Obagi's Solubilized Benzoyl Peroxide Reduces Moderately Severe Acne

Obagi Medical announced the results of four studies of the CLENZIderm M.D. Acne Therapeutic Systems' two proprietary 3-step acne treatments. The data show that patients of all skin types with mild-to-moderately severe acne saw significant improvement in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions and reported high levels of patient satisfaction, lower levels of dryness and greater comfort when using the innovative formulation of solubilized 5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in the CLENZIderm M.D. Systems.

Key findings of the studies:

Two Studies of the Solubilized 5% BPO Serum Gel for Normal-to-Oily Skin

-- The first study showed that when compared to twice-daily treatment with a leading BPO/clindamycin combination product, the twice-daily monotherapy with the solubilized 5% BPO serum gel (CLENZIderm M.D.) resulted in a greater and more rapid reduction in the number of non- inflammatory and inflammatory lesions (42% vs. 28% and 70% vs. 61%, respectively, at week 4).

-- The second study showed that the 3-step CLENZIderm M.D. System demonstrated a moderate or greater overall improvement compared with previously used treatments and high patient satisfaction. A majority (up to 77%) of patients who participated in this multicenter observation study considered the CLENZIderm M.D. acne system more effective than prescription and over-the-counter acne medications they had used previously.

Two Studies of the Solubilized 5% BPO Lotion for Normal-to-Dry Skin

-- In the first study, the investigator found that compared to a leading BPO/clindamycin combination product, the once-daily use of CLENZIderm M.D. System for normal-to-dry skin provided comparable improvements by reducing the non-inflammatory count by a mean of 38% and reducing the inflammatory lesion count by a mean of 63% (versus 48% and 66%, respectively, with BPO/clindamycin).

-- Patient ratings also showed that the 3-step solubilized 5% BPO Lotion system was as effective as the BPO/clindamycin combination product and, on a scale of 0(poor) - 4(excellent), achieved a relatively greater improvement in mean score for:

-- Effectiveness of treatment between baseline and week 4 (from 2.5 to 3.4 with the acne system versus 2.5 to 2.9 with BPO/clindamycin)

-- Reduction of acne (from 1.6 to 3.1 with the acne system versus 1.8 to 2.6 with BPO/clindamycin)

-- In the second study comparing the CLENZIderm M.D. System for normal-to-dry skin to a BPO/clindamycin combination product for patient tolerability, the 3-step system demonstrated lower levels of dryness (P less than or equal to .05) after 2 weeks.

"The data show that CLENZIderm M.D. System is not only effective in treating acne, but also well tolerated by all skin types, which is often a reason patients cite for non-compliance with other acne treatments," said James Leyden, MD, University of Pennsylvania Health Systems and KGL, Inc., and lead investigator of the study comparing facial tolerability of the 3-step acne system to the BPO/clindamycin combination product on normal-to-dry skin. "The solubilized BPO in both the gel and lotion forms is a significant advancement in benzoyl peroxide technology, enhancing delivery to the target site of acne therapy without the excessive drying, flaking and peeling that may occur with other treatments."

The Obagi Medical Products 3-step acne system, branded CLENZIderm M.D. Systems, contain 5% solubilized BPO which helps aid in the follicular penetration of BPO. Traditional BPO formulations are poorly soluble, existing primarily as macrocrystals, some of which are too large to enter the follicles and treat acne issues at their source.

"With the solubilized BPO in the CLENZIderm M.D. Systems, we have been able to improve upon the treatment of acne," said Steven Carlson, Chief Executive Officer of Obagi Medical Products. "By offering a product that penetrates the pores and reduces acne flare-ups quickly and effectively, without the need for antibiotics, Obagi is at the forefront of dermatological advancements."