Acne Rosacea

Monday, September 26, 2011

Rosacea News August 2011

1. Melanin also Protects You from Radiation !

Startling news today from the Clinuvel Blog: Melanin also has the ability to protect from radioactive emissions like X-rays and Gamma-rays. How interesting that the chemical that …

2. Mylan Violates The Chang Patent for Oracea

Another step in the ongoing battle between Galderma and Mylan over the right to manufacture generic Oracea. A judge has declared that Mylan infringes 1 of the patents that protects Oracea from generic copies. Some History …

3. How Much Sunscreen Should I Use?

Another fabulous data visualisation from Information is Beautiful. This time David McCandless tackles the thorny issue of How Much Suncreen Should I Wear ? The Sunscreen Smokescreen July 11, 2011 It started with a question. It always does. This time, the question was simple: How much sunscreen should I wear? I’m …

4. NRS Funds New Rosacea Studies for 2011

In the Summer 2011 Rosacea Review, The National Rosacea Society announced that they are funding 3 studies in new areas of rosacea research. This is great news; not only is the NRS continuing to fund 5 existing studies, it is funding …

5. NRS Continues Leading Edge Research Funding

The National Rosacea Society recently announced that they will be continuing to fund 5 existing rosacea research streams. Confirming their faith in the on-going NRS sponsored research, the NRS has announced additional funding to the following researchers. 1. Dr. …

6. Lupin and Medicis Agree Over Generic Solodyn

In contrast to the ongoing disputes over generic Oracea, the makers of the low-dose minocycline Solodyn, Medicis have entered into a joint development and sales agreement with Lupin Pharmaceuticals.

Solodyn is a form of Minocycline, a member of the tetracycline famaily, available in 8 strengths, prescribed based primarily on your weight.

7. Low Dose Accutane from St Thomas’ Hospital in London: Daily Mail

The Daily Mail has another of its semi-regular stories on Rosacea today. This time the article highlights the use of low dose accutane to treat hyper keratinisation, slow down sebum production, and also serve as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent.

Rosacea News July 2011

1. Visualising Evidence for Oral Supplements: Snake Oil All Round

Below is a wonderfully rich graphic that tries to help visualise the available evidence for the efficacy of dozens of oral supplements. The aim of the creators is to visualise tangible health benefits when taken orally by an adult with a healthy diet. Only human, randomised placebo-controlled trials were used to create this graphic. Information is Beautiful: Snake Oil? …

2. Gallo to trial Aminocaproic Acid as Cathelicidin Inhibitor

Just posted are some details of a new trial rising out of the work of Dr. Richard Gallo’s group at the University of California, San Diego. Gallo is well known for his work on the relationship between antimicrobial peptides such as cathelicidin, and rosacea. The trial will compare topical 25% aminocaproic acid (ACA) mixed with Vanicream vs Vanicream on its own. The …

3. Allergan buying Vicept Therapeutics to get V-101 / Oxymetazoline

News today that Allergan are buying the privately held pharmaceutical company Vicept Therapuetics. The aim of many small startup companies is to be acquired by a larger company, Vicept telling us that “We believe Allergan …

4. Rosacea Cure eBooks: All Just SPAM?

There is a seedy dark side to the internet. OK you knew that already, but perhaps there are forces at play on the internet that are more subtle than you realise. Lets turn our focus toward the emergence of the “Rosacea Cure eBook” Phenomenon. Over the last few years there are more and more web sites that exist to solely sell you …

5. Metrogel, Finacea and Oracea are Best for Rosacea

A systematic review of the available rosacea research confirms that Metrogel, Finacea and Oracea are effective for moderate to severe rosacea. One study further found cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion effective for ocular rosacea. This review looked at the published results of 58 trials to note bias and construct a high level summary of the results. No Surprises Here It will come as …

6. Cosmetics and Makeup work fine applied after Metrogel

This research comes up with the finding that using a foundation after applying Metrogel 1% won’t worsen rosacea symptoms. Most of the participants in the trial were happy with the appearance of foundation, when used in combination with Metrogel.

The authors tell us that there is little research into whether makeup both makes rosacea worse or whether those who suffer from rosacea can also successfully use makeup like foundation.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Rosacea News June 2011

1. 9 New Drugs in Development for Rosacea

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America tells us that there are currently 9 drugs in development for rosacea. I was initially curious as to how counted nine. Read on if you want to see how they get to this number. 277 Medicines in Development For Skin Diseases Washington, D.C. (June 13, 2011) — America’s biopharmaceutical …

2. Why Do New Drugs take SO LONG to be Developed?

For everyone waiting on the latest and greatest new treatment for rosacea, new drugs seem to take forever to make it to the market. Taking a step back and looking at new drug development in general, it is very sobering to read how few drugs actually make it to an approved product; THE DRUG DISCOVERY , DEVELOPMENT AND …

3. Final FDA Approval of Sansrosa, expect 15 months post Phase III

A popular topic online at the various rosacea forums is to guess when Sansrosa will become available. So far all guesses have proved way way too optimistic. Given that we believe that the process is in the later stages of Phase III, what sort of best outcome possible, educated guess might be worth offering up? Once the Phase III process completes (which itself …

4. Riversol: From idea to a Rosacea Product

I thought this article from the Vancouver Sun was quite interesting from the point of view of developing new products for rosacea sufferers. Just how do you get from something that you think might work, to a product …

5. Galderma blocking Impax making Generic Oracea

The last we heard from Impax Laboratories was in late 2009 when they had filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA 91-447) to produce a generic version of Oracea. …

6. Inactive Ingredients Just as Important as Active Ingredients

Rosacea sufferers get good at looking through ingredient listings. What magical ingredient has been included in this product that might help me? But you should keep reading and take notice of everything listed.

