PhotoCure - First study in acne shows promising results
Oslo, Norway, 10 June 2005.
PhotoCure ASA has completed the first clinical study of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Metvix® in the treatment of acne.
The study included 30 patients at 3 Nordic sites and was designed to compare the efficacy of Metvix PDT to placebo in patients with moderate to severe acne. The study results show that Metvix PDT gave a significantly greater reduction in the number of inflammatory acne lesions 12 weeks after treatment.
Kjetil Hestdal, President and CEO of PhotoCure, says: "We are pleased that the current study confirms our intitial observations of the possible benefits of using PhotoCures patented PDT technology in this patient group. Based on these results, we will now discuss future development strategies for this indication with Galderma."
Acne is a common skin problem that has been reported to effect up to 85% of all adolescents. Of those who seek medical advice, about 50% have moderate and 20% have severe acne. Current therapies for these patients include oral antibiotics and isotretinoin, both products that may have significant adverse effects. There is thus a clear medical need for a safe and efficacious topical treatment for acne patients.