Restylane SubQ approved in Europe ...

UPPSALA, Sweden, March 29, 2004 (PRIMEZONE).

Just recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and only available in the U.S. since January, Restylane is the medical industry's newest injectable treatment for facial lines and wrinkles, providing a safer and longer-lasting alternative to collagen injections.

Q-Med's new product, RESTYLANE SubQ, has got a CE certification with the indication for subcutaneous tissue augmentation, recommended by Q-Med to be used for shaping the contours of the face, e.g. more pronounced cheeks and chin. The approval of RESTYLANE SubQ means that the product now can be marketed and sold in the European Union, Norway and Switzerland.

"The worldwide market for soft tissue augmentation is a fast growing market. RESTYLANE SubQ has been developed to meet the increasing demand for a less invasive treatment option with a shorter down-time," says Anna Tenstam-Lundvall, Vice President, Esthetics Business Unit.

RESTYLANE SubQ is an instant esthetic treatment creating volume for the shaping of facial contours, such as cheeks and chin. It can also be used as an alternative or complement to traditional facelifts.

"Q-Med is offering training sessions for physicians on a selective basis and thus the treatment will be available for consumers in Europe after the training is completed," concludes Tenstam-Lundvall. RESTYLANE SubQ is based on Q-Med's patented NASHA technology just like the company's other esthetic products. The main difference between RESTYLANE SubQ and the other RESTYLANE products is the intended level of injection. RESTYLANE SubQ is intended for subcutaneous or supraperiosteal injections where large volumes are required.