Novartis/QLT Visudyne adds indications

Executive Summary

Verteporfin receives clearance for two new indications Aug. 22 - use in pathologic myopia and presumed ocular histoplasmosis. The new label also adds 24-month data on treatment of predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration, as well as updated information in the "adverse reactions" section. Visudyne sales in 2000 reached $100 mil. worldwide. QLT is projecting sales of $225 mil. to $250 mil. this year, assisted by the expanded indications. Novartis and QLT are testing other indications including AMD dominated by occult CNV, minimally classic CNV secondary to AMD, and non-melanoma skin cancer