7. How do you cope with Rosacea at Work?

The NRS recently highlighted the possible negative effects of rosacea in the workplace and on their career.

As well any physical symptoms such as facial burning, blurred vision and debilitating flushing, the secondary worries about what others will think about your appearance make it tough for rosacea sufferers at work.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Rosacea News May 2011

1. Custom Cleanser and Moisturizer from acne.org

The owner of the site acne.org, Daniel Kern has created an acne treatment regime that is cheap and simple. It looks to me like any benefits to rosacea sufferers are yet to be discovered. acne.org is a large online community of acne suffers that includes a small area for rosacea sufferers. The site is run mostly by volunteers and doesn’t accept any …

2. Most Patients use Steroids for Trivial Problems

Steroid Induced Rosacea is, sadly, one hot topic.

I know this because the blog posting Treating Steroid Induced Rosacea is one of the most visited pages on this site, and is currently approaching 1000 comments. Unfortunately many …

3. Sansrosa Parallel Phase III Safety and Efficacy Trial Announced

News today of a parallel Sansrosa Phase III Trial. This just announced trial is shorter than the Long Term (52 week) Safety Trial, and seeks to confirm that Sansrosa Gel (CD07805/47) is more effective than the inactive vehicle gel and is itself a safe treatment. Trial ID: NCT01355458 (seems to be somewhat duplicated with NCT01355471) …

4. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream User Reviews

I harp on about this a lot, but I think it is worth repeating. A gentle skin care regime is a good thing for your rosacea. We know …

5. Tetrapeptide-14: Now available for Eye Puffiness and Redness

Some news today promoting a product claimed to reduce the appearance of under eye puffiness. Tarte Dark Circle Defense claims the inclusion of a Helix Biomedix designed peptide sequence known as Tetrapeptide-14 is responsible for the anti-inflammatory actions of the concealer.

6. AzaClear: Moisturizer with Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide

Epikinetics Pharma has pushed out a press release today (reproduced in full on sfgate.com …

7. Why should I Cleanse and Moisturize my dry, oily, flaky SD skin?

I came across this thread in the archives and thought it was worth highlighting it and pushing it out again.

The question asked is a good one – how can cleansing and moisturizing the dry flaky and oily SD skin be a good thing? If you have ever wondered why this is so, read on.

It was interesting to read again how for severely sensitive skin, repairing …

8. FTC Gets Tough on Acai Berry Supplement Sites

Recently the Federal Trade Commission announced that it was taking legal action against businesses that operate deceptive supplement web sites, specifically sites that selling Acai Berry based products.
What does this have to do with Rosacea?
A fair question. As the internet has become a more and more popular source for health related information, the trustworthiness of web sites has become more and more important.

9. Atopiclair, Eletone, MimyX: Barrier Creams with No Active Ingredients

Thanks to Beth, here is some more information about a class of FDA Approved “Medical Device” creams. This class of creams are prescription only, contain no active molecules and are approved for sale to treat medical conditions under via the provisions of …

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Rosacea News April 2011

1. LA Clinic looking for Oracea Biomarkers Study Participants

The Vitligo and Pigmentation Institute of Southern California is hosting part of the trial to evaluate Rosacea-related Inflammatory Biochemical Markers in Adult Skin When Treated With Oracea vs Placebo. This trial is looking to prove changes in inflammatory markers like the peptide LL-37 and the MMP family match the improvement seen when taking Oracea. The trial is scheduled to involve 170 participants at …

2. Why, Oh Why Did I Get Rosacea ?

I hear you.

My skin was great. I have had beautiful skin all my life, but now wham! rosacea has reared its ugly head.

Well the NRS Blog has an answer to this plea. It is all about your risk profile. If you are over 30 with fair skin, have a relative with rosacea and are of Northern European Ancestry then the statistics suggest that you are …

3. Galderma Big Profits Great for Texas

An interesting article from the Business section of the Star-Telegram about the local presence of Galderma in Fort Worth, Texas. Galderma is one of the key companies for rosacea sufferers to follow given their products such as Cetaphil, Metrogel, Oracea and the in-development Sansrosa. Swiss skin-care company thrives even during hard times, executive notes at …

4. Vicept Oxymetazoline V-101 Cream More Phase II Data, on to Phase III

A Press Release today (Vicept are happy to generate publicity at every step of their development) touting more Phase II Study results for their Oxymetazoline based V-101 product. V-101 is a topical slated to treat the redness of …

5. The BEST Treatment for Rosacea

Once you have been diagnosed with rosacea, everyone naturally wants to know What is the best treatment for rosacea? Wouldn’t it be great if there was a simple answer to this question that satisfied everyone who has rosacea! Hopefully it doesn’t come as a surprise to find out that there is no known panacea for rosacea. This high level paper …

6. Generic Oracea Legal Trial now in July 2011

I have been watching for a while to see for any developments in the legal proceedings between Mylan and Galderma. These proceedings will determine whether Mylan is allowed to sell Generic Oracea. This is of interest to many rosacea sufferers who consider that Oracea is too …

7. Medicis and Anacor to Develop Boron Treatments for Acne

Even though this press release relates to Acne, it is still interesting to see companies searching for the next killer acne treatment. Whilst only some acne treatments are successful as rosacea treatments, we can still …

8. Green Jelly Beans Linked to Acne!

OK so now I have gotten your attention. Have read of this comic. Lets talk after you finish reading it. xkcd: Significant …

9. Nailfold Capillaroscopy: If only Rosacea was that Easy to Diagnose

I thought this abstract was interesting because of its failure. The authors proposed that a passive diagnostic test known as Nailfold Cappillaroscopy could be used to test for rosacea.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Rosacea News March 2011

