New Topical Acne Treatment Combines Fast Action With Long-Term Efficacy

LONDON, May 27, 2010 - GPs have a new option for improving the management of acne starting
today, with the launch of Epiduo(R) (adapalene 0.1% / benzoyl peroxide 2.5%)
- a topical gel that combines the fast onset action patients want with the
long-term efficacy healthcare professionals demand, leading to the effective
treatment of this common skin condition.

Epiduo(R) is a once-daily fixed-dose combination of 0.1% adapalene and
2.5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) indicated for acne vulgaris when comedones,
papules and pustules are present. Clinical trials show it is highly effective
in mild to moderate acne. Epiduo gel combines the benefits of early[i] and
long-term efficacy[ii] without the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Acne affects almost 80% of adolescents and young adults aged 11 to 30 and
can have a major impact on those affected[iii]. Research has shown that
patients with acne have similar levels of social, psychological and emotional
impairment as people with conditions considered more 'serious', including
asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and arthritis[iv]. The good news is that treatment
can dramatically improve quality of life[v].

Epiduo(R) reduces inflammatory acne lesions by 25.7% in just seven
days[vi]. This matches what patients with acne are looking for, with research
showing they want rapid results. It also supports good compliance, as
patients who experience fast, visible results are more likely to adhere to
their acne treatment[vii].

The early reduction in acne lesions with Epiduo(R) is maintained during
long-term treatment, with a clinical study showing efficacy up to one
year[ii]. Unlike some fixed-dose combination topical treatments for acne, it
does not contain antibiotics. Epiduo(R) can be prescribed for as long as
clinically necessary.

Dr Stephen Kownacki, chairman of the Primary Care Dermatology Society
comments: "GPs and dermatology specialists will be pleased to have this new
combination product (Epiduo) to help their patients with acne. The two
constituents are tried and tested and are known to have sustained efficacy
and avoid the concerns about the use of long-term antibiotics and thus any
risk of resistance. The more easy-to-use options we have to treat patients
the better, and we know that studies have shown a significant benefit for
combination products which aid patient compliance."

Good compliance is also supported by the fact that Epiduo's gel
formulation is easy to apply and is used once daily in the evening. It is
well tolerated, with the most common adverse event being dry skin, which
peaks in the first few weeks, subsides spontaneously and can be easily
managed with a moisturiser[viii]. Only 2.7% of patients treated with
Epiduo(R) discontinued due to an adverse event related to treatment in a
clinical trial[viii].

Using Epiduo(R) meets international guideline recommendations as a first
line choice by targeting different and multiple pathogenic mechanisms of
acne[ix]. The active ingredients in Epiduo(R) work synergistically to treat
the underlying causes of acne and prevent the development of spots.
Adapalene, a naphthoic acid derivative, treats the root cause and
inflammation, while BPO is a well-established antimicrobial agent that is
more effective than antibiotics against the bacterium Proprionibacterium
acne[x].

Full references [i]to[x] available on request

Note to Editors:

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For Further Information Please contact Cerys Evans on +44(0)7775-993-504
or email cerys@signaturecomms.com

For Further Information Please contact Cerys Evans on +44(0)7775-993-504 or email cerys at signaturecomms.com