Pediapharm Unveils EpiCeram

Pediapharm has launched EpiCeram, a skin barrier emulsion indicated for atopic dermatitis and other dry skin conditions. Earlier this year, Pediapharm had announced an agreement with Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals for the Canadian rights to the product.

EpiCeram is based on scientific advances in the understanding of the skin barrier and its role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. EpiCeram specifically addresses the defective skin barrier of atopic patients by providing an optimal 3:1:1 ratio of ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol to help repair the damaged skin barrier and relieve the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Steven Porter, chairman and chief executive officer of Ceragenix, said: “We are very excited about the launch of EpiCeram in Canada. The Pediapharm team has been terrific partners so far and we share a common vision for the product. We are confident that their commercialization efforts for EpiCeram will be successful.”

Sylvain Chretien, president and CEO of Pediapharm, said: “EpiCeram is a ground-breaking product that caters to a significant unmet medical need in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. EpiCeram fits perfectly with our strategic mission to bring the best therapeutic innovations in paediatrics to ensure the wellbeing of Canadian children. The product is now available by prescription in Canada and this is excellent news for the patients suffering from atopic dermatitis.”

The company’s report is based on the results of a 121 patient multicenter clinical study which found that EpiCeram, when used as monotherapy, had comparable efficacy to a mid-strength steroid in the treatment of children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, after 28 days of treatment.