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Metvix PDT in acne: New study published in British Journal of Dermatology |
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08 Feb 2006 |
Oslo, Norway | Feb 07, 2006 | Results of an investigator initiated study of methyl aminolevulinate (Metvix®) photodynamic therapy are now posted on the Online Early web pages of the British Journal of Dermatology. The study was performed at Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen with Professor Hans Chr. Wulf as the main investigator.
The study is a blinded, randomized, and controlled trial comparing Metvix PDT to an untreated control group for the treatment of moderate to severe facial acne in 36 patients with acne. The results showed a 68% reduction in inflammatory lesions in the Metvix group, and no change in the control group. Side effects included pain and erythema. The authors conclude that Metvix PDT is an efficacious treatment for acne, but that the treatment regimen should be optimized to reduce the side effects.
Dr. Kjetil Hestdal, President and CEO of PhotoCure, comments: "We are pleased to see that the results of this investigator driven study confirm the efficacy results from our own pilot study reported in 2005. We are currently working on our development plans for this indication."
Acne is a common skin condition which affects up to 85% of 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.
PhotoCure ASA is a Norwegian pharmaceutical company founded in 1993 and 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 detection 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 is currently testing both products for new indications and aims to develop a pipeline of follow-on products and technologies.
For further information, contact:
PhotoCure ASA
Attn. Kjetil Hestdal (President and CEO) or Christian Fekete (CFO)
Hoffsveien 48
NO-0377 Oslo
Norway
www.photocure.com
Telephone: +47 22 06 22 10
Fax: +47 22 06 22 18
Kjetil Hestdal (
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Mobile: +47 913 19 535
Christian Fekete (
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Mobile: +47 916 42 938
SOURCE: PhotoCure ASA |
