CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chicago-based podiatrist, Dr. Mary Olszewski, announced today the initiation of a new clinical study to evaluate the use of ArteFill to reduce foot pain caused by fat pad loss within the plantar metatarsal area, commonly known as the ball of the foot.

The clinical study investigator, Mary Olszewski, DPM, American Board of Podiatric Orthopedic & Primary Podiatric Medicine, reports that she is conducting this study to evaluate ArteFill for the reduction of pain and impact on activity level caused by fat pad loss in the plantar metatarsal area in patients who have pain in their feet and who have failed the use of traditional conservative therapies such as pads, shoe wear, orthotics and /or possible use of other temporary injectable dermal filler materials.

Dr. Olszewski expects to enroll 10 patients during the second half of 2008. Under the clinical study protocol, ArteFill will be injected sub-dermally over the entire metatarsal area, and patients will return at bi-weekly intervals to document level of pain, level of activity and work and recreational activities. After study completion, these findings will be submitted and are expected to be published in a peer reviewed podiatry journal.

Dr. Olszewski said, "Based on my years of experience in the field of podiatry and my understanding of the composition of ArteFill as the first and only FDA approved nonresorbable dermal filler, I believe that the use of ArteFill may offer the potential to significantly reduce foot pain and discomfort for patients suffering from podiatric disorders. Through the reduction of pain, a patient's quality of life can be substantially enhanced."

Dr. Olszewski received a research grant from Artes Medical, Inc (NASDAQ:ARTE) to conduct this study. For more information on Dr. Olszewski or her study, please call Mary C. Olszewski, DPM & Associates, P.C. at (847) 398-0900.