Optical Imaging Agent Licensed to GE

GE Healthcare (Chalfont St. Giles, UK) and PhotoCure ASA (Olso, Norway) have announced a licensing agreement that grants GE Healthcare exclusive global rights outside of the United States and the Nordic region to market and distribute PhotoCure's product Hexvix (hexaminolevulinate), an optical molecular imaging agent intended for the diagnosis and monitoring of bladder cancer.

PhotoCure will be responsible for manufacturing and for Nordic distribution of the product. The agreement includes an exclusive option for GE Healthcare to market and distribute the product in the United States.

Hexvix has received approval for the diagnosis of bladder cancer in a large number of European countries through the European mutual recognition procedure, with more expected in the near future. This product is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). GE's agreement includes access to other indications for the product currently under assessment and testing by PhotoCure.

"This is a great match. With its focus, strong market position in imaging and successful track record of launching new products, GE Healthcare is the ideal partner for establishing Hexvix as a tool in the diagnosis of bladder cancer,” said Kjetil Hestdal, president and CEO, PhotoCure.

"We believe our partnership with PhotoCure will result in significant patient benefit in the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer,” said Daniel L. Peters, president of Medical Diagnostics at GE Healthcare.

Optical imaging utilizes light to illuminate superficial tissue--such as bladder tissue. By combining this modality with an optical molecular imaging agent, tumors might be targeted more precisely. Optical imaging may improve the diagnostic abilities of urologists and allow for improved patient care.





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