Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, has received a new US patent for the use of the Microcyn Technology hypochlorous acid in the treatment and mitigation of atopic dermatitis.

"Our intellectual property portfolio is perfectly synced with our new focus on the dermatology market with our direct sales force. The empirical evidence demonstrating Microcyn's efficacy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is highly compelling. This new patent provides Oculus market exclusivity for the use of hypochlorous acid with broad ranges of activity in the treatment of atopic dermatitis until the year 2027 when the patent expires, " said Dr Bob Northey, senior vice president for research and development, Oculus.

The latest-issued patent joins an intellectual property estate (either owned or licensed to Oculus) that now includes 44 issued and allowed patents (nine in the United States and 35 foreign patents) as well 82 pending applications (both US and foreign) directed to chemical compositions, apparatuses, methods of manufacturing and therapeutic uses.

In a 2009 GlobalData 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.

Physicians often define atopic dermatitis or eczema, as a long-lasting, or chronic, skin condition that causes intense itching and then a red, raised rash.  The current standard of care to mitigate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis are topical steroids.  In the United States, data from Wolters Kluwers suggests that physicians write prescriptions for topical steroids for atopic dermatitis approximately 12,500,000 times, each year.  

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.

Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc.is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and markets solutions for the treatment of dermatological conditions and advanced tissue care.