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Lumacan® - Photodynamic Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer
Through our strategic partnership with Salix, Lumacan is in phase I/II development as an adjunct to white light cystoscopy for the detection of colorectal cancer. White light colonoscopy is the standard method for detection of colorectal cancer and large precancerous polyps. However, smaller polyps, including flat precancerous lesions may easily be overlooked.
Lumacan® found to increase detection rate
To improve the detection of colorectal precancerous lesions, Photocure initiated development of colorectal fluorescence imaging which may be used in addition to standard white light inspection. Fluorescence is achieved by administering Lumacan® prior to colonoscopy. Clinical phase I/II studies initially undertaken by Photocure have demonstrated that when using Lumacan®-colonoscopy 28% more polyps were detected than in standard white light colonoscopy alone. (Mayinger 2010)
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Colonic lesion in normal white light
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Colonic lesion with Lumacan®-colonoscopy
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License agreement with Salix
In October 2010 Photocure entered into an exclusive license agreement with Salix Pharmaceuticals for the development and commercialization rights to Lumacan®. Lumacan is a photodynamic colorectal diagnostic intended to significantly improve the detection of precancerous and cancerous lesions in the colon through fluorescence diagnosis. Salix has an exclusive worldwide license to Lumacan excluding the Nordic region. Salix is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina and develops and markets prescription pharmaceutical products for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
Reference:
Mayinger B et al., Endoscopy 2010;42:28-33
Last updated:
28.02.2012
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