1. Gallo: beta-defensins coordinate Skin Barrier Injuries

This short abstract from Dr. Richard Gallo is an introduction to an article further on in the journal edition from Dr. Ahrens et al. Gallo’s interest is piqued by the possibility of a coordinated defense effort from the permeability and antimicrobial barriers of the skin. Ahrens was able to show that certain Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), called beta-defensins were upregulated (i.e. they …

2. Dry Eye is a common precursor to Ocular Rosacea

This abstract suggests that dry eye may be an early sign of ocular rosacea. Tear function tests could help the early diagnosis of ocular rosacea, according to the authors. Currently there is no definitive diagnostic test for ocular rosacea, it is based on clinical symptoms. One proposed diagnostic test is high abundance of oligosaccharides in the tear fluid of patients with rosacea. …

3. Ever heard of a Rx Cream with NO ACTIVE INGREDIENTS?

In all of your internet searching for treatments, have you ever come across a FDA approved, prescription-only treatment that claims to have no active ingredients ? Would you stop and think What is that all about? Well I did. The supporting web site for Promiseb Topical Cream (online at http://promiseb.com/) contains a very …

4. Itchy Gritty Eyes may be Blepharitis

An unusually useful article about Blepharitis today from The Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. (htrnews.com). Itchy, sandy feeling in eyelids may be blepharitis Question: What causes my eyelids to be itchy and sandy in the mornings? Answer: The most likely cause of your symptoms is something called blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids, and …

5. Sansrosa starts Phase 3 Trials (again)

News today that Galderma has listed CD07805/47 as entering large scale Phase III trials. Under the previous owners of the Brimonidine-based technology Collagenex, the product then known as Sansrosa …

6. The Rosacea App: A Rosacea Web Site in your pocket

This is a first. A major pharmaceutical company has released a smart phone app for rosacea sufferers. Intendis, the makers of Finacea, have created a program that you can carry around for easy reference.

Built with the help …

7. Finacea plus Low Dose Accutane to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis + Rosacea + AK

Below is a recent paper suggesting that combining Finacea with Low Dose Accutane is a useful treatment for rosacea concomitant with seborrheic dermatitis. The patient was also suffering from Actinic Keratosis (pre-cancerous skin lesions). The patient experienced relief from both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis, two conditions that together sometimes prove tricky to treat. Bear in mind, though, that this paper …

8. Intendis makes a mobile phone app for Rosacea

Intendis, the makers of Finacea, have announced that they are to produce an application for mobile phones to help sufferers of rosacea manage their symptoms. To be launched in March, the Rosacea Info App will be available for iPhone, BlackBerry and Android. Previously Rosacea News covered a program called AcneApp that purported to treat acne by displaying a solid red or …

9. Galderma, with Oracea looking for Inflammatory Pathway Markers

Seemingly wanting to help answer the question How do tetracyclines help Rosacea? Galderma has announced a large trial to measure the changes in inflammatory pathway markers when you take Oracea.

Whilst the trial only directly mentions LL-37 and MMP I would expect other well known markers to be measured as well.

If the researchers include markers that can be proven to be indicative of rosacea disease, …

10, The Placebo Effect is a very strange thing indeed

How exactly does the mind play a role in the way that medicines help us ? How come even when we know the treatment is fake, we can get better ? Should we be asking our doctor for a bottle of placebo pills the next time we visit ? I would love to know the answer to these questions and …

11. Xylometazoline (Otrivin) is another red face treatment

A brief extract today covering a paper detailing how the topical Xylometazoline can be used to treat the redness of rosacea.

Similar to oxymetazoline, xylometazoline is marketed as a nasal decongestant under many brand names. Brands you may come across include Otrivine, Otrivin, Sinutab Nasal Spray, Cirovin and Novorin.

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Rosacea News February 2011

1. 4% Quassia Amara Extract as good as Metrogel and Finacea

A just published abstract introduces a botanical extract for the treatment of rosacea. Researchers from the National University of Córdoba in Spain compared a topical gel containing 4% Quassia Amara with Metrogel and Finacea. The extract compared favourably to these established rosacea topicals, and thus might offer an alternative …

2. Tea Tree Oil may help skin cancer lesions

Some recent studies highlighted today from the University of Western Australia’s Tea Tree Oil Research Group. Who would have known that tea tree oil was interesting enough to have its own research group! Tea tree oil is interesting to rosacea sufferers firstly because it has been shown that tea tree oil can demodex mites. Secondly there is some research that shows that tea tree …

3. Bad Acne can lead to suicidal thoughts in teenagers

This study, undertaken in Norway finds that bad acne can of its own accord, induce suicidal thoughts in teenagers. Being a teenager can be tough. Being a teenager with bad skin and good mental health can be even tougher. If this study bears out in the larger population, then it is worth knowing that acne alone can be responsible for teenagers, most …

4. Neuropeptide PACAP Modulators for Neurogenic Rosacea

The recently published paper that called for the creation of Neurogenic Rosacea subtype contained an interesting disclosure.

We are told that one of the paper’s authors, Professor Martin Steinhoff MD PhD , holds a related patent and research grant from Galderma.
Related Rosacea Grant
Dr. Steinhoff, along with Dr. Feramisco, received a $25,000 grant in 2010 from the National Rosacea Society.

Perhaps this below is the grant …

5. How do you treat Neurogenic Rosacea?

This article is the third in a series featuring Neurogenic Rosacea. The first two articles are here: Neurogenic Rosacea: a new subtype for those with dysfunctional facial nerves and What is Neurogenic Rosacea?

