Research suggests a 1% dose could work as well as 4% topical products under development; lower doses reduce the likelihood of undesirable side effects
MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- BioPharmX Corporation (NYSE MKT: BPMX), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing products for use in dermatology and women's health, announced today that research being presented at the Skin Disease Education Foundation's 16th Annual Las Vegas Dermatology Seminar shows that a unique formulation of minocycline known as BPX-01 may offer a breakthrough in acne treatment because it can deliver the antibiotic to the area of skin where acne develops. Study findings will be shared during the SDEF dermatology meeting Nov. 5-7.
The novel hydrophilic (non oil-based) formulation of minocycline may be more effective than other topical alternatives because they either use less effective antibiotics to penetrate the top layer of skin or rely on higher concentrations of minocycline, which could lead to unpleasant side effects.
BPX-01 is the first and only stable hydrophilic topical gel with fully solubilized minocycline. Minocycline, an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medicine, is the most commonly prescribed acne treatment because it has a lower resistance rate than other antibiotics. No stable form of hydrophilic topical minocycline is currently commercially available.
"Our preliminary studies in animals indicate that minocycline delivered by BPX-01 is efficiently absorbed into the skin, reaching the epidermis and the pilosebaceous region where acne develops," said Kin F. Chan, Ph.D., executive vice president of research and development at BioPharmX Corporation. "The results suggest that lower doses of the antibiotic may be used to provide a treatment that is superior to higher-dose topical formulations and oral therapies."
Topical targeted formulations are preferable to oral dosing that can have,side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness that can discourage compliance. Lipophilic (oil-based) topical antibiotic products are occlusive and can compromise drug delivery. To compensate for the inefficiency, some products use less effective antibiotics while others rely on significantly higher concentrations of antibiotics. The BioPharmX research found that the hydrophilic BPX-01 formulation distributes evenly, is not sticky and does not occlude or irritate the skin, an advantage in the treatment of acne.
Dermatologists often prescribe combinations of oral minocycline and topical products to treat the skin where acne conditions develop, but have never had an option for a topical minocycline solution.
The American Academy of Dermatology calls acne the "most common skin condition in the United States," affecting 40 million to 50 million American at any given moment. The disease can cause permanent scarring, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.
About BioPharmX™ Corporation
BioPharmX Corporation (NYSE MKT: BPMX) is a Silicon Valley-based specialty pharmaceutical company, which seeks to provide products through proprietary platform technologies for prescription, over-the-counter ("OTC"), and supplement applications in the health and wellness markets, including dermatology and women's health. To learn more about BioPharmX, visit www.BioPharmX.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this press release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those section. This press release contains forward-looking statements about the company's expectations, plans, intentions, and strategies, including, but not limited to, statements regarding, including with respect to: the success of the commercialization of VI2OLET iodine, the effectiveness of BPX01, the timing with respect to filing an IND and clinical trials for BPX-01, the release of key data for BPX01, the release of key data and the successful completion of multi-site IRB studies for BPX03 and the successful completion of the private placement with Korea Investment Partners Overseas Expansion Platform Fund. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "plan", "expect," "anticipate," "believe," or similar expressions that are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, which, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include those described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made only as of the date hereof and the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.
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SOURCE BioPharmX Corporation
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