Photocure and Richard Wolf to Develop High-Definition Flexible Blue Light Cystoscope for Global Market

OSLO, Norway, July 15, 2024 -- Photocure ASA, known as the Bladder Cancer Company, has announced a strategic collaboration with Richard Wolf GmbH. This partnership aims to develop and commercialize a new generation 4K LED high-definition (HD) reusable flexible blue light cystoscope, leveraging Richard Wolf's System blue technology. The goal of this collaboration is to advance flexible blue light cystoscopy (BLC®) equipment for the global market. This will enable physicians treating bladder cancer patients to utilize BLC with Hexvix®/Cysview® in outpatient or surveillance settings.

According to the agreement, Richard Wolf will be responsible for developing the new flexible BLC system with input from Photocure, which will contribute its extensive knowledge of surveillance procedures and its experience with urology customers. The new flexible blue light system and its intellectual property will be owned by Richard Wolf, which will also handle market authorizations globally. Both companies will share the expenses for the development and regulatory activities required for the approval of the HD flexible blue light system in various markets.

The partnership between Photocure and Richard Wolf is built on a longstanding relationship revolving around co-promotion, disease awareness, education, market development, and clinical research. Together, they will co-promote the new blue light flexible system in the U.S., Europe, and other global markets.

Photocure will utilize its existing sales organization to promote the new reusable flexible system in North America and Europe. In other markets, they will rely on Richard Wolf’s distributors or commercial partners for co-promotion. Additionally, Photocure plans to leverage data from existing patient registries to support the benefits of flexible blue light cystoscopy for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The agreement includes the formation of two governance committees to oversee the collaboration: a Joint Development Committee to ensure R&D milestones are met and a Joint Commercialization Committee to execute go-to-market strategies both pre- and post-approval globally.

Flexible BLC equipment has been unavailable in the U.S. since early 2023 due to the discontinuation of outdated systems. As a leading company in bladder cancer management, Photocure is committed to ensuring the availability of BLC with Hexvix/Cysview for physicians globally, both in surgical and surveillance settings, thus providing optimal care for bladder cancer patients.

Dan Schneider, President and CEO of Photocure, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, "This collaboration with Richard Wolf is crucial for making high-definition BLC equipment consistently available for patients globally. Prior to the discontinuation of standard-definition flexible blue light equipment in the U.S., there was significant growth in its adoption by physicians who recognized the benefits of precision monitoring of bladder tumors with BLC and Cysview. We are eager to work with Richard Wolf on developing and commercializing a 4K high-definition blue light cystoscope, bringing an advanced and cost-effective solution to physicians and patients as soon as possible."

Florian Happe, Vice President R&D at Richard Wolf, expressed similar enthusiasm, stating, "We are pleased to partner with Photocure to develop and commercialize a top-tier high-definition flexible blue light system. Richard Wolf's craftsmanship ensures exceptional precision and longevity in clinical settings, enabling our customers to provide excellent care. Surveillance of bladder cancer patients is crucial for disease management, and we believe this high-definition blue light cystoscope designed for outpatient use will set a new standard."

Bladder cancer is a prevalent disease with significant recurrence rates and high treatment costs. Improved diagnostic tools and management strategies are urgently needed. The collaboration between Photocure and Richard Wolf aims to address these needs by developing advanced BLC technology, potentially transforming care for bladder cancer patients worldwide.

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