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Biotech / Medical : QLT PhotoTherapeutics (QLTI) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Ian@SI who wrote (1241)	11/13/2001 5:43:49 PM
From: tuck	Respond to of 1321

Ian, OK, thanks, just coincidence, then. Still, not totally OT, if QLTI still owns shares of T.AXP. QLTI might want to update their website a tad. Cheers, Tuck

To: Ian@SI who wrote (1241)	6/19/2002 12:01:52 PM
From: tuck	Respond to of 1321

>>MONT-SAINT-HILAIRE, Quebec, June 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Axcan Pharma Inc. ("Axcan" or the "Company") announced today excellent long-term results from its Phase III clinical trial on PHOTOFRIN in the treatment of high grade dysplasia associated with Barrett's Esophagus, a relatively common condition that results from prolonged acid reflux (heartburn). These results confirm that PHOTOFRIN photodynamic therapy ("PDT") has the potential to be used for the prevention of esophageal cancer. "We are extremely pleased with the results of this long-term analysis since they confirm that PHOTOFRIN PDT significantly reduced the likelihood of progression to cancer in patients suffering from Barrett's Esophagus related high-grade dysplasia and that PHOTOFRIN PDT can potentially be used as a means to prevent esophageal cancer," indicated Leon Gosselin, President and CEO of Axcan. "A trend towards statistical significance had already been observed in the first patient follow-up analysis after a minimum of 6 months and a median period of 11.5 months. These results are now strengthened by an additional 2 years of follow-up. It has been demonstrated that not only is PHOTOFRIN PDT safe and effective but that its effects are prolonged since of the initial 138 patients in the PHOTOFRIN PDT-treated group, only two patients progressed to esophageal cancer after the original 6-month end-point," M. Gosselin concluded. In this analysis, 138 patients in the PHOTOFRIN PDT group and 70 patients in the comparative group were followed for a minimum 2-year period (median 3.5- year). Esophageal cancer occurred in only 13% of patients treated with PHOTOFRIN PDT compared to 27% of patients treated with omeprazole alone, a statistically significant 52% reduction that is highly statistically significant (p less than 0.02). Axcan has submitted this drug from approval, in North America and Europe and has been (granted orphan drug status in both regions. There currently are 25,000 to 35,000 people suffering from high-grade dysplasia associated with Barrett's Esophagus in North America and approximately 5,000 to 7,000 new patients diagnosed each year. The European market is estimated to be of similar size.<< snip Cheers, Tuck