Could We Finally Have An Effective Treatment for Cancer?
Light Sciences is Working on the Answer

As part of his surgical practice, Dr. James Chen, co-founder of Light Sciences Corporation in Snoqualmie, Wash., often performed procedures for removal of malignant brain tumors, but was frustrated that little could be done for the majority of patients in which the cancer had spread locally or when the tumor was inoperable due to location. "I felt there must be something more effective and safer than current surgery techniques and chemo or radiation therapy," says Dr. Chen. "We should be able to help people, particularly in light of the billions of dollars spent each year on cancer research." And these numbers are staggering. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1.3 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2003, which does not include noninvasive cancers and most skin cancers. In addition, about 500,000 Americans are expected to die of cancer in 2003 — that's more than 1,500 per day. The National Institutes of Health estimates overall costs for cancer in 2002 were $171.6 billion.

This desire to find an effective cancer treatment led Dr. Chen to research alternative therapies. More than 10 years ago, he became intrigued with photodynamic therapy. Dr. Chen found that photodynamic therapy appeared to have minimal side effects and treated cancers more effectively compared to cases of conventional treatments he'd observed. Despite these compelling reasons for greater use of photodynamic therapy, very few doctors have used or prescribed this treatment. The reasons seem to be economic, as well as lack of familiarity with the light activation equipment - lasers. According to Chen, most physicians are not trained or comfortable in using lasers.

Therefore, Dr. Chen and Light Sciences' co-founder, Craig Watjen, set out to develop a more cost-effective, safe photodynamic therapy. The results of their efforts have led to Light Sciences' ongoing efforts in the worldwide application of the therapeutic use of light-activated drugs with Light Sciences' Light Infusion Technology™ (Litx™) platform.

Litx technology is made up of several components, including a light activated drug, and a light delivery device. The delivery of light is accomplished via tiny, proprietary light emitting diode (LED) arrays, which are fabricated as small flexible devices for direct use at the treatment site through relatively simple procedures similar to biopsy. In contrast, traditional laser technology has been expensive, cumbersome and difficult to direct and use, requiring dedicated staff.

Light Sciences has made quantum leaps in their approach to photodynamic treatment, creating a minimally invasive therapy that should be safe and effective, using the Litx system, which seeks to destroy the target disease tissue , while minimizing any damage to surrounding untargeted tissues. As a benefit of their groundbreaking research, Light Sciences has an impressive portfolio of more than 300 patents and patent applications on its exclusive, LED-based light activation system. Using this system they are testing ways to deliver drugs and to generate and deliver light anywhere in the body.

In addition to the observed minimal side-effects and targeted nature of treatment, Litx appears to have several significant potential benefits, including:

• The technology is truly a platform, with versatility and strongly suggested adaptability to a range of disease targets, from various cancers to cardiovascular disease to eye disease
  
• Cost-effective treatment through Light Sciences' development of the Litx platform
  
• Litx may be combined with traditional treatments or surgery
  
• No observed cumulative toxicity, unlike chemotherapy and radiation
  
• Designed for administration in an out-patient setting at any body location which can be biopsed, making the treatment highly compelling, well tolerated, and cost effective

These significant attributes have not gone without recognition. Light Sciences has established strategic partnerships with Meiji Seika Kaisha Limited and Roswell Park Cancer Institute — securing a world-class pipeline of light activated drugs. Experts also recognize Light Sciences' potential, including Dr. Vincent DeVita, past director of the National Cancer Institute, and current director of the Yale Cancer Center and chairman of Light Sciences' Scientific Advisory Board.

According to Chen, based on the success of Phase I/II light dose ranging studies, Light Sciences is now working closely with the FDA on Phase II trials for liver metastisis of colorectal cancer and other forms of cancer. "Our Phase I/II light dose ranging studies showed promising results. We treated patients who failed previous conventional treatment, and were able to show definitive tumor destruction and reduction from Litx treatment. These are very preliminary results, but provide excitement and real hope for our Phase II trials."

What keeps this inventor so inspired? Dr. Chen believes, "The goal of every physician and scientist who does research or clinical trials is to have the work translate into life saving treatments."

Davis Wright Tremaine extends our congratulations to Light Sciences for their significant accomplishments to date in finding an effective and safe treatment for humankind's most devastating diseases. We wish you continued support and success.

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