
Mela Sciences (NSDQ:MELA) announced an expanded 3-year manufacturing contract with long-time supplier Askion GmbH for production of the MelaFind devices.
MelaFind, the company’s flagship product, is a handheld, non-invasive melanoma detection and identification system designed to help a physician decide whether or not to biopsy a suspect patch of skin.
Commercial launch of the MelaFind system is set to begin in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2012, according to a press release. The company will also begin penetrating European markets, starting with Germany.
Mela won FDA clearance for the MelaFind system in Nov. 2011 after more than 2 years, 2 panel reviews and 1 citizens’ petitions worth of effort.
Click here to listen to the MassDevice podcast interview with Mela Sciences CEO Dr. Joseph Gulfo
The years-long plight made Mela Sciences a poster child for charges of unpredictability at the FDA, culminating in a Progressive Policy Institute report asking "Is the FDA Strangling Innovation?"
MelaFind won CE Mark approval in the European Union in September.
MELA shares were up 3 percent at the end of the day today, closing at $4.55.

Here’s a roundup of companies announcing new distribution deals and other joint ventures.
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Calgary Scientific inks deal with Dell
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Vycor’s NovaVision snaps up Sight Science
Vycor Medical (OTC:VYCO) subsidiary NovaVision acquired Sight Science Ltd. Read more
MTF, ConMed in allograft deal
The Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation agreed to a deal that will see ConMed’s (NSDQ:CNMD) Linvatec subsidiary distribute its sports medicine allograft tissues and Cascade platelet-rich plasma. Read more
GE Healthcare, Biosense Webster in co-distribution pact
GE Healthcare inked a long-term agreement with Biosense Webster to co-distribute their electrophysiology systems. Read more
Austin Bioinnovation spins out 1st firm
The Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron, Ohio, spun out its first startup company, APTO Orthopaedics, which is developing a non-invasive spinal fixation system for children with scoliosis. Read more
Fujifilm buys Fujinon Endoscopy
Fujifilm Medical Systems U.S.A. integrated Fujinon endoscopy to its portfolio. Read more
Bioject explores "strategic alternatives"
Bioject Medical Technologies (OTC:BJCT) hired Snehal Patel to help it explore the proverbial "strategic alternatives," including a sale of the company. Read more
Cortec buys Cranial Technologies
Private equity shop Cortec Group acquired a majority interest in Cranial Technologies for an undisclosed amount. Read more