Rosacea Cream Launches in the United States

Galderma Laboratories has announced the US launch of its ivermectin 1% cream (Soolantra), a topical treatment for rosacea.

Soolantra received FDA approval in December 2014 following 2 studies that demonstrated the drug’s anti-inflammatory properties in more than 1300 patients with rosacea, with subjects experiencing benefits as early as week 2. Soolantra was also found to be safe and well tolerated for up to 52 weeks in long-term extension studies, which Galderma claims to be an important result, given the often-sensitive skin of rosacea patients.

“The availability of Soolantra Cream as a treatment for inflammatory lesions of rosacea offers a novel option to consider for my patients,” said Galderma consultant and Soolantra clinical investigator Linda Stein Gold, MD, in a press release. “Rosacea patients now have a powerful yet safe option that may work as fast as 2 weeks.”

Rosacea is an inflammatory and vascular skin disorder in which patients typically develop facial lesions, bumps, and pimples. While the cause of rosacea is unknown, studies suggest that the inflammation associated with the condition can be triggered by factors such as sun, alcohol, spicy food, and exercise.

“At Galderma, we recognize the frustration that rosacea symptoms can bring, and as a result, we’ve been working with the rosacea community to drive awareness and to bring solutions to patients for decades,” Galderma Laboratories CEO Stuart Raetzman said in the press release. “We are constantly innovating to address gaps in current care, and with the addition of Soolantra Cream, patients and physicians have a new unique option to consider.”