Lupin and its US based subsidiary, Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc., have entered strategic co-operation agreement for exclusive rights to promote Locoid lotion (hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%) to pediatricians in the US with Onset Dermatologics, LLC, US. Locoid is the most highly prescribed mid-potency steroid brand in the US.

Locoid lotion is a corticosteroid indicated for the topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in patients 3 months of age and older. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin disorders in young children and has a prevalence of 10 per cent to 20 per cent in the first decade of life. It is a chronic illness that requires a multifaceted treatment strategy in the setting of limited therapeutic options. AD, more commonly called eczema, now affects 10 to 20 percent of children in the US and direct health care costs exceed $3 billion, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Locoid lotion currently participates in a market that includes 17 per cent of school-age children in the US between the ages of 5-7 years which is about 9.2 million children.

The addition of Locoid lotion will enable Lupin to strengthen its US Brand business and expand its product portfolio for the US pediatrics segment. Its current pediatric portfolio consists of Suprax and Alinia for oral suspension and such the company is well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Onset has had minimal promotion of Locoid lotion to pediatricians.

Vinita Gupta, CEO, Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc., said, “We are very pleased with the addition of Locoid lotion to our Brand portfolio and are committed to bring meaningful products to the US Pediatric community.”

Bob Moccia, president of Onset Dermatologics, said, “This partnership will give pediatricians greater opportunity to utilize Locoid lotion in their patients while Onset maintains its focus on promoting Locoid to the dermatology community. We are confident that Locoid will continue to be the most prescribed mid-potency steroid brand in the US.”

Onset Dermatologics is marketing the prescription brands like Locoid, HylatopicPlus, Tretin-X, Minocin, and Clarifoam EF to dermatologists and their allied healthcare providers. It is expanding rapidly through internally generated innovation, acquisitions,in-licensing, and co-marketing opportunities.