Galderma is introducing Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) Cream 5%, a topical cream containing benzoyl peroxide 5% for the treatment of bumps and blemishes (inflammatory lesions) of rosacea in adults.
The company said that the medication is the first and only microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide topical treatment proven to relieve the bumps and blemishes of rosacea and provide rapid, significant and sustained relief.
Over 16 million people in the United States struggle with rosacea, a chronic and recurrent skin condition that can worsen over time. More than 82% of people feel their rosacea is uncontrolled, and less than 50% are satisfied with their current prescription treatments, which can lead to overuse or misuse of these products and can trigger or worsen the condition. Rosacea can be so challenging to manage that 55% of people with the skin condition and a high disease burden reported a willingness to give up one year or more of their life to cure their symptoms, the company said.
"Through our decades-long heritage in dermatology and skin science, Galderma is committed to bringing cutting-edge innovation to patients with rosacea and the healthcare professionals who treat them," said Anthony Pansy, vice president and general manager of the U.S. prescription business at Galderma. "Epsolay Cream represents an important advancement for those who are living with this incredibly challenging skin condition."
A month's supply of Epsolay Cream costs as little as $0 for commercially covered patients with the Galderma CAREConnect savings card at participating pharmacies, according to Galderma.
"Until now, BPO has never been indicated to treat rosacea in part due to its poor tolerability for sensitive skin. Epsolay Cream helps overcome tolerability issues via its patented microencapsulation technology, which controls the gradual release of BPO onto the skin," said Ted Lain, executive director of the Austin Institute for Clinical Research and principal investigator for the Epsolay Cream clinical trials. "Epsolay Cream showed great efficacy and tolerability in the pivotal trials, as evidenced by high patient satisfaction and compliance."
The medication utilizes a proprietary, patented technology licensed from Sol-Gel Technologies to encapsulate BPO within silica-based microcapsules to create a barrier between the medication and the skin. The silica-based shell is designed to slowly release BPO over time to provide a tolerable and effective treatment.
Sol-Gel Technologies received FDA approval for Epsolay Cream on April 22, 2022 and has granted exclusive rights to Galderma to commercialize the treatment in the United States.