Doug, Here's the story on the LGND Canadian launch of PHOTOFRIN:
LIGAND LAUNCHES SECOND PRODUCT - PHOTOFRIN(R) IN CANADA
SAN DIEGO, July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(Nasdaq: LGND) announced today the launch of its second Canadian
product, PHOTOFRIN(R), porfimer sodium, a light-activated drug for use
in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of esophageal cancer and
superficial bladder cancer. PHOTOFRIN is marketed in Canada under an
exclusive agreement with QLT PhotoTherapeutics Inc. (formerly Quadra
Logic Technologies) (Nasdaq: QLTIF) through Ligand's subsidiary, Ligand
Pharmaceuticals (Canada) Inc.
"PHOTOFRIN's introduction is another step in the acceleration of
Ligand's commercialization strategy of becoming a specialty
pharmaceutical company in oncology. We are implementing this strategy
by acquiring exclusive rights to market proprietary products and
building specialty pharmaceutical oncology operating units in an effort
to make these products successful," according to George F. Homer III,
Ligand Vice President, Commercial Operations.
"PHOTOFRIN is our second oncology product launched in Canada in less
than three months. We are just beginning to build Ligand's oncology
franchise," according to James R. Mirto, Ligand Vice President, New
Product Development and Licensing. "PHOTOFRIN is the first PDT product
in Canada. This is an excellent addition for Ligand's Oncology Sales
Specialists."
Dr. Michael Jewitt from the Toronto Hospital and Dr. Unyime Nseyo
from the University of West Virginia presented PHOTOFRIN data to the
Canadian urologist community at The Canadian Urological Association
Annual Meeting in Ottawa, Canada in June during a symposium.
PHOTOFRIN received marketing approval in Canada in July 1995 for the
treatment of esophageal cancer after an earlier approval in April 1993
for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer. Both current and
future indications will be marketed by Ligand. There are over 1,200 new
cases of esopahgeal cancer and 3,500 new cases of superficial bladder
cancer diagnosed each year in Canada.
PDT with PHOTOFRIN is a two-step process. The drug is first
injected intravenously into the patient. This is followed by an
interval during which the drug circulates, selectively accumulates, (and
is retained) in tumors while clearing from most other tissues.
PHOTOFRIN has no toxic effect on the tumor until light of a specific
wavelength from a medical laser is focused on the tumor which activates
the drug and destroys the cancer while causing minimal effect to
surrounding healthy tissue.
PHOTOFRIN received additional approvals in the Netherlands for lung
and esophageal cancers, and in Japan for early-stage lung, esophageal,
gastric and cervical cancers. In the U.S. a New Drug Application filing
for esophageal cancer was submitted in April 1994, and in July 1995 QLT
PhotoTherapeutics Inc. received an FDA "approvable" letter.
In April 1995, Ligand began marketing Chiron's Proleukin(R) for
metastatic renal cell carcinoma throughout Canada. Metastatic renal
cell carcinoma is an advanced form of kidney cancer with a projected
average survival of about one year. Proleukin (IL-2) is the first
therapy for renal cell carcinoma approved in the United States.
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, founded in 1987, is a leader in
gene transcription technology, particularly intracellular receptor (IR)
technology and Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription
(STATs). Ligand has applied IR and STATs technology to the discovery
and development of small molecule drugs to enhance therapeutic and
safety profiles and to address major unmet patient needs in cancer,
women's health, skin diseases, osteoporosis, cardiovascular and
inflammatory disease.
PHOTOFRIN(R) is the registered trademark of QLT PhotoTherapeutics
Inc. Proleukin(R) is the registered trademark of Chiron Corp.
CONTACT: Susan E. Atkins, VP, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, of
Ligand, 619-550-7687 |
