Photocure Enters Agreement with Richard Wolf for Flexible Blue Light Cystoscope

Photocure ASA, the Bladder Cancer Company, has entered into a strategic agreement with Richard Wolf GmbH to develop and commercialize a next-generation 4K LED high-definition (HD) reusable flexible blue light cystoscope. 

 

The partnership between Photocure and Richard Wolf is focused on developing technologically advanced flexible blue light cystoscopy (BLC) equipment for the global market so that physicians who treat patients with bladder cancer can offer the benefits of BLC with Hexvix/ Cysview in an outpatient, or surveillance setting.

 

The strategic partnership between Photocure and Richard Wolf builds off a longstanding relationship between the two companies associated with co-promotion, disease awareness, education, market development, and clinical research. 

 

“Entering into this partnership with Richard Wolf is a milestone for Photocure, and more importantly is the first step toward making high-definition BLC equipment in the surveillance setting consistently available for patients globally,” said Dan Schneider, President and CEO of Photocure. “Before the phase-down of standard-definition flexible blue light equipment in the U.S., adoption of these systems was on a strong growth path with physicians recognizing the significant benefits of precision monitoring of bladder tumors with BLC and Cysview. We look forward to working with Richard Wolf on the development and anticipated commercialization of a 4K high-definition blue light cystoscope and bringing a cutting-edge and cost-effective solution to physicians and patients in our commercial territories as soon as possible.”

 

Under the Agreement, Richard Wolf will develop the new flexible BLC system with input and guidance from Photocure, using Photocure’s knowledge of the surveillance procedure and experience with urology customers. It will also be based on Richard Wolf’s System blue technology.

 

The new flexible blue light system and underlying intellectual property will be owned by Richard Wolf, who will also serve as the sponsor of market authorizations around the world. 

 

Photocure and Richard Wolf will share expenses for the development and regulatory activities necessary for approvals of the HD flexible blue light system in markets where it will be commercialized. Photocure and Richard Wolf will co-promote the new blue light flexible system in the U.S., Europe, and other countries globally.

 

Photocure will utilize data from existing patient registries to leverage real-world evidence to further support the benefits of flexible blue light cystoscopy for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Per the agreement, Photocure and Richard Wolf will establish two governance committees to oversee the progress of the collaboration including a Joint Development Committee to ensure R&D milestones are successfully achieved and a Joint Commercialization Committee to execute pre- and post-approval go-to-market strategies globally.

 

“As a full-service provider in endoscopy and a leading manufacturer of blue light cystoscopy equipment, we are very pleased to enter into this Agreement with Photocure, to develop and commercialize a first-in-class/best-in-class high-definition flexible blue light system,” said Florian Happe, Vice President R&D at Richard Wolf. “The workmanship that goes into every Richard Wolf device provides the foundation for exceptional precision and longevity in the clinical setting, enabling our institutional and physician customers to deliver excellence in care to their patients. Surveillance of patients with bladder cancer is of critical importance in disease management, and we believe that a high-definition blue light cystoscope designed for out-patient use has potential to set a new standard in this care setting.”

 

Photocure will leverage its existing sales organization to promote the new reusable flex system in North America and Europe and will rely on Richard Wolf distributors or commercial partners to co-promote the device in other markets.