Onset Dermatologics Launches HylatopicPlus(TM) Cream for Treating Atopic Dermatitis and a Range of Other Skin Conditions

CUMBERLAND, RI--(Marketwire - Aug 22, 2011) - Onset Dermatologics, a PreCision Dermatology company and a leader in developing and commercializing novel, prescription products for improving skin health, today announced the launch of HylatopicPlus™ Cream. HylatopicPlus™ Cream is indicated to manage and relieve the burning, itching and pain experienced with various types of skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis (eczema), allergic contact dermatitis and radiation dermatitis. HylatopicPlus™ Cream also helps alleviate dry, waxy skin by maintaining a moist wound and skin environment, which is beneficial to the healing process.

"An extremely important part of maintaining healthy skin function when patients are treated with topical medications for skin problems such as eczema, acne or other conditions is to ensure that the stratum corneum, or top layer of the skin, is also being treated properly," noted James Del Rosso, D.O., Dermatology Residency Program Director, Valley Hospital Medical Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Henderson, Nevada. "Failure to do this often reduces the overall benefits of other medications that patients are prescribed for their skin conditions."

Dr. Del Rosso explained that the top layer of the skin is involved in several protective functions and can be affected by skin conditions such as eczema, acne or their treatments, in some cases.

"By using a well-formulated barrier repair cream that is recommended by your dermatologist as part of the overall treatment, the function and protective actions of the skin's top layer are maintained, response to other medications is enhanced, possible side effects of treatment are avoided and the skin responds faster," Dr. Del Rosso said. "The importance of this treatment approach continues to be observed in clinical studies and in day-to-day practice."

HylatopicPlus™ Cream is formulated to rapidly hydrate the stratum corneum and provide a semi-permeable barrier that protects against irritants and excessive water loss through the skin. HylatopicPlus™ incorporates hyaluronic acid to deliver a blend of physiologic lipids, including ceramide, to restore healthy barrier function. HylatopicPlus™ has been clinically proven to improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

"HylatopicPlus™ Cream is an excellent example of a well-designed formulation which has been shown to restore the protective functions of the skin's top layer and maintain the necessary moisture level so that natural skin proteins can function properly, contributing to the overall treatment goal of normally functioning, healthy skin," Dr. Del Rosso said. "Studies also have demonstrated that the ingredient formulation used in HylatopicPlus™ Cream improves signs and symptoms of dry skin and eczema, such as roughness, scaling, flaking, redness and itching. I have never treated a patient who has not been happy when itching is relieved."

"HylatopicPlus™ Cream is an important addition to our product line as we continue to develop innovative skincare therapies that are elegant, effective and economical," noted Jeffrey Wayne, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Onset Dermatologics. "The addition of HylatopicPlus™ Cream provides an alternative delivery vehicle for patients and healthcare providers that we believe will increase patient compliance in adhering to prescribed treatment regimens for atopic dermatitis. We have been extremely pleased with the rapid adoption of HylatopicPlus™ Emollient Foam, which has become the number-one, fastest-growing barrier relief therapy in 2011 and have confidence that HylatopicPlus™ Cream will have similar success in the market."

HylatopicPlus™ Cream is now available in the U.S. by prescription only.

About Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a common skin disorder characterized by dry, cracked, itching and burning skin. Other symptoms may include blisters with oozing or crusting, changes in the skin tone and thickening of the skin called lichenification(1). Eczema frequently affects children, with approximately 10.7 percent of all children experiencing a diagnosis within the past 12 months, according to a recent study(2). Patients with eczema have a compromised skin barrier, allowing excessive water loss through the epidermal layer of skin and reducing its permeability.

Important Safety Information for HylatopicPlus™ Cream

HylatopicPlus™ is contraindicated in persons with a known hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formulation. If clinical signs of infection are present, appropriate treatment should be initiated; use of HylatopicPlus Cream may be continued during the anti-infective therapy.

About Onset Dermatologics

Onset Dermatologics (www.onsetdermatologics.com) is dedicated to providing new, optimized, innovative, practical and cost-effective pharmaceutical products to the healthcare market in an effort to improve the quality of life for patients. The company markets 11 products based on its proprietary Delevo^® foam technology platform that is designed to deliver enhanced penetration of proven active ingredients while improving patient compliance.

About PreCision Dermatology, Inc.

Headquartered in Cumberland, R.I., PreCision Dermatology (www.precisionderm.com) is a fully-integrated dermatology company with a mission to deliver innovative therapies to doctors and patients that demonstrably improve the care of skin. PreCision Dermatology is expanding quickly through acquisitions, in-licensing, co-marketing opportunities and internally generated therapies.

(1) PubMed Health. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001856/. Accessed August 19, 2011.

(2) Shaw TE, Currie GP, Koudelka CW, Simpson EL. Eczema Prevalence in the United States: Data from the 2003 National Survey of Children's Health. J Invest Dermatol. 2011;131(1):67-73.