PHOTOCURE ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF HEXVIX® INDICATION
Oslo, Norway, February 15, 2013: Photocure ASA (OSE:PHO), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on photodynamic technologies in dermatology and cancer announces expansion of the indication for Hexvix, the flagship brand to aid in the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer.
Based on data published in the Journal of Urology, 2010 and 2012, the European health authorities have recognized Hexvix blue light fluorescence cystoscopy not only as a diagnostic procedure, but also as a significant aid in the overall management of bladder cancer patients. Further to its well established diagnostic benefits, Hexvix also enables urologists to perform more complete resections of bladder lesions and reduces the risk of recurrence.
The approved expanded indication recommends use of Hexvix blue light fluorescence cystoscopy as an adjunct to white light cystoscopy in the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer.
These data demonstrated that the proportion of patients with recurrence nine months after cystoscopy is lower in the Hexvix group (47%) as compared to white light cystoscopy alone (56%). After long term follow-up, the improvement in time to recurrence is maintained.
Fred Witjes, MD, Department of Urology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, the Netherlands, said: "Hexvix is an important tool in patient management as it results in more than a better initial diagnosis and resection. It also appears to improve the prognosis of patients by increasing the long term recurrence-free survival. Beyond optimal patient care Hexvix results in more efficient and more patient friendly care, which implies lower costs to the overall healthcare system. "
Kjetil Hestdal, President and CEO of Photocure, said: "The expanded indication validates the utility of Hexvix to urologists and bladder cancer patients beyond a standard simple diagnostic tool. We are committed to the continued validation of this breakthrough product to ensure urologists and patients globally can benefit from Hexvix."
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For further information, please contact:
Photocure
President & CEO Kjetil Hestdal
Tel: + 47 913 19 535, Email: kh@photocure.no
CFO Erik Dahl
Tel: +47 50 55 000, Email: ed@photocure.no
M: Communications
Mary Clark, Amber Bielecka, Hollie Vile
Tel: +44 207920 2361, Email: photocure@mcomgroup.com
About Photocure
Photocure, 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. Information about Photocure is available at www.photocure.com.
Photocure Technology(TM) is Photocure's specifically designed photosensitizers combined with the exposure to light for diagnosis and/or treatment of specific conditions.
About Hexvix®/Cysview®: is the first approved and marketed drug-device procedure for improved detection and management of bladder cancer. Hexvix® is marketed and sold by Photocure in the Nordic countries, and in the US with the trade name Cysview®. Hexvix® is marketed by Ipsen Pharma in the rest of the world.
All trademarks mentioned in this release are protected by law and are registered trademarks of Photocure ASA.
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)