Recently a group of doctors from Stanford became the first to publish a …

6. What is Neurogenic Rosacea?

A recent paper in Archives of Dermatology proposed a new rosacea subtype that is to be called Neurogenic Rosacea.

Before we tackle the question of What is neurogenic rosacea?, and How do I know if I have it?, lets step back and look at why a new subtype might be helpful.

7. Neurogenic Rosacea: a new subtype for those with dysfunctional facial nerves

A just-published paper in the Archives of Dermatology is calling for the recognition of a new rosacea subtype – Neurogenic Rosacea.

Thursday, February 03, 2011

Rosacea News January 2011

1. SkinMedica Redness Relief CalmPlex launches to replace Cutanix DRL

We were tipped off by a comment on the blog posting about Cutanix going offline, to the possible future availability of a Cutanix like product. The commenter, who works for SkinMedica told us that; skincarejunkie Bioform was sold to Merz Aesthetics. In that sale Cutanix was sold to SkinMedica. …

2. AAD: your Vitamin D should come from diet, not the sun

Thanks for the tip from the Clinuvel Blog. The AAD has issued an Updated Position Statement on Vitamin D. The AAD’s position is that there is NO SAFE THRESHOLD for sun or indoor tanning exposure, and that we ought to get our recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D from our diet.

3. Sansrosa delayed, sufferers make their own Brimonidine, BEWARE

The path from the laboratory for Sansrosa / COL-118 / CD07805/47 to a product that realises the promise of permanently reducing a red face has been a long one. We first heard about a product to become known …

4. Cutis posts Oracea Phase 4 (ORCA) papers for free online

Late last year Galderma generated quite a lot of publicity in the lead up to the release of the Phase 4 trials of Oracea. Phase IV trials typically …

5. Aczone is as good as Oracea, Finacea or Metrogel, apparently

Trolling patent applications is pretty turgid work. Mostly patents seem to be intellectuals marking out their claims in the hope that future products might result from their discoveries. This patent application starts badly with firstly spelling Rosacea incorrectly as Rosascea.

6. Combining Ivermectin + Benzoyl Peroxide in a topical

A recently updated patent, assigned to Galderma suggests a rosacea topical comprising “at least one compound of the avermectin family and benzoyl peroxide”. This is an unusual (or novel, depending on your viewpoint I suppose) pairing of ingredients for a topical treatment for rosacea symptoms. If you search patents online you can also find applications for topicals containing Avermectin + Metronidazole and …

7. Book Review: Acne and Rosacea The Complete Guide, Alison Bowser

The book is written in 3 parts – 1. Acne (135 pages), 2. Rosacea (25 pages) and 3. Caring for Acne and Rosacea Skin (39 pages).

8. Top Blog Posts on rosacea-support.org

Now that 2010 is over, a quick look at the overall most popular pages on rosacea-support.org. Most Popular Posts Overall The following 10 web site pages were the most popular overall for the year: Photos of Red Nose, Papules, Pustules, acne like rosacea How to Cure a Red Face (facial erythema or …

Monday, January 03, 2011

Most Popular Posts Overall

The following 10 web site pages were the most popular overall for the year:

Most Commented Posts

The following are the top 10 most commented posts on the site:

Rosacea News put up 108 new posts during 2010. Not a huge number, but hopefully everyone might agree that quality is more important than quantity.

Rosacea News December 2010

1. Lupin Pharmaceuticals also files ANDA for Generic Oracea

The battle to make generic Oracea available to the public is heating up. Recently filed documents in Delaware show that Lupin Pharmaceuticals, which are based in India have filed for …

2. Laser still the best for Spider Veins on the Face (WSJ)

An article today in the Wall Street Journal’s Health Aches & Claims section discusses treatments that are available to remove spider veins that can develop on the face. The author quotes Dr. David Goldberg who is well know to rosacea sufferers as a director of Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey and a clinical professor of dermatology and director …

3. Rosaclear from Obagi as an Integrated Rosacea Treatment Regime

The idea of using an American Academy of Dermatology Poster session paper to introduce research around a new product is nothing new. Getting a poster session approved is easier than a full …

4. Doxycycline is as good as Low Dose Accutane (0.3mg/kg/day)

This study as described in a AAD Poster Session, compared 3 different doses of isotretinoin/accutane with a somewhat standard low dose regime of doxycyline. The study was able to show that 0.3mg/kg/day of accutane was as effective as 100mg of Doxycycline for 14 days; followed by 50mg a day thereafter. A dose of accutane of 0.3mg/kg/day is 18mg per day for a …

5. Finacea Foam vs. Finacea Gel

This time last year we learned that Finacea Foam was being trialled for rosacea. That 2009 initiated trial was to compare Finacea Foam against the placebo foam vehicle.

Now a new trial has been listed to compare Finacea Gel with Finacea Foam.

As I noted a year ago, these kind of `swings and roundabouts’ trials tend to be seen when a product reaches maturity and the …

6. What role do micro-organisms in play in Rosacea?

This abstract promises to tell us everything we need to know about the possible role of micro-organisms in the way that the disease Rosacea starts and develops. Even though the role of published research is not to provide reading material for the general public, I still look to journal …

7. Sunscreen does indeed help prevent Melanoma

Apparently this is new information; a study has for the firs time found evidence that sunscreen can help prevent the deadly skin cancer melanoma.

