FDA clears device to reduce pain during laser treatments.

WAYLAND, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 1996-- Candela Corp. (NASDAQ:CLZR) announced today that ita has received clearance from the Food and Drug Anministration (FDA) to market a new device that significantly reduces pain during laser surgery.

The instrument -- known as the Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) -- was designed in conjunction with the University of California's Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic (BLIMC). The DCD is unique from other skin cooling devices in that it selectively cools the top layers of the skin during laser treatments. This minimizes thermal injury and pain without decreasing the effectiveness of the laser treatments. According to data collected by BLIMC, the short burst of cooling agent sprayed by the device onto the skin -- milliseconds before the delivery of the laser pulse -- reduces the amount of pain felt, allowing a patient to receive more laser therapy during each session. Thus, the number of visits required to obtain desired results can possibly be reduced by as much as 30 percent, Candela said.

Commenting on the FDA's clearance of the DCD, Michael W. Berns Ph.D., Beckman Laser Institute's director, said: "We developed the device in response to patients' requests for a more comfortable procedure, particularly for children. Children often endure long painful laser treatments when seeking relief from disfiguring birthmarks. We are very happy to have worked with an innovative company such as Candela and are excited that the device will provide physicians an added benefit for more effective treatments."

Gerard E. Puorro, Candela's president and CEO, stated: "The introduction of the Dynamic Cooling Device is another example of Candela's commitment to manufacturing the highest caliber and most effective products for both the patient and the physician. We plan to introduce this device for initial use with our SPTL-1b Vascular Lesion Laser, ScleroLASER and ScleroPLUS. Eventually, we hope to extend the DCD's cooling capability to our entire product line of six different cosmetic lasers, over 500 of which are installed worldwide."

The Dynamic Cooling Device is expected to be priced at under $20,000, and is scheduled for general availability in mid 1997.

Candela Corp. develops, manufactures and distributes innovative clinical solutions that enable physicians, surgeons and personal care practitioners to treat selected cosmetic and medical problems using lasers, cryosurgery and other proven technologies. In addition, the company is applying its capabilities and experience with skin care and related problems to develop a network of company-owned skin care centers and spas. Founded near Boston in 1970 as Candela Laser Corp., Candela markets and services its products in over 40 countries from offices in the United States, Europe and the Far East. For more information about Candela, visit the company's Web site at http://www.clzr.com.

CONTACT: Candela Corp.

Paul Cardarelli, 508/358-7637 x283

Stuart Pearlman, 212/370-4940