Cutanea Life Sciences, Inc. (CLS) introduced Aktipak(erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 3%/5%, a combination therapy indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. The product is available through dermatologists' offices.

Aktipak is a portable, freshly mixed, patient-blended therapy that offers a flexible and convenient treatment option for active, "on-the-go" acne patients, according to the company. The product comes in pocket-sized, single-dose, dual-chamber pouches (60 to a carton), each of which contain the antibiotic erythromycin and the antibacterial benzoyl peroxide in separate chambers. The patient opens the pouch and blends the gel contents immediately prior to use, enabling simple, convenient application with no mixing needed in the pharmacy. Aktipak has an 18-month shelf life from the date of manufacture, and no refrigeration is required. The 1.5" x 2.5" pouches tuck easily and discreetly into purses, gym bags and backpacks.

"At Cutanea Life Sciences, we are committed to focusing on underserved patient needs, and helping medical professionals optimize their practice time through our products and services," said Robert J. Bitterman, President and CEO of CLS. "We are pleased that our initial market entry, Aktipak, meets both objectives by providing a safe, effective and convenient treatment alternative for acne patients with active lifestyles."

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind parallel group study of the efficacy and tolerability of Aktipakversus vehicle was conducted in 217 acne patients age 13 years and older. At 8 weeks, treatment success, as defined by the Physician's Global Acne Severity score, was demonstrated in 36 percent for the Aktipak group versus 12 percent for the vehicle group (p <0.05). The most frequently reported adverse events in clinical trials of Aktipak include dry skin (7.6 percent), application site reaction (2.5 percent), blepharitis (1.7 percent), pruritus (1.7 percent), and photosensitivity (1.3 percent).

"Many of the young acne patients I see today lead very active lives, ranging from sports to travel and other activities," said Daniel Roling, MD, Philadelphia area dermatologist. "The unique benefits of Aktipak^™, including its portability, ease of use and long shelf life, should be a welcome fit for this population."

"As a professional school counselor who works with teenagers every day, I have seen first-hand what research has shown, that acne can have a profound psychosocial impact on teens including affecting their self-esteem, relationships and even academic achievement," said Anne LP Flenner, Ed.S, 2016-17 President of the Florida Counseling Association and a member of the American Counseling Association. "As teens communicate constantly via Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram, the visual, photo-driven nature of these platforms only serves to exacerbate feelings of embarrassment and anxiety over acne."

To learn more about Aktipak^™, visit www.aktipak.com.