CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- SkinMedica, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced the launch of NeoBenz(R) Micro SD, the only single-dose benzoyl peroxide prescription product formulated with Microsponge(R) Delivery Technology for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. This is the first time this innovative and patented single-dose, SD applicator has been used in prescription dermatology. The convenient applicator helps to enhance patient compliance in effectively treating acne. NeoBenz Micro SD is available in two prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide creams: 3.5% and 5.5%.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070108/LAM051)
NeoBenz Micro SD follows on the success of NeoBenz Micro cream, which launched in January of 2006 and within a year became the most-prescribed benzoyl peroxide cream or gel by dermatologists.
“NeoBenz Micro SD is the only benzoyl peroxide medication to harness the benefits of Microsponge Delivery Technology, designed for low irritation, in a convenient and portable packaging,” said Ronald Trancik, Ph.D., Vice President of Research & Development at SkinMedica.
Patients simply squeeze the single-dose, SD pouch until the medication appears on the foam pad, apply, and throw away-eliminating the need for their fingers to touch the medication or their faces. This novel applicator is especially valuable since benzoyl peroxide is known to bleach colored fabrics.
SkinMedica collaborated with Cardinal Health to develop NeoBenz Micro SD. Cardinal Health’s Pharmaceutical Technologies and Services segment developed both the Microsponge Delivery Technology and the innovative single-dose applicator.
Although benzoyl peroxide is used elsewhere in medicine and cosmetics, NeoBenz Micro and NeoBenz Micro SD are the only prescription products in which the Microsponge Delivery Technology is used in combination with this proven antibacterial acne-fighter. Benzoyl peroxide, entrapped in Microsponges, is gradually released into the skin throughout the day. This gradual, more controlled release is designed to reduce irritation to the skin while the active agent fights existing acne and helps to prevent new pimples from forming.
In a multi-center, randomized clinical study of 48 patients, NeoBenz Micro was shown to produce a statistically significant reduction from baseline in total, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory lesion counts (-30%, -40%, and -22%, respectively) after 4 weeks (all p less than 0.05). Marked improvement was noted with continual use through 12 weeks.
“In our clinical study, NeoBenz Micro showed rapid and statistically significant improvement in acne severity grades,” said Dr. Stacy Smith, lead investigator of the study. “Furthermore, NeoBenz Micro demonstrated an excellent tolerability profile with very low incidence of irritation.”
Acne is a disease for which 5.6 million U.S. patients were diagnosed in the past year. Of these, 2.9 million (52%) were diagnosed by dermatologists. NeoBenz Micro helps to stop acne and prevent new acne from forming via a multi-pronged approach. The active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, is released gradually throughout the day to kill the p. acnes bacteria, reduce inflammation, open plugged follicles and slow formation of whiteheads, blackheads and inflamed pimples.
According to Dr. Smith, NeoBenz Micro can also be used in combination therapy (i.e. with topical retinoids or antibiotics) to help increase overall efficacy of treatment and shorten treatment duration. This cream may also help prevent antibiotic resistance when used with antibiotic treatments.
As with all benzoyl peroxide products, NeoBenz Micro and NeoBenz Micro SD should not be used in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to benzoyl peroxide or to any of the other ingredients. Allergic contact dermatitis and dryness have been reported with topical benzoyl peroxide therapy.
Microsponge is a registered trademark of Cardinal Health, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries.
About SkinMedica
SkinMedica is a privately-held specialty pharmaceutical company marketing both prescription and cosmeceutical dermatology products. SkinMedica’s EpiQuin(R) Micro (4% Hydroquinone) treats melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation; VANIQA(R) (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9%, is the only FDA-approved prescription product for the treatment of unwanted facial hair in women; NeoBenz(R) Micro, which contains a patented gradual-release formulation of benzoyl peroxide, treats acne; and Desonate(TM) (desonide) Gel 0.05% for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. The company’s full line of cosmeceutical products, which is sold through physicians, includes TNS Recovery Complex(R) with NouriCel-MD(R) to help improve the health and appearance of aging skin. SkinMedica is based in Carlsbad, California. For more information, visit: www.skinmedica.com.
Desonate(TM), EpiQuin(R) Micro, NeoBenz(R) Micro, NouriCel-MD(R), SkinMedica(R), TNS Recovery Complex(R) and VANIQA(R) are trademarks of SkinMedica, Inc.
CONTACT: Michelle Saunders Vice President, Pharmaceutical Marketing 760-448-3673 msaunders@skinmedica.com
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070108/LAM051AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.orgAP PhotoExpress Network: PRN2PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comSkinMedica, Inc.
CONTACT: Michelle Saunders, Vice President, Pharmaceutical Marketing ofSkinMedica, Inc., +1-760-448-3673, msaunders@skinmedica.com
Web site: http://www.skinmedica.com/