I had assumed that this was a well known fact, but this is not …

8. Rosacea’s Inflammation Mechanisms: Symposium Notes

Thanks for the tip from Dan, here is an interesting presentation from the AAD Summer Academy Meeting, August 4-8, Chicago, Ill. The notes are titled Acne and Rosacea: Inflammatory mechanisms and their impact on therapy and were part of Symposium S012. The Symposium was titled What’s Breaking Out: Acne and Rosacea. Dr. Bhatia was the first speaker, and was down to cover this …

9. Topical Timolol (Timoptic) for rosacea lesions around the eye

A new clinical trial is proposing to look at using a non-cardioselective beta-blocker, Timolol Opthalmic, to treat ocular rosacea based benign vascular lesions on the eyelid. The condition is chronic as it can lead to blindness. Timolol has been used orally in the treatment for hypertension and opthalmic solutions have been used to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma. Clinical …

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Rosacea News November 2010

1. Finacea and the Cause of Rosacea

Following on from a study that was able to show the reason that Finacea was able to adjust the inflammatory response in the skin, is this JAAD Poster session abstract. This paper is looking at how the active ingredient in Finacea, azelaic acid can decrease the expression of 2 substances thought to be important in rosacea – kallikrein 5 (KLK5) and cathelicidin. The …

2. Oracea Phase IV Results (ORCA) show users are happy

Promoted as the biggest rosacea study ever undertaken, Galderma has released results from the Phase IV study into Oracea. This study was called ORCA. We learn from the Galderma Press Release that ORCA stands for Oracea for Rosacea: A Community-Based Assessment. We also learn how to correctly pronounce Oracea, should that interest you. Phase IV trials typically try to replicate the success and safety

3. The one thing I wish I was told about treating Rosacea

Do you have something that you just wish you were told when you were first diagnosed with rosacea? What little pearl of wisdom would have made the biggest difference to know straight up?

Often when someone is diagnosed with rosacea, their first trip to the internet is a scary one. Those pictures of the worst cases of severe rosacea are enough to depress anyone.

4. Elorac promoting Carbamide Peroxide as a Rosacea Treatment

A recent press release from a company called Elorac, is highlighting Phase II trials for treating Acne with Carbamide Peroxide. Elorac are promoting Carbamide Peroxide as an improved, next-generation version …

5. High Glycemic Diet Exacerbates Acne

This may come as no surprise to many, but there continues to be a strong link between diets that place a high glycemic load on the body and acne. Diet and acne, Bowe WP, Joshi SS, Shalita AR. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 Jul;63(1):124-41. Historically, the relationship between diet and acne has been highly controversial. Before the …

6. DERMAdoctor Photodynamic Therapy – topical Red Light Therapy?

Thanks to a comment from Aimee, there is a new product available from DERMAdoctor that looks both innovative and potentially beneficial for rosacea sufferers.

The makers claim that DERMAdoctor Photodynamic Therapy enables users to “experience continuous exposure to anti-aging red light through the mere application of a lotion” and call it a “ground-breaking, patent-pending solar powered technology in lotion form captures UV light transforming it into visible red light, a proven energy source for eliciting anti-aging effects on the skin”.

Monday, November 08, 2010

Rosacea News October 2010

1. Scenesse effective for Solar Urticaria

For those following the progress of the development of Scenesse (formerly Afamelanotide), some good results from Phase II trials in treating Solar Urticaria. Solar Urticaria is a rare skin condition that can be thought of as being like hives caused my exposure to the sun. Participants received a 16mg implant of Scenesse and were found to have both a significant …

2. Mylan continues to fight for Generic Oracea

Documents recently filed in the Mylan vs. Galderma patent litigation reveal that Mylan Pharmaceuticals continues to argue that it should be allowed to manufacture generic Oracea. This ongoing battle is known as the “Oracea Patent Litigation”.

If you are interested to see how generic pharma takes on big pharma to get a …

3. Vanicream Sunscreens User Reviews

Liked by rosacea sufferers for being mild, elegant and reasonably priced, Vanicream Sunscreen SPF30 and SPF60 offer strong sun protection in a formulation worth trying out.

Vanicream Sunscreen is available in SPF30, SPF35 and SPF60. The SPF30 and …

4. Skin Bacteria Thrives in Rosacea Patients

This just published abstract has two interesting findings. Firstly the majority of pustules from a group of rosacea sufferers contained a growth of a skin bacteria called Staphylococcus epidermidis, whereas normal skin …

5. Trial Watch: New Treatments Coming Soon

Despite the global financial economic situation and despite the seemingly crowded skincare market, the research and development of rosacea treatments continues at pace. I wonder if you would be …

6. Raman Spectroscopy, the next great diagnosis innovation

Some press this week about an emerging diagnostic technology known as Raman Spectroscopy. Raman Spectroscopy looks at the way that light scatters when it interacts with different molecules. The technology can analyse the scatter patterns to determine exacting details to do with the chemical makeup of the tissue being examined.

The article suggests that Raman Spectroscopy can be used in a whole new range of ways in a diagnostic role.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Rosacea News September 2010

1. New Rosacea Treatments – get them while they’re hot

Every rosacea sufferer who is unsatisfied with the current offering of treatments looks to see what might be available soon. The thought that something new and improved is just around the corner is a source of encouragement for sufferers …

2. Cutanea Life Sciences files IPO to fund Omiganan development

News today that yet another company is accessing funding to pursue research and development for a new treatment targeting the papules and pustules of rosacea. We learnt in 2006 that Cutanea were trialing Omiganan for rosacea. The treatment is known as a topical cationic peptide. This treatment has anti-inflammatory properties that were promising for acne. Now the developers are …

3. Does the internet help us become hypochondriacs?

A really interesting and honest article where the writer tells us how she has always been very anxious about her health, worrying about many incidences that turned out to be fine. One great fear was leaving her children without a mother. Self diagnosing from the internet certainly didn’t help her anxiety, it would seem. Having the resource of the internet for health issues is …

