Photocure ASA (OSE: PHO), the Bladder Cancer Company, announces that its partner Asieris Pharmaceuticals (SSE: 688176) communicated today that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has accepted its new drug application (NDA) for the regulatory review of Cevira^® (APL-1702, Hexaminolevulinate Hydrochloride Ointment Photodynamic Therapy System) for potential marketing authorization in China. Cevira (APL-1702) is a photodynamic drug-device combination product in development for the non-surgical atreatment of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), licensed to Asieris by Photocure.

"We are pleased that Cevira continues to advance toward market approval in China, as it can serve an important non-invasive option to treat pre-cervical cancer without the complications of surgical intervention," said Dan Schneider," President and CEO of Photocure. "Asieris continues to be a valued partner to Photocure, with solid execution on both programs that it has licensed from us. We look forward to further announcements on the regulatory progress of Cevira as well as Asieris' pending NDA for Hexvix in China."

The Asieris media release states: "APL-1702 is a first-in-class, non-surgical treatment for cervical HSIL with its efficacy proven in an international phase III trial. It heralds a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of precancerous cervical lesions, with the clianical focus moving from excision to long-term disease management. Emphasis lies in optimizing the delicate balance between treatment risks and benefits, striving to minimize or delay invasive procedures while effectively reversing the progression of the disease."