Curology Launches The First Online Service For Customized Prescription Skincare

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the launch of Curology, a first-of-its-kind online service that offers customized prescription creams for acne and anti-aging. Founded by dermatologist Dr. David Lortscher, Curology partners patients with licensed healthcare professionals and custom-formulates medications at its laboratory in San Diego, California.

"Prescription medications are highly effective for treating acne and wrinkles. But so many people can't spend the time required to visit a doctor's office and a pharmacy," said Dr. Lortscher. "So we built an end-to-end personalized experience that makes it simple to achieve clear, healthy and youthful skin."

New patients are paired online with a licensed dermatologist or nurse practitioner who evaluates photos of the patient's skin, prescribes a medication tailored for their skin type and becomes their long-term partner in achieving their skincare goals. Curology patients have their medications shipped to their door and have access to unlimited communication with their healthcare provider via a secure messaging platform.

Curology is also announcing $4.2 million in funding from Sherpa Capital, known for investments in Munchery, Uber and Ipsy, and from Forerunner Ventures, whose portfolio includes Warby Parker, Birchbox and Glossier. This first institutional round of funding will allow Curology to scale its medical team and continue investing in research and development of customized prescription skincare. Curology originally debuted in 2014 under the name PocketDerm and initially treated only acne. Its notable efficacy generated significant buzz on Reddit and other online communities, fueling growth of the patient base in excess of 30 percent month-over-month since launch.

"The response from patients has been amazing. I expect Curology to become the first great brand in prescription skincare," said Kirsten Green, founder of Forerunner.

"Curology navigates the complex healthcare system by seamlessly integrating technology, dermatology and pharmaceutical science," said Sherpa Capital co-founder Scott Stanford. "It's a remarkably effective approach to a very real problem."

Curology is currently available in 40 states and customers can sign up at www.curology.com.

About Curology:
Curology, formerly known as PocketDerm, is a first-of-its-kind online service providing customized prescription skincare for acne and anti-aging. Each patient receives a bottle containing three active ingredients prescribed in strengths tailored to their skin by a licensed healthcare provider.  For $19.95 per month, patients receive the prescription medication, one-on-one advice from medical staff and ongoing fine-tuning of their personalized formulation.

About Sherpa Capital:
Sherpa Capital invests in and supports founders of the most promising emerging technology-enabled consumer and enterprise companies. Co-founded by Shervin Pishevar and Scott Stanford, Sherpa Capital is based in San Francisco, California.

About Forerunner Ventures:
Forerunner Ventures is a consumer-focused venture capital firm focused on investing in exceptional entrepreneurs who are building the next generation of consumer brands and experiences. The San Francisco-based firm has invested in 50+ consumer businesses across vertically integrated brands, marketplaces, mobile commerce platforms and retailer tools and technologies. Representative Forerunner portfolio companies include Birchbox, Dollar Shave Club, Glossier and Warby Parker. For more information, visit www.forerunnerventures.com.

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SOURCE Curology