Technical
Insights Alert
Phone: 210-348-1000
Medical
Device Technology Alert
APRIL 02, 2004
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Copyright 2004, Frost & Sullivan
There is a new trend in dermatology- formed as a result of the development of a novel drug delivery system for better therapeutic reach to the target area. This novel drug delivery system is based on foam, whereby, the active therapeutic agent is included in the foam vehicle. With more efficient delivery, the system provides improved treatments and achieves better patient compliance.
Connetics Inc, is considered a pioneer in this field; in its first year of operation the company made sales of $50 million. Its products are geared towards the treating scalp psoriasis. A few other proprietary technology based start-ups are now competing with Connetics in its own turf.
Foamix Ltd, an Israel-based start-up, is one such company. It boasts of novel proprietary topical foam technology based products. The company specializes in topical foam products and its development for applications in dermatology. The company’s DermaFoamix is an innovative, emollient, alcohol-free, emulsion-based, foam formulation of drugs, for the treatment of skin disorders. This product is unique because it is free of alcohol. Use of alcohol as an Ingredient, is otherwise a standard practice in this sector.
Dov Tamarkin, the company’s CEO, says, "Foamix Ltd has developed a superior foam vehicle, which comprise oil in water emulsion, and no alcohol. The foam is suitable as a carrier of a variety of drugs and cosmetic-active ingredients, including water soluble, oil soluble and particulate agents."
Foamix’s products are unique emollient, alcohol-free foam formulations, which contain skin conditioning oily substances, making it light and fluffy. They spread easily on to large areas and penetrate quickly, without leaving any greasy residue. In the usability tests, patients found that the Foamix foams are easily spreadable and highly penetrable. Additionally, the patients observed the lack of sticky and greasy feel while maintaining a shiny look as major advantages.
Enthusiastic with their initial success, the company has developed following technology platforms based on foam technology to deliver target drugs.
GyneFoamix - Proprietary foam formulations of gynecological drugs
Suspension Foam - Unique foams comprising insoluble drugs and cosmetic agent
BabyFoamix - Foam formulations for the prevention and treatment of diaper rash and delicate baby skin care foams.
CosmetoFoamix - Creative cosmetic foam formulations, for elegant and effective dermo-cosmetic treatment of large skin surfaces.
OILGEL - Oil-gel formulations, which eliminate the need to use ointments for the effective topical delivery of oil-soluble drugs.
Between the years 2000-04, seven patent applications have been submitted to protect Foamix foam technologies. In a sign of proactive business development, the company has forged alliances with three companies (including a multi-national pharmaceutical company) to co-develop products. Furthermore, the company expects to initiate another three to six additional co-development projects. The company is focusing on in-house topical foam drug products for over-the-counter (OTC) products and cosmetics.
"There are on going discussions with several key players in the dermatology, gynecology and personal care (cosmetics) industry, which are expected to mature into further deals in 2004" says Tamarkin. "The Foamix technologies are versatile enough to capture very broad market segments. They have gained the support of industry and medical opinion leaders, and has found high acceptance by the industry." Clearly, this innovative Israeli company will make its mark in this four billion dollar market.
Details: Dov Tamarkin, CEO, Foamix Ltd.,
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