"Foams containing antibacterial agents, antifungals, anti-virals, local anesthetics and hormones will increasingly substitute current creams, ointments and gels which have been the common delivery vehicles for dermatology" said Dov Tamarkin, Ph.D., Foamix's CEO. "We are pleased to announce MupiFoam™ - an innovative alcohol- free foam product to deliver the antibiotic Mupirocin".

Mupirocin, originally marketed under the tradename Bactroban™ (GSK), is an antibiotic that is used topically in the treatment of impetigo, as well as other skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and beta-hemolytic streptococci. Mupirocin is marketed in the form of inconvenient creams and ointments, which nonetheless sold for more than $100 million in the USA in 2003.

Dr. Doron Fiedman, CTO at Foamix added: "Mupirocin is notoriously unstable in most vehicles. We have solved this problem in an elegant foam formulation, that not only spreads readily on the skin leaving no oily residue, but also shows excellent stability characteristics. By providing easy application, we increase patient compliance".

Foamix intends to initiate clinical trials for MupiFoam™ shortly and to be on the market within three years with this product.

About Foamix: Foamix Ltd. is an innovative drug development company specializing in the development and commercialization of proprietary foam products for Dermatology, Gynecology, Cosmetics, Wound-Care and Burn-Healing. Foamix develops products in-house which are available for licensing and also co-operates with leading pharmaceutical companies in the development of foam-based products for the delivery of proprietary actives.