Bladder cancer firm Photocure has collaborated with Richard Wolf to develop and introduce a high-definition (HD) reusable flexible blue light cystoscope to market.
The partnership aims to develop advanced flexible blue light cystoscopy (BLC) equipment for global commercialisation.
The next generation 4K LED cystoscope will use Richard Wolf’s System blue technology.
According to Norway-based Photocure, the BLC with Hexvix / Cysview can support bladder cancer specialists in outpatient and surveillance settings.
Hexvix/Cysview is a medication that selectively accumulates in bladder cancer cells, causing them to glow in brightly pink under BLC.
When used with BLC, these drugs enhance tumour detection compared to standard white light cystoscopy alone.
Photocure president and CEO Dan Schneider said: “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.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Richard Wolf will develop the new BLC system with input and guidance from Photocure.
The bladder cancer-focused firm will support its expertise in surveillance procedures and relationships within the urology sector.
Richard Wolf will retain ownership of the new flexible blue light system and its associated intellectual property.
Additionally, the German medical technology company will serve as the sponsor for obtaining market authorisations globally.
Both partners will jointly bear the expenses related to the development and regulatory processes required for approvals of the HD flexible blue light system in the target commercial markets.
Photocure and Richard Wolf will jointly promote the new system across the US, Europe, and other international markets.
The oncology firm will use its current sales infrastructure to market the new reusable flexible system in North America and Europe.
The company will collaborate with Richard Wolf’s distributors or commercial partners in other regions for co-promotion.
According to the agreement, both parties will establish two governance committees for the achievement of R&D milestones and executing global pre- and post-approval go-to-market strategies.
Richard Wolf R&D vice president Florian Happe said: “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 commercialise a first-in-class/best-in-class high-definition flexible blue light system.”
