US OKs PhotoCure's actinic keratosis therapy:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
PhotoCure has gained US approval for its photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis, a sun-induced, pre-cancerous skin condition. The treatment involves the local application of a methyl aminolevulinate cream - currently called Metvix - and illumination with a proprietary red light source (CureLight/Aktilite) to activate the drug. The US approval is contingent on the FDA's acceptance of a tradename other than Metvix, which is similar to that of another dermatology product. The new tradename is expected in several weeks, said the Oslo, Norway firm. As a result of the approval, PhotoCure is entitled to receive a milestone payment of Euros3m ($3.66m) from Galderma, its sales and marketing partner outside the Nordic region. Metvix is already approved in 18 European countries, New Zealand and Australia.