ESC Medical Systems acquires diode-laser manufacturer

ESC Medical Systems acquires diode-laser manufacturer

The latest round of acquisitions by ESC Medical Systems Ltd. (Yokneam, Israel) includes diode-laser manufacturer Applied Optronics Corp. (AOC; South Plainfield, NJ) and exclusive rights to a series of patents for cosmetic-laser applications. AOC has developed a diode-laser hair-removal system that is half the cost of typical ruby-laser hair-removal systems. An additional strategic benefit of the AOC acquisition is the further enhancement of ESC`s efforts in photodynamic therapy (PDT). AOC already supplies multiwavelength diode lasers for PDT applications; for example, the company has provided diode lasers to Scotia Quanta Nova for use with Foscan, the Canadian company`s PDT drug. "AOC`s diode-laser technology, combined with our expanded proprietary position, gives ESC enhanced technical capabilities and competitive advantages in the cosmetic medical business," says Shimon Eckhouse, chairman, president, and CEO of ESC.