SK Breakthrough: FDA Approves Eskata (hydrogen peroxide) Topical Solution from Aclaris

The FDA has approved ESKATA™ (hydrogen peroxide) topical solution, 40% (w/w) from Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. for the treatment of seborrheic keratoses (SKs). SKs are non-cancerous skin growths that affect more than 83 million American adults. They may frequently appear in highly visible areas such as the face and neck, and can increase in size and number with age.

Eskata provides  providers and patients a topical, non-invasive treatment option that can clear raised SKs with a low risk of scarring. Until now, there has not been an FDA-approved topical treatment for SKs, a condition that is more prevalent than acne, psoriasis and rosacea combined. Full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for Eskata at www.ESKATA.com.

In an interview tih Practical Dermatology® magazine in November, Aclaris CEO Neal Walker, MD addressed market anticipation of the agent. "I think the thing that resonates with the doctors is that they already have these patients in the office. The problem was the headwind was always concern about creating a new issue for the patient. One of the worst things you can do is create a mark for a mark. If you’re removing something strictly for aesthetic reasons, you don’t want to do that," Dr. Walker said. "SK shouldn’t be a throw away lesion—something you ignore. The patient’s coming in and asking you about it. They want an option. You’re the expert as the dermatologist. Treat it."