Low-level laser trial set to begin in North America

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 22 – MedX Health Corp., a global leader in developing drug free, non-invasive low level laser and light therapy for tissue repair and pain relief, today announced that the company has received FDA Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval to study the effectiveness of laser acupuncture for addiction to nicotine, alcohol and drugs. This study, to be launched in both Canada and the United States, will be an open, multi-center trial treating patients with addictions to assess the effectiveness of using the MedX laser probe as a means of controlling the need for these substances.

The most common addictions are to legal substances, including nicotine, alcohol and drugs such as prescription painkillers. Each can lead to a number of debilitating conditions and even death.

“While the use of laser therapy in addiction is not a new concept, it has not been well-documented and it is important that MedX conduct these meaningful studies to confirm the efficacy of our laser and established treatment protocols for these addictions. This would lead to a more cost-effective way to treat addiction,” states Steve Guillen, president and CEO of MedX Health. “This is just the beginning of a number of trials we plan to launch in laser acupuncture with our MedX laser probe. Our goal is to institute a safe and effective standard of care for those suffering from substance abuse and the serious medical conditions that can result from drug, alcohol, and smoking addictions,” adds Guillen.

“Each clinic that participates in the study will use our MedX laser probe with established protocols and will be responsible for documenting and sending us data regularly, which will be analyzed and published on a yearly basis,” explains Anita Saltmarche, RN, MHSc, vice president of clinical and scientific affairs.

About the trial

The MedX multi-center trial will determine the effectiveness of laser acupuncture for treating a number of major health conditions that significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. Drug, alcohol, and smoking addictions cost individuals, society and the health care system millions in treating these addictions, including various cessation programs.

MedX will be working with sites across the US and Canada to enroll patients interested in participating in studies using low level laser therapy for auricular acupuncture for smoking, drug or alcohol abuse.

The comprehensive addiction treatment program and study includes well-established staff education and training, marketing materials and innovative low level laser technology to ensure a high quality, standardized treatment protocol. The research results will assist in guiding clinical practice and increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes for patients experiencing an array of significant health issues.