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| |  Penlac (Ciclopirox) Nail Lacquer, Prescription Topical Therapy For Treatment Of Nail Fungus, Now Available In Canada MONTREAL, QC -- September 1, 2004 -- Dermik Laboratories, Canada, announced today the availability of Penlac™ Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox topical solution 8%), the first and only prescription topical therapy for the treatment of onychomycosis, commonly referred to as toenail fungus. "We are pleased to offer a safe and effective topical treatment option for the more than two million Canadians with nail fungus," said Ed Dahl, general manager, Dermik Laboratories, Canada, Inc. "Penlac is a welcome addition to the growing family of dermatology products that Dermik now offers Canadians." Penlac Nail Lacquer contains the active ingredient ciclopirox, which is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits the growth of dermatophytes - fungi that grow on the nails. Penlac was developed to provide safe, effective and convenient topical therapy for nail fungus by directly targeting the diseased nails. Onychomycosis may affect as much as 12 percent of the general population and up to 50 percent of older age groups, causing pain and discomfort as well as anxiety and embarrassment. "The advantage with Penlac is that it penetrates the nail and targets the actual site of infection without the risk of drug reactions and systemic side effects that may be associated with oral therapy," said Aditya K. Gupta, MD, associate professor, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Center and the University of Toronto. "Penlac is a topical treatment that is an option for many patients who have mild to moderate onychomycosis." About Nail Fungus Onychomycosis is a persistent fungal infection of the nail that most often affects people ages 40 to 60. It occurs when dermatophyte fungi, usually Tricophyton rubrum, invade the nail bed. Although the incidence is higher in the elderly and in men, it can affect all ages and women as well. Toenail infection is four times more common than fingernail infection, probably because the moist environment in shoes promotes fungal growth. Risk factors for nail fungus include age, footwear that promote sweaty feet, such as athletic shoes and boots, and walking barefoot in areas of possible contamination, such as communal showers. Symptoms of nail fungus include changes in the color, texture and thickness of the nail. The nail may be easily broken, and the toenail may thicken and cause pressure, especially when shoes are worn. Persons with nail fungus may have difficulty wearing shoes or even walking, and the infection can spread to other nails and other people. In certain patients, such as those with diabetes, the disease can lead to significant medical problems. People with diabetes are susceptible to foot ulcers and bone infection. Nail fungus can also impact self-esteem, as sufferers may avoid recreational activities requiring them to remove their shoes because of the appearance of their feet. Diagnosis of nail fungus is difficult, since the symptoms mimic other diseases, such as psoriasis. Healthcare professionals may confirm diagnosis by examining a fungal culture or fungal stain. About Penlac Nail Lacquer Penlac is applied once daily with a brush to the infected nails and surrounding skin for up to 48 weeks. Penlac was developed to provide safe, effective and convenient topical therapy without systemic side effects and by directly targeting the diseased nails. The most commonly reported side effect with Penlac was redness at the nail fold.
SOURCE: MCS
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