Schering and Philips to develop laser imaging technology for cancer
treatment
Berlin, Germany. Schering AG and Royal Philips Electronics announced they
will collaborate to research, develop and commercialize medical equipment
and associated contrast agents for optical imaging.
Optical imaging is an emerging imaging technology with the potential to
offer new approaches in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer as
well as other diseases. Optical imaging uses lasers to illuminate
superficial tissue — such as breast tissue. By combining this technology
with an optical dye, tumours might be targeted more precisely.
As part of their collaboration, the companies will have the option to
expand the alliance to cover other imaging technologies and contrast agents,
where synergies between the partners are expected, and will also explore the
emerging field of molecular imaging. Schering and Philips have agreed to
split equally all research and development costs as well as all future
revenues from the contrast agents, medical equipment and related services
related to this alliance. Financial details of the alliance were not
disclosed.
Due to its high resolution and sensitivity, optical imaging is expected
to offer breast cancer patients a less aggressive, more patient-friendly
follow-up examination. Today, such patients may need to undergo the invasive
procedure of a biopsy in cases where traditional exams produce inconclusive
results.
"Schering is highly committed to drive innovation in the field of optical
imaging," said Dr. Karin Dorrepaal, member of the executive board of
Schering AG, responsible for Diagnostic Imaging. "We are looking forward to
combining our expertise in the field of optical imaging agents with Philips'
strong capabilities in medical imaging and established track record in
developing leading edge diagnostic imaging. This will create strong
synergies to drive progress in areas of high unmet medical need such as the
early and precise diagnosis of breast cancer."
"We are very excited to team up with a leader in the contrast agent
industry. Schering has strong capabilities in pharmaceutical R&D, and is
clearly out in front in the new field of contrast agents for optical
imaging. We also believe this collaboration builds on Philips' patient focus
of coming out with advanced, patient-friendly approaches to preventing and
treating serious diseases like breast cancer," explained Jouko Karvinen, CEO
of Philips Medical Systems.
The alliance's first development project will combine an optical dye
called omocianine (SF-64) from Schering for the diagnosis of breast cancer,
currently in Phase I trials, with an enhanced mammography device developed
by Philips.
The companies will also explore the emerging field of molecular imaging,
looking at how to develop dyes that can potentially target breast tumours at
the molecular level. Philips and Schering believe the alliance will put them
in a leading position in the emerging optical imaging market. It is
estimated that once products are commercialized, the market for optical
imaging contrast agents and equipment will see average annual growth rates
of over 20%.
According to health services company Imaginis Corporation, breast cancer
is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women today (after lung
cancer). The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1.2 million
people around the world will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, with
the number of deaths among women expected to exceed 40,000 in the United
States alone. Death rates from breast cancer did decline significantly
between 1992 and 1996, according to the American Cancer Society, and medical
experts attribute the decline to earlier detection and more effective
treatments.
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