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| |  Azelex New Prescription Acne Treatment Now Available in U.S. IRVINE, Calif., April 9, 1996 -- AZELEX(R) (azelaic acid cream) 20% topical cream, the first new prescription drug indicated for mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris in 10 years, was introduced today by Allergan Herbert, one of the skin care companies of Allergan, Inc. "Noncompliance has been a major problem with acne treatment because prior medications have not been designed with a woman's lifestyle and cosmetic routine in mind," said Lenore S. Kakita, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, UCLA School of Medicine. "AZELEXcan be used under makeup, moisturizers, sunscreens, and other topical medications because it has been designed specifically with women in mind." AZELEX is a completely new class of acne therapy, chemically different from all currently available acne medications, including retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids. It is an azelaic acid cream made of a naturally occurring substance found in wheat. AZELEX is believed to work uniquely with dual modes of action -- antimicrobial activity and normalization of keratinization (the process by which epithelial cells mature as they move toward the skin surface and then slough off) -- which attacks two of the major causes of acne. The majority of patients start to see improvement in their acne within 4 weeks. Excellent Efficacy and Safety "In developing this new generation of acne therapy, the challenge was to combine a high rate of efficacy with a low rate of side effects in a formulation cosmetically acceptable to adult women," said Nicholas J. Lowe, MD, FRCP, FACP, clinical professor of dermatology, UCLA School of Medicine. "AZELEX" meets these criteria, providing women with a significant new weapon to fight mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne and thus enhance skin care." A proven track record of efficacy and safety has been demonstrated in more than 6 years of European clinical experience and in two large- scale U.S. clinical trials. In two multicenter, double-blind studies of 545 people with inflammatory acne, AZELEX was significantly more effective than the vehicle in reducing the number of inflammatory acne lesions. Cosmetic Benefits Clinical trial participants were asked to provide their overall impression of the cosmetic characteristics of the cream and to rate it in terms of texture, ease of application, appearance, and odor. More than 80% reported a favorable or neutral impression of the cosmetic characteristics of the study cream. The cream is mild, moisturizing, and noncomedogenic (meaning it does not promote the formation of whiteheads or blackheads). Minimal Side Effects Treatment with AZELEX is associated with a low incidence of generally mild and transient side effects. The most common adverse reactions, occurring in 1% to 5% of clinical trial participants, were pruritus (itching), burning, stinging, and tingling; there is also potential for allergic reactions. Additionally, patients with dark complexions should be monitored for early signs of hypopigmentation. AZELEX produces no known interactions with other topical acne medications. Unlike topical and oral antibiotic treatments for acne, there has been no reported bacterial resistance to AZELEX. Immediate Availability AZELEX, from Allergan, is available in pharmacies now with a prescription from a dermotologist or personal physician. A free brochure for women, "How to Treat Your Acne Beautifully," can be obtained by calling 1-800-283-1550. In skin care, Allergan provides prescription medications, including new AZELEX, and comprehensive nonprescription alpha-hydroxy acid-based product lines that enhance the beauty of the skin. These include M.D. FORTE(R), M.D. FORMULATIONS(R), and AQUA GLYCOLIC(R). Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN), a global healthcare company headquartered in Irvine, California, develops, manufactures, and markets specialty therapeutic products for eye and skin care and neuromuscular disorders. A technology-driven company, Allergan, Inc. is working to be the partner of choice for ever better specialty health care.
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