Oslo, Norway, 25 November 2003
PhotoCure announces today that Metvix has been approved in Switzerland for the treatment of actinic keratosis (premalignant skin disorder) and basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer). Metvix is now approved for marketing and sales in 16 European countries, in addition to New Zealand and Australia. Galderma is currently marketing Metvix in Germany and the UK and pre-launch activities have commenced in a number of countries.
Galderma intend to launch Metvix in Italy and Spain during 2004. Initial sales and launches might also take place in two additional countries.
Galderma has also achieved reimbursement within the National Health Service in Scotland for Metvix for the treatment of actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma at a price of £208 per tube.
Galderma has applied for marketing authorisation for Metvix in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovenia. During 2004, Galderma expect to file Metvix applications in additional European countries joining the EU as well as in Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. Preparations for the filing of further marketing applications are ongoing in several other countries.