4. Our love-hate relationship with the Sun

If you are like me, that is like most rosacea sufferers, you wonder where is the middle ground with our relationship to the sun. It seems that each month a new tiny bit of research shows that Vitamin …

5. Los Angeles: facial redness trialists wanted

I have been contacted by Impact Clinical Trials in Los Angeles who are looking for rosacea patients to participate in the ongoing trials for a `new topical gel’ for the erythema associated with rosacea. We are currently conducting a study for a new topical gel being developed as a possible future treatment of erythema associated with rosacea. We are looking for …

6. The NRS wants your blood !!

The National Rosacea Society is calling for people to be materially involved with a study they have funded that is looking into the possible genetic link with the neurovascular system of rosacea sufferers. It would be a great discovery if a gene responsible for facial flushing and burning could indeed be isolated. Help New Genetics Study …

7. Oxymetazoline: what about rebound redness ?

One of the up and coming treatments for the redness of rosacea is the use of oxymetazoline based formulations. Oxymetazoline is the active ingredient in decongestant products like Afrin, Sudafed OM and Vicks Sinex as well as …

8. New Jersey: Want to participate in an Anti-Redness trial?

The recruiting manager from Frontage Clinical is looking for participants in the trial they are hosting for rosacea redness. Frontage Clinical in Hackensack, NJ is conducting a research study to evaluate the safety of an investigational topical gel medication for moderate to severe facial redness associated with ROSACEA. All qualified participants will receive at no cost …

Monday, September 13, 2010

Rosacea News August 2010

1. Soho, NY. Studio looking for makeup volunteers

I have been contacted by Mana Products to see if an volunteers are interested in a makeup session at the Soho, New York Studio. Please contact Adrienne if you are interested. It looks like their web site is www.manaproducts.com We are working on a new cosmetic line of gentle, effective products to conceal rosacea and other skin flaws and create …

2. Extina, Ketoconazole you can use on your face

A formulation of Ketoconazole 2% for treating seborrheic dermatitis called Extina is currently being promoted by Stiefel Laboratories. Stiefel, which is a part of GSK, is promoting Extina as the “first and only ketoconazole foam for scalp, …

3. V-101 (Oxymetazoline) starting Dose-Finding Trials

Hot on the trail of the Phase 1 Study Results and Funding Announcement is a listing confirming that Vicept Therapeutics are soon to start dose finding trials for the treatment of the redness of rosacea. The trial will study the efficacy of V-101 Cream, applied once per day, at a low dose of 0.01%, 2 lots of mid-dose of 0.06% and 0.1%, …

4. Mediterranean Diet gives you Sun Protection

Thanks to a tip from ClinuvelNews, here is an article in ScienceDaily pointing us to some recent research that shows that a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can protect us from skin cancer. In countries like Australia and New Zealand that have high incidences of melanoma, this is some additional reason to follow a diet rich in these nutrients.

5. Vicept Therapeutics positive Phase I study of V-101 for redness of Rosacea

With this latest press release, Vicept Therapeutics is now well and truly out in the public view, and attracting interest from rosacea sufferers. This release of results for Phase I trials of V-101 comes after news that Vicept Therapeutics had secured funding for the development of V-101.

Now that a company name has surfaced we can put the pieces together back to 2007 when Rosacea …

6. Galderma sends Sansrosa backwards – Phase 2 Dosage Trials Again

In yet more proof that Galderma wants to sit on the drug known as Sansrosa, a new August 2010 Phase II dose finding study has been listed at clinicaltrials.gov.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Rosacea News July 2010

1. The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round

Just published in the June 2010 edition of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology is a study comparing “Finacea in combination with Oracea” with “Metrogel in combination with Oracea”. Seeing this abstract published makes me want to let out a loud groan. So much of what we see as recently published rosacea research is just recycled sameness. The actual result of most …

2. Pyratine XR offers long term benefits

Always quick to generate a press release, Pyratine XR has been seen some recently published research, this time on the long term efficacy when treating mild to moderate rosacea. This latest research is in addition to the …

3. The Innovation of Natural Ingredients in Skin Care products

Are skin care products better for your skin, and less likely to be bad for rosacea sufferers, just because they contain natural ingredients ? Of course the answer to this seemingly simple question answer is not straight forward.

Regardless of the answer to this question, the interest in natural products to treat …

4. ROSIE: a new Rosacea Expert Group

With this recent abstract we learn about a new group of International Rosacea Experts.

Up until now the best known group of rosacea experts was organised by the National Rosacea Society, and was referred to as the Rosacea Expert Committee.

The NRS Expert Committee over the years has been responsible for amongst others the 4 following landmark rosacea publications;

Standard Classification of Rosacea
Standard Grading System …

5. NRS Blog highlights ocular demodex bacteria correlation

The NRS Blog has an article today which is an easy to read summary of some recent research into ocular symptoms and demodex mite bacteria. Mites and Eye Symptoms A new study has found there may be a link between ocular rosacea and bacteria associated with Demodex mites, microscopic inhabitants of normal skin that tend to …

6. Generic Oracea in First Quarter 2011 ?

A market analyst report just published speculates that Mylan Inc. may be in a position to market Generic Oracea as soon as the first quarter of 2011. These speculations are based on the successful outcome of a trial set down for December 2010 where Mylan will argue …

7. DRx AFC Medirepair (Arazine) now available in Japan

Signum Biosciences have announced that their first generation “Signal Transduction Modulator” product, AFC Medirepair (Arazine), is now officially available in Japan. From the product web site, the product has some other related products names such as Skin …

8. Vicept Therapeutics gets funding for V-101

News across the business web sites today a new company obtaining funding for a patent protected alpha-adrenergic receptor based treatment for the redness of rosacea.

