The scope of the photodynamic therapy is expanding rapidly. This is mainly due to development of new photosensitizers and advanced light sources. Companies are striving to employ various tactics to succeed in this growing industry.
In February 2024, a novel clinical trial to treat glioblastoma with innovative photodynamic therapy was launched at UPMC and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. The new clinical trial will combine intraoperative PDT with the drug Pentalafen and a new laser device Heliance, developed by the France-based company Hermerion Therapeutics.
The new clinical trial marks an acceleration in the clinical development of Hermerion’s therapeutic solution. It is intended to make PDT part of the standard of care and help improve the quality of life and patient outcomes with glioblastoma.
In December 2023, Biofrontera Inc. received a notice of allowance from the USPTO for their patient application “Photodynamic therapy comprising two light exposures at different wavelengths”. This patent protects various innovations relating to a new illumination method to treat skin diseases with PDT.
In May 2024, The National Medical Products Administration accepted Photocure partner Asieris’s new drug application for the regulatory review of Cevira for potential marketing authorization in China. Cevira is a photodynamic drug-device combination product designed for the non-surgical treatment of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. It is licensed by Photocure to Asieris.
Approval of Cevira in China could mark a new beginning for Cervical HSIL management. This new product has the tendency to become a non-invasive option for treating pre-cervical cancer without the complications of surgical intervention.
In February 2023, Bausch + Lomb and Modulight received FDA approval for ML6710i photodynamic laser for use with the company’s VISUDYNE (verteporfin for injection) for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization and AMD. This approval will allow eye care professionals to use the new state-of-the-art photodynamic laser to effectively deliver VISUDYNE to patients who suffer from eye-related disorders like AMD.
In 2023, ImPact Biotech received orphan drug designation from the US FSA for Padeliporfin Vascular Targeted Photodynamic therapy (VTP) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
These developments are driving significant growth in the photodynamic therapy industry. They do so by improving treatment efficacy, expanding applications, and increasing regulatory approvals.
Approval of new PDT products, like that of Photocure’s Cevira, will play a key role in tackling the cancer burden and expanding the scope of the PDT industry. Launch of new clinical trials, such as that of Hermerion’s glioblastoma study, is expected to make PDT more popular for treating cancers, skin disorders, and eye diseases.
Regulatory approvals, like the FDA’s grant for ML6710i, will open new opportunities and increase accessibility. Patents like Biofrontera’s innovative illumination methods are set to foster technological advancements, making PDT more effective and widely adopted. Similarly, development of novel photosensitizers will support the industry’s expansion.
