Philips and Schering team up to develop optical imaging

Nov. 30, 2005
November 30, 2005, Berlin, Germany and Eindhoven, The Netherlands--Schering and Royal Philips Electronics have formed an alliance to research, develop and commercialize medical equipment and associated contrast agents for optical imaging.

November 30, 2005, Berlin, Germany and Eindhoven, The Netherlands--Schering and Royal Philips Electronics have formed an alliance to research, develop and commercialize medical equipment and associated contrast agents for optical imaging.

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.

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, tumors might be targeted more precisely. 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.

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 tumors at the molecular level. Philips and Schering believe the alliance announced today 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 more than 20%.

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