Vicept Therapuetics is based in Malvern in Pennsylvania and is a privately held company.
From Fidelity Biosciences Joins $10M Series A for Vicept Therapeutics

“We are delighted by the strong investor interest in this round of financing which will allow us to …

Monday, July 19, 2010

Rosacea News June 2010

1. How many people suffer from Rosacea ?

One of the areas of research that attracts attention in the press and it also interesting to rosacea sufferers revolves around how many people have rosacea. The latest 2010 estimates from the NRS suggest that 16 million Americans suffer from rosacea, up from the last estimate of 14 million.

The incidence of rosacea is studied because there is a belief that the statistical analysis will …

2. Just how does Finacea work ?

I’m not sure that I have laid awake at night wondering about how exactly finacea does it’s thing, but as Rosacea News had a stab at Just how does metrogel work ? a while ago, an attempt at covering Finacea’s method of action is only fair.

It is interesting to consider how finacea works especially if that knowledge might lead to …

3. Vitamin D may help the Flu as well

Vitamin D continues to attract interest as does the list of ailments that are now associated with this nutrient. We know from previous studies that Vitamin D modulates the production of cytokines, thereby suppressing inflammation, but here we see that this has been linked not to rosacea, but viral infections such as the flu. Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and the Incidence …

4. Finacea now available in Canada

Canadian rosacea sufferers have up until now been unable to officially use Finacea. Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals have announced that Finacea is now available in Canada. Finally Canadians can get access to Finacea via prescription bringing them …

5. What rosacea topic do you most want to read about ?

If you could ask for a topic for an article on rosacea, what would you ask for ? I have been approached by someone who is contemplating writing an article that would be interesting for rosacea sufferers to read. This article could be published in a magazine or journal and depending on the topic could contain some useful research as well. So here …

6. Foamix to trial foaming topical minocycline

The prescription topical market for rosacea seems to be somewhat crowded. Sufferers have the choice of the metrogel family, finacea as well as the potential to try acne topicals such as retinoids. So far there hasn’t been a proven topical anti-biotic per se. Metrogel and Finacea have anti-inflammatory properties, but are not classified as anti-biotics.

Friday, June 04, 2010

Rosacea News May 2010

1. Cetaphil RestoraDERM for extra dry skin and Eczema

Already available in Canada, Cetaphil will introduce a new line of products for dry sensitive skin in August in the US. The line is called RestoraDERM and is targeted at Eczema sufferers who struggle to maintain the natural moisture balance of their skin. For those rosacea sufferers who also …

2. Research Briefs: IPL, Laser and Stress

Here are brief mentions of recently published papers that look interesting to rosacea sufferers.

1. Intense pulsed light in the treatment of non-aesthetic facial and neck vascular lesions: report of 85 cases

IPL treatments were given 4-6 times 3 weeks apart. 35 rosacea `lesions’ were studied overall. The abstract links the results of rosacea and Poikiloderma of Civatte together, saying that the vast majority of lesions …

3. NRS on Beta Blockers and flushing

In the latest edition of Ask the Doctors, Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, chairman of the NRS medical advisory board answers the question `Do beta-blockers help reduce flushing from rosacea?’.

The answer is brief but I’m encouraged to see the NRS discussing further the possibility of using beta blockers for flushing in rosacea sufferers.
In severe cases, a beta-blocker may sometimes be prescribed to help reduce emotionally triggered flushing …

4. Atralin Gel (Tretinoin 0.05%) being trialled for the redness of Rosacea

The Clinical Trials Register is listing a new trial today for a topical retinoid, Atralin Gel 0.05% for the treatment of the redness and broken blood vessels of rosacea. Officially the trial will look at the redness, telangiectasia, …

5. SIG990 Excellent for Redness, several years away

In a recent email to Rosacea News, Dr. Eduardo Pérez, VP of Operations at Signum Biosciences has confirmed that SIG990 is undergoing preclinical safety/toxicology testing as required by the FDA before clinical trials can commence. You can see this confirmed at the company’s web site: Pharmaceutical Development Pipeline. Signum Biosciences has several molecules under development, SIG990 is their lead candidate for rosacea. …

6. Afamelanotide (Scenesse) now available in Italy

Clinuvel has announced today that Italy has pre-empted the approval of Afamelanotide by the FDA in the US by approving it for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

7. An interview with Colin Dahl from Australian Sciences

Our first guest is Colin Dahl, Chief Scientist at Australian Sciences and the author of A Practical Understanding of Rosacea, Part 1: Heat Regulation and the Warm Room Flush Phenomenon that has been of great help to many rosacea sufferers. We hope you will find these interviews an interesting read.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Scenesse now available in Italy

afamelanotide

Clinuvel has announced today that Italy has pre-empted the approval of Afamelanotide (Scenesse) by the FDA in the US by approving it for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Despite the relatively small number of participants in the Italian trial to treat EPP, and the small number of EPP sufferers thought to directly benefit from this therapy, the approval by Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) is significant because it confirms Afamelanotide’s efficacy and safety and also that national medicine agencies are willing to rapidly approve afamelanotide.

Clinuvel have also announced that afamelanotide will be marketed under the brand name of Scenesse (pronounced “sen-esse”). From today onwards, Clinuvel will adopt SCENESSE in all references to the drug in its further global clinical development.

