Stiefel expands Duac gel further into Europe

Stiefel is to expand its operations in Europe, after announcements that its Topical Gel will now be available in Italy.

The dermatology specialist states that its new dual-action, topical acne medication is currently enjoying success in the EU following its introduction in Germany and Spain, where it is number one in the market for prescription treatment.

The gel comprises one per cent clindamycin and five per cent benzoyl peroxide and is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. It is currently available in around 20 countries globally.

Pascal Waucquez, general manager at Duac Topical Gel, commented: “We are so pleased to be able to answer the needs of dermatologists for a new, efficacious acne treatment in Italy and look forward to achieving similar launch results in Italy as has occurred in Germany, Spain and the UK.”

Introduced in the US in 2002, the Duac Topical Gel is the only dual therapy prescription treatment approved for daily application. Side effects can include redness, peeling and diarrhea, with patients urged to speak to their doctors urgently if any such symptoms are observed.

Stiefel states it is the world’s largest independent pharmaceutical specialising in dermatology and comprises over 30 subsidiaries.

It recently made MimyX cream commercially available as a larger 140g tube, which can be purchased at a “substantially” lower cost per gram than the original 70g product.