Study Shows Novel BioPharmX Formulation Promises Breakthrough in Acne Treatment

Early research suggests unique, readily absorbed topical hydrophilic vehicle can deliver medicine to sebaceous glands more efficiently than current ointments

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BioPharmX Corporation

Oct 14, 2015, 08:00 ET

MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Research being presented at the Skin Disease Education Foundation's 11^th Annual Women's & Pediatric Dermatology Seminar shows that a unique, hydrophilic drug formulation may offer a breakthrough in the treatment of acne.

The investigational drug product, called BPX-01 developed by specialty pharmaceutical company BioPharmX Corporation (NYSE MKT: BPMX), is the first and only stable hydrophilic topical gel of its kind for an antibiotic that can more effectively deliver therapeutic concentrations to the skin's target anatomy where acne develops.

Hydrophilic formulation delivering API to sebaceous glands

Existing topical acne medications are lipophilic formulations that ensure stability, but compromise effectiveness because the antibiotic is not solubilized and is less effective in reaching the target tissue.

Some lipophilic formulations use substances or combinations of substances such as mineral oil, beeswax, soybean oil, cetostearyl alcohol, etc., all of which occlude pores and are counter-productive for acne treatment by further limiting drug penetration into the skin. To compensate for the lipophilic formulations' limitations, drug products often have significantly increased drug dosages resulting in unnecessary or undesirable side effects.

"Our studies indicate that BPX-01 is more effective at delivering antibiotic into the skin than drug in a lipophilic formulation, suggesting that lower doses of antibiotic can provide superior efficacy over other formulations with higher doses," said Kin F. Chan, Ph.D., executive vice president of research and development at BioPharmX Corporation. "Usability studies indicate that BPX-01 distributes evenly, is not sticky and does not occlude or irritate the skin, indicating that it could offer a significant advancement in the treatment of acne."

The BioPharmX study's findings will be presented at the Dermatology Seminar in Newport Beach, Calif., Oct. 23-24, 2015.

The American Academy of Dermatology calls acne the "most common skin condition in the United States," affecting 40 to 50 million Americans at any given moment. The disease can cause permanent scarring, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.

The condition is typically treated with oral antibiotics, sometimes in combination with topical products. Oral antibiotics often lead to antibiotic resistance and other side effects making them often ineffective or not tolerated. An effective and easy to use topical formulation addresses a very large unmet need.

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 women's health and dermatology. 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 BPX01, 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