Appropriate Use of Antibiotics in Dermatology Gains National Attention

Fort Worth, Texas – June 2, 2015 – Galderma Laboratories, L.P. today announced that it will attend and participate in White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship, taking place today. Stemming from President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13676: Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, issued on September 18, 2014, the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria asks countries to take urgent action at a national, regional and local level to combat resistance.

“Being asked to attend the White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship is the highest compliment that we can receive, and truly underscores the commitment and efforts Galderma has put forth around this important issue,” explained Humberto C. Antunes, CEO of Nestlé Skin Heath S.A., and Chairman of the Board of Galderma Pharma S.A. “Understanding that healthcare providers need safe and effective treatment options to help manage patients’ dermatological conditions, Galderma is a driving force in skin health research and development, with significant investments made year after year to advance dermatology through innovative medical solutions.”

“We are dedicated to bringing new antibiotic-free treatment options to market, and expect to hear word from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a new antibiotic-free acne treatment this summer,” explained Dr. Philip Brown, MD, JD, Senior Vice President, Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Galderma Laboratories, L.P, who is attending the Forum as a company representative.

Galderma has demonstrated its commitment to antibiotic stewardship by taking the necessary steps to cease the commercialization of topical antibiotics through all of the company’s national subsidiaries, both U.S. and globally. The world of antibiotic resistance is vast; and dermatologists play an integral role:

• Over the past two years, approximately 11.5 million prescriptions for oral antibiotics and 6.9 million prescriptions for topical antibiotics were dispensed for dermatology related issues, including acne ^{1A, 2}  and in 2013, nearly two-thirds of antibiotic use in dermatology was for acne.^1B
• Of the topical antibiotics prescribed for acne over a one year time period, more than 2 million of those prescriptions were for topical clindamycin alone3 , which when used as a monotherapy, can cause resistance. A recent publication showed a resistance rate of 79 percent among Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in the United States, a bacteria known to be a key contributor to the pathogenesis of acne.⁴
  • This suggests that when topical clindamycin is used alone topically, it would likely be less effective in killing P. acne.
  • Topical antibiotics used alone may also impact other bacteria found on the skin (Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) ⁵ , and result in developing resistance.⁶
  • Acne patients treated with antibiotics (topical or oral) had more than two times greater risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection compared with acne patients who were not treated with antibiotics.⁷

“All healthcare providers must play a role in reducing the incidence of antibiotic resistance, and it is the collective sum of these efforts that will lead to a significant impact,” added Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS*. “It is important for prescribers of antibiotics to receive education concerning the prudent use of antibiotics as part of their undergraduate curriculum, internships, and professional training in order to shape their antibiotic prescribing behaviors, along with education throughout their careers to respond to emerging evidence and changing patterns of resistance.”

In 2014, Galderma supported the CDC’s Get Smart About Antibiotics Week to drive awareness of appropriate antibiotic use through educational content focusing on the dermatology community and their role in antibiotic stewardship8 and will be supporting the CDC efforts again in November 2015.

About Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States,^9A affecting more than 40 to 50 million people.^9B Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition,^9C and can have a wide-ranging negative impact on sufferers that includes both emotional and physical scars.^9D Acne not only affects teenagers but also can be seen in men and women of all ages^9E with research showing that the onset of acne is frequently seen in prepubescent patients.¹⁰

When it comes to acne treatment, long-term use of antibiotics may be a contributing factor to the overall global antibiotic resistance issue.^11A Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacteria linked to acne, is increasingly becoming resistant to topical and oral antibiotics,^11B which may potentially cause a decrease in treatment efficacy against acne and cause resistance to other bacteria. ^11C

About Galderma

Dating back to 1961, Galderma is now present in 80 countries with an extensive product portfolio to treat a range of dermatological conditions. The company partners with health care professionals around the world to meet the skin health needs of people throughout their lifetime. Galderma is a leader in research and development of scientifically-defined and medically-proven solutions for the skin, hair and nails.

Strategic brands in the U.S. include Epiduo®, Oracea®, Clobex®, Differin®, Mirvaso®, MetroGel®, Soolantra®, Vectical®, Tri-Luma®, Cetaphil®, Benzac® Acne Solutions, Restylane®, Restylane® Silk, Perlane®, Dysport® and Sculptra® Aesthetic.

For more information, please visit www.galderma.com and www.galdermausa.com.

*Associate, Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Director of Dermatologic Surgery at New York Medical College a consultant for Galderma.

References:

¹ According to data from Symphony Health Solutions, Pharmaceutical Audit Suite, Prescription Monthly Audit, January 2013 – December 2013.

² According to data from Symphony Health PHAST Monthly Prescription, MAT Dec 2014, January 2014 – December 2014.

³ Symphony Health PHAST Monthly Prescription, moving annual total prescriptions, November 2013-2014. Total Acne Market Prescriptions, N=8,300,652.

⁴ Leyden JJ et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011;4(5):22-26.

⁵ Levy RM, Huang EY, Roling D, et al. Effect of antibiotics on the oropharyngeal flora in patients with acne. Arch Dermatol. 2003 Apr;139(4):467–71.

⁶ Harkaway KS, McGinley KJ, Foglia AN, et al. Antibiotic resistance patterns in coagulase-negative staphylococci after treatment with topical erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, and combination therapy. Br J Dermatol. 1992 Jun;126(6):586–90.

⁷ Margolis DJ et al. Antibiotic treatment of acne may be associated with upper respiratory tract infections. Arch Dermatol. 2005;141(9):1132-6

⁸ Galderma Laboratories, L.P. [news release]. http://www.galderma.com/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/72/Responsible-use-of-Antibiotics-in-Dermatology supported-during-CDCs-Get-Smart-About-Antibiotics-Week. Accessed March 25, 2015.

⁹ American Academy of Dermatology. Acne. https://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/conditions/acne. Accessed on May 13, 2015.

¹⁰ Goldberg JL, et. al. Changing Age of Acne Vulgaris Visits: Another Sign of Earlier Puberty? Pediatr Dermatol 2011 Nov;28(6):645-648.

¹¹ Humphrey S. Antibiotic Resistance in Acne Treatment. Skin Therapy Let. 2012;17(9). http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/772258_1. Accessed on May 13, 2015.