Leading change since 1997
Every step of our history has led us to where we are today – aiming to deliver transformative solutions to improve the lives of bladder cancer patients. We operate in Europe and the U.S. with approximately 100 highly skilled employees, and collaborate with commercial, oncological and biotech partners in other territories.
Established in Norway in 1997, Photocure was founded by the Norwegian Radium Hospital to develop and commercialize a promising photodynamic non-melanoma skin cancer product. This led to the first Photocure mission: to become a global leader in photodynamic technology.
Photocure starts to grow and expand. Being listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange helps drive research and development focus, investigating medical applications of Photodynamic therapies with Metvix® (methyl aminolevulinate) and Hexvix® (hexaminolevulinate 85mg).
2000
- Listed in the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE)
2001
- Metvix® licensed to Galderma S.A.
- First approval for Metvix®
2002
- Metvix® launched in the Nordics
2003
- Galderma S.A launches Metvix®.
Partnerships and expanding licenses enable Photocure to deliver on commercializing products across European and U.S. markets.
2004
- First approval for Hexvix®
2005
- Hexvix® approved in the EU/EEA
- Hexvix® launched in the Nordics.
2006
- Hexvix® launched in the EU
- Hexvix® licensed to GE Healthcare
2007
- Signed partnership agreement with Salix for Lumacan®
2009
- Metvix®/Aktilite® divested to Galderma S.A.
- 2008 Metvix®/Aktilite® approved in the U.S.
- PCI Biotech divested from Photocure as an independent listed entity, streamlining Photocure’s business around PDD/PDT.
Photocure solidifies its position as a global company with an international footprint expanding through partners in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and by establishing operations in the U.S.
Achieving a historical milestone for the company, AUA and SUO guidelines recommend blue light cystoscopy with Hexvix®/Cysview® – broadening the number of patients Photocure is able to help.
2010
- Photocure Inc. established in the U.S.
- Lumacan® licensed to Salix
- Cysview® approved in the U.S.
2011
- Allumera® launched in the U.S.
- Hexvix® licensed by Ipsen in Europe
2012
- Cysview® launch by Photocure in the U.S.
- Exit Allumera® U.S. business
2013
- Positive results of Phase 2b Cevira® study
- Visonac® is Phase III ready.
2014
- Cevira® clinical program is Phase III ready.
- Licensing agreement with Salix terminated
2015
- Hexvix® licensed by Juno Pharmaceuticals in Australia and New Zealand
- Cysview® licensed by BioSyent Pharma in Canada
- Hexvix® recommended in NICE Guidelines, UK
- Agreement with U.S. FDA for Cevira® Phase III registration program
2016
- Blue light cystoscopy with Hexvix®/Cysview® recommended in the new AUA/SUO guidelines
- Hexvix® marketing authorization approval in Australia
- Hexvix® granted EU approval for prefilled syringe product packaging
Photocure becomes The Bladder Cancer Company under direction of new CEO, Dan Schneider. A new ambition is set – to be the specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the lives and outcomes of bladder cancer patients.
This vision led Photocure to expand research capabilities, partnering with dedicated teams across the world. In- and out-licensing programs are increased, partnerships are forged with patient association groups and Photocure is dedicated to creating a diverse, focused, ambitious and passionate workforce.
2017
- Photocure files supplemental New Drug Application with FDA for Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC®) with Cysview®
- Allumera® divested to Bellus
2018
- New CEO appointed - Dan Schneider
- FDA Approval of Expanded Indications for Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview® incl. flexible cystoscopes and CIS
- Starting exclusive Nordic distribution of Hivec® for Combat Medical
2019
- Cevira® out-licensed to Asieris Meditech Co., Ltd.
- Exit Visonac® development for inflammatory acne
2020
- Photocure retrieves the rights to commercialize Hexvix® in European markets, from Ipsen on Oct 1.
- Genotests SpA appointed as exclusive partner for Hexvix® in Chile
2021
- Asieris appointed exclusive partner for Hexvix® in China
- Regulatory approval of Hexvix® in Chile
2022
- Photocure regains the marketing and distribution rights to Cysview in Canada®.
- Endotherapeutics appointed exclusive commercial partner for Hexvix® in Australia & New Zealand
- IGL Medical appointed as exclusive commercial partner for Hexvix® in Israel
2023
- Hexvix® meets clinical endpoint in phase III clinical trial in China (1st RCT done with HD equipment) and is submitted for NMPA approval
- Multinational phase III clinical trial for Cevira® meets research endpoint
Our journey is far from over. Year-on-year we are increasing our global footprint through technologies and medicines aimed to improve the lives of people with bladder cancer. Photocure has evolved since 1997, but one thing has always remained consistent – our dedication to transforming the way bladder cancer is managed and creating ways to help healthcare providers and their patients.