Metvix photodynamic therapy receives full reimbursement for premalignant skin cancer and skin cancer in Sweden
Oslo, Norway, 22 May 2008 - Photocure is pleased to announce that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Board in Sweden (LFN) has decided that Metvix photodynamic therapy (PDT) shall be fully reimbursed for premalignant skin cancer (actinic keratosis (AK)) non-melanoma skin cancer and Bowen's disease. Metvix PDT is an effective non-invasive treatment approved for the treatment of certain cancerous and precancerous skin lesions and registered in approximately 30 countries worldwide, including the majority of European countries, Australia and New Zealand.
The decision follows a thorough examination of clinical and health economic data, showing that Metvix PDT is both an important treatment option for AK and non-melanoma skin cancer patients and yields value to society, i.e. the value of the treatment procedure overall outweighs the costs. Importantly this decision also takes into account the recent price increase for Metvix PDT in the Nordic region. Photocure will thoroughly evaluate how this decision can positively influence reimbursement and patient access in the other Nordic countries.
Kjetil Hestdal MD. Ph.D., President and CEO of Photocure comments: "The Pharmaceutical Benefits Board in Sweden (LFN) is known as one of the most rigorous evaluators of health and economic benefits of new medical treatments. As such, we are very pleased that Metvix PDT has been granted full reimbursement for treating AK and non-melanoma skin cancer in Sweden as it validates the way we work at Photocure, providing new and effective treatment to patients with a defined medical need at a price that also provides good value to society. We will continue to pursue Metvix PDT reimbursement possibilities in the Nordic region. "
Photocure ASA is a Norwegian pharmaceutical listed on Oslo Stock Exchange. The company develops and sells pharmaceuticals and medical devices based on proprietary photodynamic technologies, targeting key dermatology and oncology markets.
Photocure has two products with sales and marketing approvals: Metvix®, which is a product developed for the treatment of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) and pre-cancerous skin lesions (actinic keratosis), and Hexvix®, which is developed for the diagnosis of bladder cancer. Both products are based on the same photodynamic technology, combining the drug known as a photosensitiser with a light source that activates the photosensitiser. Photocure aims to develop a pipeline of follow-on products and technologies.
Photocure®, Metvix®, Aktilite® and Hexvix® are registered trrademarks of Photocure ASA.
For further information, contact:
Photocure ASA
Attn. Kjetil Hestdal (President and CEO) or Christian Fekete (CFO)
Kjetil Hestdal (kh@photocure.no), Mobile: +47 913 19 535
Christian Fekete (cf@photocure.no), Mobile: +47 916 42 938