Oslo, Norway, 6 February 2003.
PhotoCure is very pleased to announce the launch in Germany of Metvix® PDT, its novel photodynamic therapy for the treatment of actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma. This is the first launch of Metvix® PDT by Galderma, PhotoCure's marketing partner outside of the Nordic countries.
as a first step of the market introduction, Galderma has hosted a successful launch symposium for Metvix® PDT in Berlin, Germany. The symposium was held at Adlon Hotel and Charite University Hospital, and about 150 key opinion leaders within dermatology participated. The faculty, consisting of world recognised dermatologists, gave a complete review on all aspects of photodynamic therapy and Metvix® PDT, including a video presentation showing actual clinical experiences in established clinics. Scientific documentation outlining characteristics and benefits of Metvix® PDT was given to all participants.
Galderma has established several educational centres in Germany and will now focus on providing courses for dermatologists to ensure solid theoretical and practical training for doctors who wish to start practising PDT. Another important task for Galderma is to equip clinical centres with light sources. PhotoCure has supplied AktiliteTM light sources and Metvix® to Galderma prior to the market introduction symposium. Market introduction of Metvix® PDT in the United Kingdom will follow later this year.
President and CEO of PhotoCure ASA, Vidar Hansson, comments: "We are very pleased to see Metvix® introduced into the first market in Galderma's territory. Germany is an important market and we are impressed with the preparations and work that Galderma has done so far, both on the corporate level and in Germany. Their thorough work has strengthened the confidence we have in Galderma as a competent and strong marketing partner for PhotoCure."