Novocure Announces CE Mark and First Patient Use of Second Generation Optune System

Novocure

, a commercial stage oncology company, announced today the placement of the CE mark on, and first patient use of, the newly designed second generation Optune system. The application of CE mark enables Novocure to distribute the second generation Optune system in the European Union and Switzerland. Novocure has initiated roll-out in Germany this month and intends a broader European roll-out by the end of the year. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151005005560/en/ Second generation Optune, including battery (Photo: Business Wire) Second generation Optune, including battery (Photo: Business Wire) The Optune system was newly designed with the patient in mind and is intended to improve the convenience and manageability of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy. The size, shape and display are more user-friendly and streamlined, and novel signal generation technology provides a TTFields generator that is half the size and weight of the generator currently in use. The second generation Optune system weighs 1.3 kilograms (2.7 pounds), including the battery, versus the current version that weighs 3 kilograms (6 pounds). "We are thrilled to offer the second generation Optune system to our European patients," said Asaf Danziger, Chief Executive Officer of Novocure. "We know how important ergonomics are to an optimal therapeutic experience and our new design will be much easier for patients to use." "Novocure's second generation Optune system is an important breakthrough for glioblastoma patients. The lightweight and streamlined design will make it easier for patients to adapt the treatment to their daily lives," said Dr. med. Martin Misch, Department of Neurosurgery, Charité Universitatsmedzin Berlin. "The new device is an important step for patients receiving Optune therapy." The newly designed Optune system is not yet available in the United States (US). Novocure intends to file a premarket approval supplement application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).