The FDA has approved Allergan's RHOFADE™ cream for the topical treatment of persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea in adults. Approval was based on two clinical studies that evaluated the primary efficacy endpoint on day 29.

Among the estimated 16 million aAmericans with rosacea, persistent facial redness is cited as the most common sign of rosacea. In a National Rosacea Society survey, cited by Allergan, 65% of rosacea patients surveyed said their symptoms first appeared between 30-60 years of age.

“Historically, there haven’t been many options available to help physicians address persistent facial erythema and often we ended up just helping our patients identify and manage triggers, which can lead to frustration for both the doctor and patient,” said Dr. Robert Weiss, Clinical Trial Investigator and Director of Maryland Laser, Skin & Vein Institute. “With the approval of RHOFADE™, doctors will now be able to provide their patients with an effective once-daily treatment option to help manage this condition.”

In two clinical trials, a once-daily application of RHOFADE™ was proven to reduce persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea through 12 hours. The primary efficacy endpoint was at day 29 and defined as the proportion of patients with at least a 2-grade reduction in erythema (improvement) from baseline (pre-dose on day 1) on both the clinician erythema assessment (CEA) and subject self-assessment (SSA) (composite success) measured at hours 3, 6, 9 and 12 versus vehicle. CEA and SSA also measured at Days 1 and 15 at hours 3, 6, 9, and 12.¹

The clinical trials were identical, multicentered, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, and vehicle-controlled in moderate or severe patients, N=885, 18 years or older.¹

In both pivotal trials, the primary efficacy endpoint was met. The proportion of patients achieving composite success were as follows: at hours 3, 6, 9 and 12 results in study 1 were RHOFADE™ (N=222) 12%, 16%, 18%, 15% versus Vehicle (N=218) 6%, 6%, 8%, 6% and in study 2 were RHOFADE™ (N=224) 14%, 13%, 16% and 12% versus Vehicle (N=221) 7%, 5%, 9% and 6%. RHOFADE™ was proven more effective than vehicle in reducing persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea in adults.¹  

“The FDA approval of RHOFADE™ exemplifies Allergan’s commitment to continuing to address unmet patient needs through innovation in medical dermatology,” said David Nicholson, Chief R&D Officer of Allergan plc. “We know persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea is a challenge for patients and physicians and having options can help in treating the disease. RHOFADE™ is the first and only alpha_1A adrenoceptor agonist approved for persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea in adults. The FDA approval of RHOFADE™ represents a new prescription treatment that can effectively help physicians and their patients manage this condition.”   

RHOFADE™ will be available for commercial supply starting May 2017 in the United States. For more information, visit www.Rhofade.com.