by Joel Lane
29. October 2009 16:35
A unique wearable sticking plaster from a Scottish company for the treatment of non-malign skin cancers has received CE Mark approval.
The Ambulight PDT plaster from Ambicare Health Ltd is the world's first skin cancer treatment using a small disposable light-emitting plaster.
This therapy enables healthcare providers to shift treatment of skin cancer from hospitals to GP surgeries or outreach clinics.
The plaster delivers photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT) directly to the skin lesion site. It is used together with a prescribed pharmaceutical for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Pilot clinical trials have indicated that the therapy is as effective as conventional techniques while offering less pain and greater convenience.
PDT is regularly the first line of treatment in Europe for non-melanoma skin cancer. It involves a day-patient appointment at the hospital, where a large static PDT light source is used. The alternative treatment methods are surgery, topical creams and cryotherapy, which can cause pain and scarring.
Dr Ian Muirhead, CEO of Ambicare, said: "This is a key milestone and a significant achievement for the company. We are now actively engaging with potential partners for the distribution of this revolutionary product in Europe. We will also be taking Ambulight PDT through regulatory approvals in additional countries, such as USA and Australia. This will allow us to bring the benefits of our technology to patients in the wider global market."
The number of skin cancer lesions requiring treatment is doubling every 10 years; by 2015, that would give Ambulight a total addressable market approaching £1 billion.
Ambicare also plans to use Ambulight technology in applications for the treatment of cosmetic skin conditions, including acne and wrinkles.
Based in St Andrews, Ambicare Health Ltd is a leading developer of wearable light sources for medical and consumer healthcare.
Ambulight PDT
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