Photocure ASA: Expert Recommendations on the Clinical and Cost Effectiveness of Hexvix® blue-light cystoscopy published in European Urology
Oslo, Norway, 10th July 2014: Photocure ASA (OSE: PHO), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on photodynamic technologies in dermatology and cancer, is pleased to note that updated expert recommendations on the clinical and cost effectiveness of Hexvix have been published in European Urology.
The European expert panel, comprised of leading urologists across Europe, has reviewed the most recent evidence on both the clinical benefits and cost effectiveness on the use of Hexvix blue-light cystoscopy in the diagnosis and follow up of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
The panel concluded that Hexvix blue-light cystoscopy is a clinically effective and cost-effective tool for improving NMIBC detection and management, thereby reducing the burden of disease for patients and costs to the healthcare system. The group recommends Hexvix blue-light cystoscopy for all patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer to improve initial resection and to identify previously missed or recurrent tumors at follow-up resections, especially in high-risk patients. Hexvix blue-light cystoscopy used at initial resection reduces costs and improves quality-adjusted life-years compared with a resection under white-light cystoscopy.
The European Association of Urology is one of the leading authorities in the world on urological practice, research and education. Over 16,000 medical professionals have joined its ranks and help to create forward-looking solutions for continuous improvement, professional growth and knowledge sharing. The world's leading experts contribute to the contents of the association's official journal, European Urology, whose readership is worldwide.
Professor J A Witjes, chair of the panel, said, "We hope that our recommendations will lead to improved care and better outcomes for patients, through more complete resection of tumours and improved follow up. The European expert panel's recommendations are available to support urologists in the clinical practice of Hexvix® blue light cystoscopy in the diagnosis and follow up of bladder cancer patients."
Kjetil Hestdal, President and CEO of Photocure, said, "Bladder cancer affects approximately 500,000 people in Europe[1] alone and has a high recurrence rate, up to 61% in one year and 78% over five years, making the lifetime costs of managing bladder cancer one of the highest of all cancers. We very much welcome the conclusions of the expert panel; they further reinforce the benefits of using Hexvix blue-light cystoscopy across several clinical settings and the significance to urologists, patients and payers fighting this disease."
In the analysis, the panel members highlight that appropriate use of the technique brings benefits to patients, and to the healthcare system. In addition to the use of Hexvix blue- light cystoscopy for all patients at initial resection and at follow-up, the use of Hexvix blue- light cystoscopy is also supported in several other clinical settings.
The publication "Witjes JA, et al. Clinical and Cost Effectiveness of Hexaminolevulinate-guided Blue-light Cystoscopy: Evidence Review and Updated Expert Recommendations. Eur Urol (2014)" can be viewed at http://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838(14)00611-3/abstract/clinical-and-cost-effectiveness-of-hexaminolevulinate-guided-blue-light-cystoscopy-evidence-review-and-updated-expert-recommendations
[1] International Agency for Research on Cancer. Globocan 2012: estimated cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence worldwide in 2012. http://globocan.iarc.fr.
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
Hume Brophy
Mary Clark, Hollie Vile, Supriya Mathur
Tel: +44 20 3440 5653, Email: photocure@humebrophy.com
Notes to editors
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.