In Brief: QLT PhotoTherapeutics
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
QLT PhotoTherapeutics: Launch of the firm's Photofrin laser light-activated cancer drug for advanced esophageal cancer by U.S. marketing partner Sanofi Winthrop is scheduled for September pending FDA's sign off on promotional materials, states Julia Levy, president and CEO, at an Aug. 13 session of the Medical Investments Northwest conference in Seattle. Laserscope and Coherent laser systems approved for performing photodynamic therapy in December 1995 in conjunction with the drug will be marketed separately by the two firms ("The Gray Sheet" Jan. 15, p. 6). Pivotal clinical trials with Photofrin will begin before year end for treating Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition. A supplementary new drug application will be filed with FDA for treatment of lung cancer "before the end of the year," Levy said...