PHASE 2 DATA ON VISONAC® IN ACNE WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY 71ST ANNUAL MEETING
Oslo, Norway, March 1 2013: Photocure ASA (OSE: PHO), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on photodynamic technologies in dermatology and cancer, announces that data will be presented on Visonac, a novel investigational topical acne treatment, at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 71st Annual Meeting in Miami on Saturday March 2. Dr David Pariser, Professor of Dermatology, Eastern Virginia Medical School and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology, is the lead author on the poster which will be presented on Saturday 2 March at 09.55 am EST.
The phase 2 data on Visonacreleased in May 2012, presented results in patients with severe acne vulgaris.In this study, treatment with Visonac as photodynamic therapy demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in inflammatory acne lesions and overall improvement in acne severity compared to control. Additionally, the treatment regimen was well tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported in the study
Dr David Pariser, Professor of Dermatology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, former president of the American Academy of Dermatology and principal investigator, commented: "These data are encouraging as they demonstrate that Visonac has the potential to be a significant advance for acne patients. There is high medical need for novel alternative treatment options in this patient population in whom the presence of multiple inflammatory lesions takes a high toll on both their emotional and social well-being."
Kjetil Hestdal, President and CEO of Photocure, said: "The AAD conference is renowned for attracting leading experts in the field, and we are delighted that the organisers have accepted the data on Visonac for presentation at the meeting. This poster will provide valuable information on Visonac as a promising new treatment option for the large number of patients globally who suffer from acne."
About Acne
Acne is the single most common skin disease worldwide, and affects up to 85% of all 12-24 year olds. There is a high unmet medical need for patients with acne, where the current mainstay of treatment is oral antibiotics and/or retinoids. Visonac is being developed as the first photodynamic therapeutic option for this large patient population, which can easily and conveniently be administered in dermatology offices. By avoiding the risks of increased antibiotic resistance from long term exposure, and providing a highly tolerable alternative to isotretinoin, Visonac has the potential to satisfy a high unmet medical need.
About Visonac®
Visonac® (methyl aminolevulinate 80mg/g) cream is applied to the acne area and after a short incubation time, the skin is illuminated with red light. The mechanism of action is two fold: an antibacterial effect against P. Acnes and a reduction of sebum production by the sebaceous glands.
Photodynamic technology is the application of a photosensitizer followed by exposure to light for activation.
For further information, please contact:
Photocure
President & CEO Kjetil Hestdal
Tel: + 47 913 19 535, Email: kh@photocure.no
M: Communications
Mary Clark, Amber Bielecka, Hollie Vile
Tel: +44 207920 2361, Email: photocure@mcomgroup.com
About Photocure ASA
Photocure ASA, headquartered in Oslo Norway, is a specialty pharmaceutical company and world leader in photodynamic technology. Based on our unique proprietary Photocure Technology(TM) platform, Photocure develops and commercializes highly selective and effective solutions within disease areas with high unmet medical need, such as bladder cancer, HPV and precancerous cervical lesions, colorectal cancer and skin conditions. Our aim is to provide solutions which can improve health outcomes for patients worldwide. Photocure is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: PHO). Information about Photocure is available at www.photocure.com.
All trademarks mentioned in this release are protected by law and registered trademarks of Photocure.