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Type/Class of Therapy Generic/Trade/ Company Names Indication Approving Regulatory Agency
Acne Adapalene 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel
Epiduo®
Galderma Laboratories
This gel formulation of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide was approved for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients ≥12 years of age. US FDA
Adapalene 0.3% gel
Differin®
Galderma Laboratories
A pump dispenser for this retinoid gel formulation was approved for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients ≥12 years of age. US FDA
Tazarotene 0.1% foam
Fabior™
Stiefel Laboratories
A new retinoid formulation was approved for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients ≥12 years of age. US FDA
CIP-Isotretinoin capsule
Epuris™ (in Canada)
Absorica™ (in US)

Cipher Pharmaceuticals
Approval was granted to this novel formulation of isotretinoin for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne. It offers a precise, consistent, and uniform dosage delivery with an absorption characteristic that is stable with or without food when compared with traditional generic isotretinoin. Health Canada

US FDA

Actinic Keratosis Ingenol mebutate gel (0.015%, 0.05%)
Picato®
Leo Pharma Inc.
Ingenol mebutate gel (derived from the Euphorbia peplus plant) received approval for the topical treatment of actinic keratosis. The 0.015% formulation is used once-daily on the face and scalp for 3 consecutive days, and the 0.05% gel is used oncedaily on the trunk and extremities for 2 consecutive days. The treatment course may be completed in 2-3 days. US FDA
Imiquimod 3.75% cream
Zyclara®
Meda AB
Marketing authorization was granted to this immune response modifier for the topical treatment of actinic keratosis. Regulatory approval is valid in all European Union countries. European Commission
Anesthetic Lidocaine 7% + tetracaine 7% cream
Pliaglis®
Nuvo Research Inc.
Galderma Laboratories
Approval was granted to this topical local anesthetic cream indicated for use on intact skin in adults to provide local analgesia for superficial aesthetic procedures, such as dermal filler injection, pulsed dye laser therapy, facial laser resurfacing, and laser-assisted tattoo removal. Health Canada

US FDA

Brittle Nail Syndrome Poly-ureaurethane 16% nail solution
Nuvail™
Innocutis Medical
This poly-ureaurethane 16% nail solution was approved for the management of fragile, damaged or brittle nails with cracking or splitting (referred to as nail dystrophy). It mechanically supports the damaged nail plate, forming a barrier that protects from further injury and strengthens the nail. US FDA
Dermal Fillers and Injectables Hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler
Belotero® Balance
Merz Aesthetics/Anteis SA
This hyaluronic acid-based cohesive gel dermal filler was approved for the temporary correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. US FDA
Hyaluronic acid injectable gel
Restylane-L®
Medicis Aesthetics
Approval of an additional indication was granted to this transparent hyaluronic acid gel dermal filler to include submucosal implantation for lip augmentation in patients >21 years of age. US FDA
Dupuytren’s Contracture Collagenase clostridium histolyticum
Xiaflex®
Actelion Pharmaceuticals
Auxilium Pharmaceuticals
Approval was granted to this novel, first-in-class biologic for the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture in adults with a palpable cord. The injected enzymes dissolve and weaken the contracted collagen cord. It is the only nonsurgical option for Dupuytren’s disease. Health Canada
Hereditary Angioedema C1 esterase inhibitor (human)
Cinryze®
ViroPharma Incorporated
This highly purified, pasteurized and nanofiltered plasmaderived C1 esterase inhibitor product was approved for routine prophylaxis against angioedema attacks in adolescent and adult patients with hereditary angioedema. Health Canada
Herpes Zoster Virus (VZV) Infection Varicella zoster immune globulin (human) injection
Varizig®
Cangene Corporation
This varicella zoster immune globulin preparation was approved for reducing the severity of chicken pox infections in high risk individuals when given within 4 days after exposure. It is the only FDA approved immune globulin for VZV postexposure prophylaxis treatment available in the US. US FDA
Lice Ivermectin 0.5% lotion
Sklice™
Sanofi Pasteur U.S.
Approval was granted to this broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent for the topical treatment of head lice in patients ≥6 months of age. Most infestations are eradicted with a single 10-minute application and without nit combing. US FDA
Melanoma Ipilimumab
Yervoy™
Bristol-Myers Squibb
This human monoclonal antibody was approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Administered intravenously, the drug blocks a T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA-4), altering the body’s ability to fight off cancerous cells and allowing the immune system to recognize, target, and attack cells in melanoma tumors. Health Canada
Vismodegib capsule
Erivedge™
Genentech
Roche Group
Curis, Inc.
Approval was granted to this hedgehog pathway inhibitor for the treatment of adults with advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The drug is administered orally once-daily and is indicated for patients with locally advanced BCC who are not candidates for surgery or radiation and for patients with metastatic BCC. US FDA
Vemurafenib tablets
Zelboraf™
Genentech/Roche Group
Plexxikon/Daiichi Sankyo Group
Approval was granted to this oral, small molecule, kinase inhibitor for the treatment of metastatic or unresectable melanoma. Therapy is specifically indicated for patients with BRAFV600E mutation-positive melanoma. This BRAF enzyme inhibitor was approved with a companion diagnostic called the cobas® 4800 BRAF V600 Mutation Test, which determines a patient’s eligibility for treatment. European Commission

Health Canada

Psoriasis Calcipotriene 0.005% + betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% topical suspension
Taclonex®
LEO Pharma Inc.
This topical suspension of a vitamin D analog with a corticosteroid was approved for the treatment of body plaque psoriasis. This formulation is a first-line single therapy that is indicated for once-daily treatment of both scalp and body plaque psoriasis for up to 8 weeks. US FDA
Calcipotriene 0.005% foam
Sorilux™
Stiefel, a GSK Company
A supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) was approved for calcipotriene foam 0.005%, expanding the sanctioned indications to include the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp. With these recent changes, this topical synthetic vitamin D3 analog is now indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body in patients >18 years of age. US FDA
Psoriatic Arthritis Delayed-release prednisone tablets
Rayos®
Horizon Pharma, Inc.
A delayed-release corticosteroid was approved as an antiinflammatory or immunosuppressive agent to treat a wide spectrum of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, ankylosing spondylitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). US FDA

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