Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of Ceramax Skin Barrier Cream, intended to be used as a topical skin care preparation to relieve and to manage the burning and itching associated with various dermatoses including atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, radiation dermatitis and other dry skin conditions.
Ceramax is the result of a collaborative initiative with the Lipogrid Company of Sweden, and underscores Oculus' ongoing growth strategy to license or acquire differentiated, patent-protected technologies. This partnership was announced in March 2016.
Ceramax, based on Lipogrid technology, allows the physiological lipids to blend in with the skin's natural lipid building blocks and penetrate beyond the stratum corneum, where they also contribute to the synthesis of ceramides, cholesterol, and other free fatty acids. Testing has demonstrated that Ceramax delivers phospholipid building blocks to the epidermis. Clinical testing showed that patients exhibited consistent symptom improvement while enabling the reduced use, and in some cases the elimination, of steroids in the treatment protocol. The product received FDA 510(k) clearance in November 2015.
"This is a most valuable addition to our product portfolio and provides dermatologists with the latest advance in skin barrier technology," said Jeffrey Day, president of IntraDerm Pharmaceuticals, Oculus' dermatology division. "Ceramax is one of the most advanced and safest skin barrier products in the world. It hydrates and repairs the skin from the inside out and protects from the outside in while simultaneously reducing the need for steroids."
Ceramax is marketed by IntraDerm Pharmaceuticals, Oculus' US dermatology division with a full-time sales force of 16.
In a 2009 Global Data study, it was estimated the global atopic dermatitis therapeutics market delivered revenues of $643 million in 2009. It is expected to grow to $810 million at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.4% by 2016. Globally, the United States remains the largest market for atopic dermatitis therapeutics, and generated revenue of $402 million in 2009. It is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% over the next seven years to reach $582 million by 2016.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis are characterized by itchy skin, which can lead to rash, redness, swelling, crusting and scaling. The disease affects up to 20 per cent of infants and young children, who continue to have symptoms as adults with significant impact on their quality of life. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics are considered a key factor.
Topical corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, betamethasone, and fluticasone) are the most common treatment for atopic dermatitis. As eczema tends to be persistent, most people will have to use topical steroids on and off for many years. If used continuously topical steroids may lose their effectiveness after a few weeks. This is known as tachyphylaxis.
Lipogrid is a lipid structural matrix of solid lipid particles and vesicles comprised of fatty acids, cholesterol-type stabilizers, phospholipids and ceramides with a carrier function, used in the treatment of skin disorders.
A division of Oculus Innovative Sciences, IntraDerm Pharmaceuticals is a global dermatology enterprise with an initial focus on dermatology products. The division's headquarters are in Petaluma, California with additional sales operations in the Netherlands, and manufacturing operations in the United States and Latin America.
Oculus Innovative Sciences is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and markets solutions for the treatment of dermatological conditions and advanced tissue care.