Sanochemia acquires rights to phase II compound PVP Hypericin for innovative cancer diagnostic and treatments
Sanochemia Pharmazeutika AG, Vienna has acquired exclusive global rights from Planta Naturstoffe GmbH, Vienna, to a novel API known as PVP hypericin for use in the diagnosis and treatment of tumours.
Hypericin is a well known plant-based API. The complex compound polyvinylpyrrolidon (PVP) hypericin developed by Planta is a novel fluorescent substance with significant advantages for local application.
In the first stage of the agreement Sanochemia will continue the development of the API potential of PVP-hypericin in the diagnosis of bladder carcinomas. Subsequently, the plan is to clinically investigate the use of the API in photodynamic tumour treatments.
A European patent has already been awarded for PVP hypericin. A US patent is pending. The project is currently in Phase II and will now be advanced by Sanochemia towards registration. The API also has further development potential as a diagnostic and treatment for other forms of cancer. Regulatory extensions to include other indications, such as basal cell carcinomas, may also be an option. Planta will be reimbursed through future sales-related royalty payments.
Sanochemia will exploit its own facilities to produce the subsequent products in the role of an integrated manufacturer. Through this deal Sanochemia gains a foothold in a further key segment of the pharmaceutical market.
The diagnosis and exclusion of bladder carcinomas and aftercare to enable the early diagnosis of relapses currently represent major medical challenges. Every year in Europe and North America approximately four million cystoscopic investigations are performed. It is in this field that Sanochemia aims to use the fluorescent dye PVP hypericin.
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