Biolitec pharma ltd is a company within the biolitec group responsible for the production & marketing of Foscan® for the palliative treatment of advanced head & neck cancer. We are also responsible for developing further indications for Foscan® and the clinical development of the Photodynamic therapy (PDT) photosensitiser portfolio within the biolitec group. Biolitec pharma ltd is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The biolitec group is also a leading developer and manufacturer of diode lasers, optical fibres and accessories for application in a wide range of medical specialties. The combination of CeramOptec brand of diode lasers and medical & industrial fibres and biolitec pharma, the manufacturer of Foscan® makes the biolitec group unique in providing all core competencies for Photodynamic therapy - lasers, fibres & photosensitisers. Product Overview FOSCAN - is a photosensitizing agent (a light-sensitive drug), which contains temoporfin and is used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). In October 2001, Foscan® was approved in the European Union, Norway & Iceland as a local therapy for the palliative treatment of patients with advanced head and neck cancer who have failed prior therapies and are unsuitable for radiotherapy, surgery or systemic chemotherapy.
The aims of treatment with Foscan® may include preservation of organ function, local tumour destruction, relief of symptoms and avoidance of disease-related complications.
As part of the PDT process, Foscan® requires oxygen and laser light of a specific wavelength of 652 nm for activation. There is a delay of 4 days between injection of Foscan® into the bloodstream and activation with laser light. This allows time for accumulation of Foscan® in the cancer cells.
As with other photosensitizing agents, administration of Foscan® results in patients becoming highly sensitive to light. For Foscan®, the period of sensitivity is approximately 15 days and, therefore, appropriate light exposure precautions should be followed during this period.
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