Treatment for atopic dermatitis launched in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Invida Group Private Ltd. has formally launched Atopiclair in the Philippines.

Atopiclair is a unique, clinically proven, non-steroidal flare-remission treatment for atopic dermatitis. It has demonstrated statistically significant reductions in itch and also in the need for steroids to control flare-ups in adults and children over the age of six months.

Atopiclair was formally launched during a scientific symposium attended by local pediatricians, dermatologists and allergologists last Nov. 9 at the Galleria Crowne Plaza in Pasig City.

With the launch of a non-steroidal atopic dermatitis treatment with a unique triple-mode of action, Filipino children and adults suffering from atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema or “skin asthma,” can now enjoy long-lasting relief from the chronic itchiness and inflammation caused by this common skin condition.

The unique Atopiclair formulation delivers a threefold action against atopic dermatitis: it acts as an anti-inflammatory; it hydrates the skin and restores the skin barrier function; and it alleviates itching rapidly.

Atopiclair may be used as a monotherapy at the first sign of flares for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis and use as maintenance therapy during remission phase. It may also be used as a combination therapy with other topical regimens in the management of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

The key role is maintenance to calm the skin after the flare has been controlled. Since Atopiclair is a non-steroidal agent, it has the advantage of being positioned safely as part of a topical therapeutic paradigm in the long-term management of atopic dermatitis, which allows patients to stay on Atopiclair indefinitely without any apprehension.

“Atopic dermatitis is a chronic and relapsing condition characterized by dryness of the skin, itching and burning sensation. It belongs to a group of diseases with a genetic predisposition. Individuals with atopic dermatitis have the tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, it being a part of the allergic march,” said Dr. Linda Varona, president of the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. 

Allergic march or atopic march is the progression of allergic diseases starting from the skin to the respiratory tract.

“There are periods when atopic dermatitis worsens, called exacerbations or flares, and periods when the affected skin improves or clears up entirely, called remissions. Atopic dermatitis is not a serious condition but it can have a very negative effect on a patient’s quality of life,” said Dr. Ma. Teresita Gabriel, president of the Philippine Dermatological Society.

“Individuals with atopic dermatitis can lose up to two and a half hours of sleep a night. Bothered by daily skin discomfort, children can have difficulties in school and sink into apathy while adults may develop problems at work and in the family. They may also encounter social stigmatization,” Gabriel added.

“Key goals in the management of atopic dermatitis include hydrating the skin, control of inflammation, relief of itch, eliminating infections and avoiding aggravating factors such as common environmental allergens and food, among others,” said Prof. Thomas Luger, director and chairman of the Department of Dermatology of University of Münster, Germany.

The guest speaker during the Atopiclair launch and scientific symposium, Luger discussed the latest innovations in atopic dermatitis management.

Expert guidelines from Europe, Japan and the US recommend the use of emollients as the basic treatment and standard of care in the management of atopic dermatitis. Commonly known as moisturizers, emollients reduce water loss from the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) by covering it with a protective film.

Atopic dermatitis affects approximately five to 20 percent of children worldwide. In 90 percent of the cases, atopic dermatitis develops prior to age five years. About 75 percent of patients experience marked improvement by age 14 years; however, the remaining 25 percent continue to have significant relapses during their adult life. Atopic dermatitis is the eighth most common disease in people under 25 years of age.

“Atopiclair has its own unique composition of effective ingredients with unique proven efficacy in multiple published clinical trials effectively breaking the itch-scratch-worry cycle and providing better control of AD,” said Ninia Torres, country head of Invida Philippines.

“Atopiclair is a clinically proven non-steroidal agent for the treatment of atopic dermatitis that goes beyond skin barrier repair,” she said.