atopic dermatitis.

Dr. Bob Northey, Oculus senior vice president for research and development said: "Our intellectual property portfolio is perfectly synced with our new focus on the dermatology market with our direct sales force. The empirical evidence demonstrating Microcyn's efficacy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is highly compelling. This new patent provides Oculus market exclusivity for the use of hypochlorous acid with broad ranges of activity in the treatment of atopic dermatitis until the year 2027 when the patent expires."

The latest-issued patent joins an intellectual property estate (either owned or licensed to Oculus) that now includes 44 issued and allowed patents (nine in the United States and 35 foreign patents) as well 82 pending applications (both U.S. and foreign) directed to chemical compositions, apparatuses, methods of manufacturing and therapeutic uses.

About Atopic Dermatitis

In a 2009 GlobalData study, it was estimated the global atopic dermatitis therapeutics market delivered revenues of $643 million in 2009. It is expected to grow to $810 million at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.4% by 2016. Globally, the United States remains the largest market for atopic dermatitis therapeutics, and generated revenue of $402 million in 2009. It is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% over the next seven years to reach $582 million by 2016.

Physicians often define atopic dermatitis or eczema, as a long-lasting, or chronic, skin condition that causes intense itching and then a red, raised rash.  The current standard of care to mitigate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis are topical steroids.  In the United States, data from Wolters Kluwers suggests that physicians write prescriptions for topical steroids for atopic dermatitis approximately 12,500,000 times, each year.  

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis are characterized by itchy skin, which can lead to rash, redness, swelling, crusting and scaling. The disease affects up to 20 percent of infants and young children, who continue to have symptoms as adults with significant impact on their quality of life. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics are considered a key factor.

Topical corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, betamethasone, and fluticasone) are the most common treatment for atopic dermatitis. As eczema tends to be persistent, most people will have to use topical steroids on and off for many years. If used continuously topical steroids may lose their effectiveness after a few weeks. This is known as tachyphylaxis.

About Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc.

Oculus Innovative Sciences is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and markets solutions for the treatment of dermatological conditions and advanced tissue care. The company's products, which are sold throughout the United States and internationally, have improved outcomes for more than five million patients globally by reducing infections, itch, pain, scarring and harmful inflammatory responses. The company's headquarters are in Petaluma, California, with manufacturing operations in the United States and Latin America. European marketing and sales are headquartered in Roermond, Netherlands. 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 commercial and technology progress and future financial performance of Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company"). These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as "provides" and "joins," 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 common stock and warrants may be delisted from NASDAQ, 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, the Company may not be able 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 its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2015. The Company 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
         VP of Public and Investor Relations
         (425) 753-2105
         dmcfadden@oculusis.com

Released July 8, 2015