Photocure ASA

Regulatory Filings • Jun 11, 2019

HEXVIX® AT NUF 2019: FOCUS ON THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE

HEXVIX® AT NUF 2019: FOCUS ON THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE

Plenary and poster sessions focusing on the patient perspective and the

important role of urology nurses in supporting the patient and alleviating

anxiety

Oslo, Norway, June 11, 2019: today Photocure ASA announced highlights from the

32nd NUF Congress (Scandinavian Association of Urology) in Reykjavik, Iceland

June 5-8, 2019 attended by more than 300 urologists and urological nurses mainly

from the Nordic countries. Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLCT) with flexible

cystoscopes and Hexvix® was presented during plenary and poster sessions

focusing on the patient perspective and the important role of nurses in

optimizing patient care.

Three abstracts, two studies based on semi-structured interviews from Lillebaelt

Hospital, Vejle, Denmark and one prospective study from Oslo University Hospital

Aker, Norway, focused on the patient experience before, during and after the

outpatient BLC with Hexvix® highlighting the nurse's role in supporting the

patient.

Key findings from the Danish studies by Louise F. Øbro et al.:

· 10 out of 12 patients described that they experienced emotional and physical

support because it was the same nurse who handled all information and assignment

before, during and after the BLC with flexible cystoscope procedure.

· Indications that patient´s preparation and the support from the nurse could

reduce anxiety, especially if it is the first procedure for the patient.

· The BLC procedure in local anesthesia was well tolerated, and only one

patient reported discomfort.

Key findings from the Norwegian study by Therese Langfeldt-Rugelbak et al.:

· The BLC with flexible cystoscope procedure with both biopsy and ablation

(laser or diathermy) were performed on 59 patients. Average pain for biopsy vs.

ablation was 2,3 vs. 4,3 on a 10-point VAS scale.

· Flexible BLC with Hexvix with biopsy and ablation of bladder tumors

performed at the same time in local anesthesia is feasible and a well-tolerated

outpatient procedure.

Here is a link to the abstracts: https://bit.ly/30Td9iU

"It is very encouraging to see how our most advanced Nordic market continues to

develop Hexvix for the outpatient/ office setting. The opportunity to perform

surveillance cystoscopies including biopsies and tumor removal in local

anesthesia without bringing the patient to the operating room will have

tremendous benefits for the patient's comfort and peace of mind, but also on the

healthcare community and cost management. The important contribution of the

nurses to the patient experience was clearly demonstrated in these studies, and

we foresee their role and impact to increase even further going forward",

commented Dan Schneider, President and CEO, Photocure ASA.

About Bladder Cancer

There are 7 151 new cases of bladder cancer in the Nordic and more than 2 044

deaths from the disease annually. Approx. 75% of all bladder cancer cases occur

in men[1]. It has a high recurrence rate with an average of 61% in year one and

78% over five years[2]. Bladder cancer has the highest lifetime treatment costs

per patient of all cancers[3].

Bladder cancer is a costly, potentially progressive disease for which patients

have to undergo multiple cystoscopies due to the high risk of recurrence. There

is an urgent need to improve both the diagnosis and the management of bladder

cancer for the benefit of patients and healthcare systems alike.

Bladder cancer is classified into two types, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

(NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), depending on the depth of

invasion in the bladder wall.  NMIBC remains in the inner layer of cells lining

the bladder. These cancers are the most common (75%) of all BC cases and include

the subtypes Ta, carcinoma in situ (CIS) and T1 lesions. MIBC is when the cancer

has grown into deeper layers of the bladder wall. These cancers, including

subtypes T2, T3 and T4, are more likely to spread and are harder to treat.[4]

About Hexvix®/Cysview® (hexaminolevulinate HCl)

Hexvix®/Cysview® is a drug that is selectively taken up by tumor cells in the

bladder making them glow bright pink during Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLCT). BLCT

with Hexvix® /Cysview® improves the detection of tumors and leads to more

complete resection, fewer residual tumors and better management decisions.

Cysview® is the tradename in the US and Canada, Hexvix® is the tradename in all

other markets. Photocure is commercializing Cysview® /Hexvix® directly in the US

and the Nordic region and has strategic partnerships for the commercialization

of Hexvix®/Cysview® in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Please refer

to https://bit.ly/2wzqSQQ for further information on our commercial partners.

All trademarks mentioned in this release are protected by law and are registered

trademarks of Photocure ASA

This press release may contain product details and information which are not

valid, or a product is not accessible, in your country. Please be aware that

Photocure does not take any responsibility for accessing such information which

may not comply with any legal process, regulation, registration or usage in the

country of your origin.

For more information, please contact:

Dan Schneider

President and CEO, Photocure ASA

Tel: + 1-609 759-6515

Email: ds@photocure.com

Erik Dahl

CFO, Photocure ASA

Tel: +4745055000

Email: ed@photocure.com

About Photocure ASA

Photocure: The Bladder Cancer Company delivers transformative solutions to

improve the lives of bladder cancer patients. Our unique technology, which makes

cancer cells glow bright pink, has led to better health outcomes for patients

worldwide. Photocure is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and listed on the Oslo

Stock Exchange (OSE: PHO). For more information, please visit us at

www.photocure.com, www.hexvix.com or www.cysview.com

References

1. Globocan. Incidence/mortality by population.  Available

at: http://globocan.iarc.fr/Default.aspx

2. Babjuk M, Burger M, Zigeuner R, Shariat SF, van Rhijn BW, Compérat E, et al.

EAU Guidelines on non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (Ta, T1 and CIS). Eur Urol.

2016 Guidelines Edition:1-40.

3. Sievert KD et al. World J Urol 2009;27:295-300

4. Bladder Cancer. American Cancer Society.

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer.html