MELA Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELA) designer and developer of MelaFind®, an FDA approved non-invasive optical device that assists dermatologists in diagnosing melanoma at its most curable stage, announces the Company will participate in the 16th Annual Mount Sinai Winter Dermatology Symposium in New York City, December 6-8, 2013. In conjunction with the Symposium, MELA will also host its second Clinical Advisory Meeting on Friday, December 6, 2013.

The Mount Sinai Symposium focuses on the most current research, devices, surgical techniques, cosmetic agents and diagnosis and treatment techniques for a variety of skin conditions, including skin cancer. The symposium is intended for dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, residents, fellows, medical students and allied health professionals.

MELA Sciences Clinical Advisory Meeting - Winter 2013

The Clinical Advisory Meeting will gather thought leaders in the field of medical dermatology to discuss the use, clinical value and future potential of MelaFind®, MELA Sciences' optical imaging technology. Gary Goldenberg, MD, Assistant Professor, Dermatology and Pathology, and Medical Director of the Dermatology Faculty Practice at Mount Sinai's Department of Dermatology will chair the meeting. Dr. Goldenberg has been using the Company's MelaFind® optical diagnostic device in clinical practice for over a year.

Dr. Goldenberg, commented, "MELA Sciences is a true pioneer in bringing innovative optical imaging technology to the challenging process of melanoma diagnosis. MelaFind® data and images literally provide dermatologists with 'another set of eyes' to help them in their assessment of pigmented skin lesions for possible melanoma. Like other imaging technologies, there seems to be much additional potential for their technology to aid in the diagnosis of skin disorders."

MELA Sciences will share new insights and data on the MelaFind® system's performance and clinical applications, as well as possible new applications being researched at leading centers in the U.S. and Germany. The Company seeks to position MelaFind® and its unique optical imaging technology and data analysis as a standard of care in computer assisted mole monitoring and management of ambiguous pigmented skin lesions.

Julie E. Russak, M.D., FAAD, a specialist in skin cancer and melanoma, will keynote the session discussing how MelaFind® has aided her biopsy decision making process during melanoma examinations as well as in her ability to communicate with patients about the state of their skin lesions. Dr. Russak will also speak about how she has integrated the quick, painless MelaFind® evaluation into the workflow at Russak Dermatology Clinic, her thriving midtown Manhattan dermatology practice. Dr. Russak is a Board Certified Dermatologist, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and a Volunteer Faculty in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. In addition to extensive research in Cutaneous Oncology, Dr. Russak has published multiple journal articles and authored a chapter for a prominent skin cancer textbook. She was also the editor of the July 2012 issue of the Dermatologic Clinic's update on Melanoma and Pigmented Lesions.

Rose Crane, CEO of MELA Sciences, commented, "Having recently reoriented our MelaFind® marketing strategy to focus on opinion leaders in medical dermatology, the Mount Sinai Symposium provides an excellent opportunity to introduce and expand awareness of our technology and to gather feedback from some of the nation's leading physicians. We are grateful for the support we have received from Mount Sinai and our presenting physicians and look forward to expanding awareness of our technology which can assist dermatologists in the fight against melanoma."

Melanoma - Deadly but Curable if Caught Early

Melanoma is a skin cancer formed in melanocytes, cells responsible for forming pigments (melanin) responsible for skin color. Melanoma is the deadliest and fastest growing cancer in the U.S., according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Doctors in the United States diagnose about 160,000 new cases of melanoma per year, and the World Health Organization estimates about 48,000 melanoma related deaths occur worldwide each year. Melanoma is almost 100% curable if caught early; however, according to according to a Harris Interactive Study commissioned by MELA Sciences, 76% of Americans have never had a skin check by a dermatologist.

About MELA Sciences, Inc. www.melasciences.com

MELA Sciences is a medical device company developing dermatology diagnostics utilizing state-of-the-art optical imaging. The Company's flagship product is MelaFind®, an FDA approved, non-invasive diagnostic tool to aid dermatologists in melanoma evaluation and diagnosis. MelaFind® uses a variety of visible to near-infrared light waves to evaluate skin lesions from the surface to 2.5 mm beneath the skin. The device provides images and data on the relative disorganization of a lesion's cell structure that provides substantial additional perspective to aid in melanoma diagnosis. MELA is also exploring new potential uses for its core imaging technology and algorithms. MelaFind® has also received CE Mark approval and is approved for use in the European Union.

Safe Harbor

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include but are not limited to our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and may contain words such as "seeks," "look forward," and "there seems" that suggest future events or trends. These statements are based on our current expectations and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from our expectations due to financial, economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and political factors or conditions affecting the company and the medical device industry in general, as well as more specific risks and uncertainties set forth in the company's SEC reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K. Given such uncertainties, any or all of these forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect or unreliable. MELA Sciences assumes no duty to update its forward-looking statements and urges investors to carefully review its SEC disclosures available at www.sec.gov and www.melasciences.com.

Investors
Catalyst Global LLC
Toni Trigiani, David Collins
212-924-9800
mela@catalyst-ir.com
or
Media
Rpr Marketing Communications
Erica Sperling, 212-317-1462
Erica.Sperling@rprmc.com