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| |  IvyBlock Lotion Cleared by FDA to Protect Against Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 28, 1996 -- EnviroDerm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the company the clearance needed to market IvyBlock, the first and only poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac skin protectant. IvyBlock will be available without a prescription. "For the first time people will be able to help protect themselves from the rash and itch associated with poison ivy before they're exposed to it," said David W. Schropfer, president of EnviroDerm. "Working with dermatologists, we have developed a way to help protect the millions of Americans who suffer from poison ivy, oak and sumac each year. IvyBlock is this solution." Poison ivy can affect two out of three Americans and of these, 15 percent may have severe allergic reactions which require medical treatment. In 1994, more than nine million Americans sought remedies for the irritation caused by poison ivy, oak and sumac. According to the National Safety Council, these poisonous plants are the largest cause of occupational contact dermatitis for outdoor workers in many areas of the country. In its "Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants," the American Medical Association concludes that poison oak is responsible for more than 50 percent of worker's compensation cases in California alone and, according to the United States Forest Service (USFS), approximately one-third of USFS fire fighters are forced to leave the line during a fire because of rashes caused by poison oak. According to EnviroDerm, IvyBlock lays down an active barrier on the skin with a special formula that helps block skin contact with urushiol (yoo-ROO- shee-ol), the oil in the plants which triggers the rash, thereby serving to help protect against poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac rash. Clinical data can be found in the August 1995 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. IvyBlock should be applied to skin at least 15 minutes before possible contact with the poisonous plants and re-applied every four hours for continued protection. The lotion may be removed with soap and water. The company plans on distributing the product initially to those individuals who would receive the greatest benefits. This group includes medical professionals whose patients have severe reactions and need protection, as well as outdoor workers, such as members of the USFS, utility companies and the armed forces, for whom poison ivy, oak and sumac cause an occupational hazard. "Poison ivy creates a serious problem for people whose livelihoods depend on their ability to 'stay in the field,'" said Elizabeth F. Sherertz, M.D., president of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. "According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, poison ivy and oak are the greatest cause for worker's compensation payments related to outdoor injuries." The company expects IvyBlock to be available within the next three to six months. The suggested retail price for a 4-ounce bottle of IvyBlock will be under $10. EnviroDerm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a research-based company, is owned by United Catalysts, Inc. EnviroDerm's research and product development is devoted exclusively to promoting care and protection of the skin through innovative scientific advancements. The company is developing a variety of skin care products for industrial and consumer markets. EnviroDerm has a scientific advisory board consisting of some of the nation's leading contact dermatitis researchers.
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