Scenesse now available in Italy

afamelanotide

Clinuvel has announced today that Italy has pre-empted the approval of Afamelanotide by the FDA in the US by approving it for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Rosacea News April 2010

1. Gut Bacteria and Xifaxan get some press coverage

April 30th, 2010, by David Pascoe

The St. Louis-Dispatch has an article today exploring the link between the overgrowth of small intestinal bacteria and rosacea symptoms for some rosacea sufferers. New way to treat skin disorder By Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian, ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 04/29/2010 … Weinstock is not a dermatologist. He’s a founding partner …

2. Ocular symptoms match Demodex Bacteria reaction too

April 29th, 2010, by David Pascoe

This paper is one more small achievement using statistics to try to build a picture of how demodex mites might be involved with rosacea symptoms. We have learnt from recent research that rosacea sufferers are sensitive to 2 particular types of bacteria that have been isolated in demodex mites. This study further establishes that a reaction to the bacteria correlates to ocular …

3. Light Masque: a LED array from the future

April 27th, 2010, by David Pascoe

The Daily Mail has a recent article looking at a futuristic LED array that wraps around your whole face. Along with a brief review of the device, the author finds it hard to wrap their mind around the claimed …

4. NHS should stop funding Homeopathy: MPs

April 26th, 2010, by David Pascoe

A recent submission to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee has said that using public money on the highly-diluted remedies of homeopathy could not be justified. The cross-party group said there was no evidence beyond a placebo effect, when a patient gets better because of …

5. NRS Announces 2010 Research Grants

April 23rd, 2010, by David Pascoe

The National Rosacea Society has announced a new round of grant funding. Three new studies have been given a grant as well as continuing the ongoing research of 3 studies. Research Grants Awarded Thursday, April 22, 2010 The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has awarded funding to three new studies and continues to fund three …

6. RRDi journal Issue 1 Review: an unfortunate mix

April 21st, 2010, by David Pascoe

The RRDi recently published the first issue of their journal. Rosacea News was given a pre-print version to review. Volume 1, Number 1 is 88 pages and is available for around $15. I was quietly hopeful that a publication `produced by volunteers and written by dermatologists, physicians, researchers and patients’ could be something worthwhile and progressive for the field of rosacea. Sadly my …

7. Accutane Dose 22mg a day compares well to low doses of Doxycycline

April 20th, 2010, by David Pascoe

A paper that Rosacea News previewed in November last year: Accutane dose of 22mg a day works best: EADV has now been published in the JDDG: Journal of German Society of Dermatology. As we learned from the …

8. Every cloud has a silver lining

April 18th, 2010, by E.L. Hodge

European rosaceans unable to fly right now might temper their frustration with the thought that the subtle atmospheric changes caused by the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull might just be helping their symptoms. The volcanic stuff being spewed into the air is rich in sulphurous materials. Sulphur, of course, is a well established rosacea topical. Now, you may be sure that this is no desperate effort …

9. Cure Your Rosacea: ebook review

April 16th, 2010, by David Pascoe

I was sent a copy of the ebook that is for sale at www.cureyourrosacea.com to review. Here are my thoughts on what the author says took 10 years to discover and write. I wasn’t that thrilled to see the web site that sells this ebook sporting a blue+yellow sunflower theme. The sunflower theme has branded rosacea-support.org for several years now and I …

10. Signum Biosciences developing SIG990 for Rosacea

April 15th, 2010, by David Pascoe

A company called Signum Biosciences is developing a new product to target rosacea. Based on a technology that they call G-protein Modulators, GPMs are said to “restore signalling imbalances in the cell”. A first generation product called Arazine is soon to become available and a second generation of products are to target rosacea, psoriasis and eczema.

According to Signum Bioscience’s Development Pipeline, SIG990 is in …

11. Placebo Treatments work even if you know they’re fake

April 14th, 2010, by David Pascoe

An interesting piece in the Australian media recently looking at whether treating patients knowingly with placebo treatments might actually offer some benefits. I have always been fascinated with the whole placebo effect. How exactly can our belief …

12. Inkjet that Sprays on Skin Cells for Burn Victims

April 12th, 2010, by David Pascoe

A press release via Reuters details a new and exciting alternative to skin grafts for burn victims. The method includes some stem cells which allows hair follicles and sebaceous glands to develop in the new layers of skin.

This development offers another possible avenue for rosacea treatments similar …

13. Face Transplant Recipient gets donor’s Rosacea

April 10th, 2010, by E.L. Hodge

As we all well know there are lots of things worse than rosacea. And, it turns out that one of the things worse than rosacea is having half a face. You see, James Maki who last year received a partial face transplant reports that, in spite of now being permanently red faced on account of the donor being a rosacean, he is very pleased …

14. Oracea and Metrogel FREE for low income no insurance

April 9th, 2010, by David Pascoe

Being prescription items, Oracea and Metrogel 1% are too expensive for many rosacea sufferers, even those with basic medical insurance.

Thanks to a tip from chenoarae; Oracea and Metrogel 1% are both available for free for residents of the US who don’t have insurance of any sort and are on a low income.

Some pharmaceutical companies offer a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) where they provide their …

15. Rosaliac UV Fortifying Anti-Redness Moisturizer with SPF 15

April 8th, 2010, by David Pascoe

La Roche-Posay are not particularly well known in the rosacea world but they do sponsor the National Rosacea Society and have a range …

16. Treating Dry Eye with Intense Pulsed Light

April 7th, 2010, by David Pascoe

KGMH Denver Channel 7 has a piece today, Drop-Free Dry Eye Treatment, highlighting the use of IPL for treating suffers of chronic Dry Eye.

17. Behind the statistics are Real People

April 2nd, 2010, by E.L. Hodge

A.D. 63. Rome. Public speaking is central to political and cultural life: an ordeal for most people; a nightmare for Roman rosaceans. The philosopher, Seneca, offers consolation to Lucilius, who is likely afflicted with ruddiness, flushing and blushing. ‘Certain people have ordinary blood,’ he says, ‘ and others just have an animated, lively sort of blood that comes to the face quickly.’