Cost neutrality of BLC versus WLC in a real-world setting demonstrated by new OPTUM study in the U.S.

OSLO, Norway , August 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Photocure ASA (OSE: PHO) , the Bladder Cancer Company, announces the publication of the 'Healthcare Resource Utilization and Costs Associated with Blue Light Versus White Light Cystoscopy in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study' in JU Open Plus this week. The research objective was to evaluate the economic implications of blue light cystoscopy (BLC ® ) versus white light cystoscopy (WLC) with Hexvix ® /Cysview ® in a real-world setting, using claims data from the U.S. Optum Research Database. The study authors described the background as follows: "Bladder cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide, ranking among the top ten cancers in incidence and contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Blue light cystoscopy improves detection of non muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), particularly carcinoma in situ (CIS), compared to white light cystoscopy. However, the impact of BLC on healthcare resource utilization and costs remains unclear. This study evaluates the economic implications of BLC versus WLC in a real-world setting." Methodology: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using claims data from the Optum Research Database. Patients undergoing BLC or WLC between June 1, 2011, and May 31, 2023, were included, permitting. A total of 794 BLC patients and 4,764 matched WLC patients were analyzed. Healthcare resource utilization and total and bladder cancer specific costs were assessed using per-patient-per-month (PPPM) measures in inflation-adjusted 2023 USD. Key findings: During the baseline period, prior to index cystoscopy, BLC patients had higher prevalence of CIS detection than WLC per reimbursement claims. BLC patients also underwent more upper tract imaging and biomarker testing. BLC patients were shown to have significantly higher bladder cancer-related ambulatory visits compared to WLC. Despite increased ambulatory utilization, total healthcare costs PPPM were not significantly different between BLC and WLC cohorts for all cause costs ($2,987.93 vs. $2,886.16, p=0.65) nor bladder cancer specific costs ($1,301.10 vs. $1,246.60, p=0.75). The authors conclude that BLC increases detection of CIS and leads to more frequent surveillance and interventions. However, these do not translate into significantly higher healthcare costs in an Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (IPTW) model with variable patient follow-up. Given its cost-neutral profile, BLC remains a valuable diagnostic tool in NMIBC management. Further research should assess its long-term oncologic and economic impact. "These real-world results are encouraging. They contribute to the clinical utility of blue light cystoscopy (BLC) for NMIBC patients – as the BRAVO real world-study demonstrated – and demonstrate cost-neutrality of the procedure. BLC will continue to play an important role in improving quality of NMIBC diagnostics and care. Optimizing diagnostic strategies to maximize the accuracy of initial diagnosis and follow-up can impact costs and lead to improved patient outcomes," said Mark Tyson, the study's principal investigator. For more information, please contact: Dan Schneider President and CEO Photocure ASA Email: [email protected] Priyam Shah Vice President Investor Relations Tel : +17176815072 Email: [email protected] Media and IR enquiries: Geir Bjørlo Corporate Communications (Norway) Tel: +47 91540000 Email: [email protected]