Acne Vulgaris Treatment PrARAZLO(TM) (Tazarotene Lotion, 0.045%) Now Available to Patients Through British Columbia PharmaCare Public Drug Plan
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The availability of PrARAZLO™ through BC PharmaCare represents a strategic expansion in the Canadian market for Bausch Health. This development potentially increases the drug's market penetration, given the public nature of the program which ensures wider accessibility for patients. From a market perspective, the inclusion of ARAZLO in all public drug plans across Canada may lead to an uptick in sales volume, positively impacting Bausch Health's revenue in the dermatological segment.
Moreover, as the exclusive tazarotene acne treatment in lotion form, ARAZLO leverages its unique formulation to differentiate itself in a competitive market. The PRISMATREX™ technology, which aims to reduce skin dryness, addresses a common side effect barrier and could improve patient adherence to treatment. Improved adherence typically correlates with better clinical outcomes and can enhance the product's reputation among prescribers, potentially driving growth in prescriptions.
It is important to monitor how the market responds to ARAZLO's increased accessibility, particularly in the context of Bausch Health's overall performance. The company's ability to capitalize on this opportunity will depend on effective marketing and the support of the dermatological community in recommending the treatment.
The decision by BC PharmaCare to list ARAZLO is a significant step in public health policy, as it reflects the program's commitment to providing advanced treatment options to patients suffering from acne vulgaris. This not only has implications for patient care but also signals a potential shift in how public drug plans may prioritize innovative treatments that offer improved patient experiences.
By covering ARAZLO, BC PharmaCare is potentially setting a precedent for other provinces to follow, which could lead to broader national adoption of the treatment. This policy move aligns with a growing trend of public health systems embracing treatments that, while potentially more costly upfront, offer long-term benefits in terms of reduced side effects and increased treatment adherence.
The impact of this decision on healthcare costs and patient outcomes will be an area of interest for policymakers and healthcare providers alike. The balance between cost-effectiveness and providing access to innovative treatments is a delicate one and the long-term implications of such decisions are critical to evaluate.
From a clinical standpoint, the integration of ARAZLO into BC PharmaCare's coverage is a noteworthy advancement in the treatment landscape for acne vulgaris. Tazarotene is a well-established retinoid in dermatology and its formulation into a lotion with hydrating properties could improve patient compliance, a common issue with topical acne treatments due to skin irritation and dryness.
As a dermatology clinical specialist, the potential for ARAZLO to improve patient outcomes is promising. The unique vehicle technology of PRISMATREX™ could represent a shift in the management of acne vulgaris, especially for those who have struggled with other formulations. The real-world effectiveness of this treatment, as it becomes more widely used, will be important to assess. Clinical feedback and patient-reported outcomes will be valuable in determining the true impact of ARAZLO on the quality of life for individuals with acne.
It's also essential to consider the potential for resistance development with long-term use of any retinoid and ongoing research and surveillance will be important to ensure that ARAZLO remains an effective option for patients.
LAVAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / Bausch Health, Canada Inc., part of Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC), today announced that its topical prescription treatment for acne vulgaris, PrARAZLOTM (tazarotene lotion,
ARAZLO is the only tazarotene lotion treatment approved by Health Canada for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 10 years of age and older.1 The listing by BC PharmaCare means ARAZLO is now available to patients on all public drug plans across Canada.
"We are very pleased that British Columbia residents who rely on BC PharmaCare now have access to ARAZLO, a retinoid lotion with a unique vehicle technology for the treatment of acne vulgaris," Cees Heiman, Senior Vice-President, Europe and Canada, Bausch Health said. "It is an important part of our large dermatology portfolio to help meet Canadians' skin care needs."
ARAZLO is the only tazarotene acne treatment available in a lotion formulated with PRISMATREXTM technology (formulation with known hydrating and moisturizing effects, which may alleviate dryness of skin).1 Retinoids like tazarotene are a core component of acne treatment. Providing the treatment in a lotion form helps limit the dryness and irritation that has historically been a barrier to the long-term use of tazarotene by patients.2
"The technology in ARAZLO lotion can help with patient tolerability of their acne treatment which can lead to better effectiveness and results for the patient, so it is very positive that ARAZLO is now available to patients through BC PharmaCare," said Dr. Christina Han, a dermatologist practicing in Vancouver and Clinical Assistant Professor with the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science at the University of British Columbia. "In treating acne, it's important to have a variety of treatment options to find the right one for each patient."
Approximately 5.6 million Canadians are impacted by acne3 and often need to try different treatment options to find one that is effective for them.
"It's encouraging and useful for people with acne to have new treatment options available to them through our public drug plans as acne can have a negative impact on their lives," said Sue Sherlock, Executive Director of the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. "It is good news when a new treatment becomes accessible to everyone."
ARAZLO is produced by Bausch Health, Canada for Canadian patients and for export at the company's manufacturing facility in Laval, Quebec.
About Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris ("vulgaris" means "common") is the most common skin problem seen by doctors in Canada. It occurs when the pores of the skin become plugged with oil and skin cells, often causing whiteheads, blackheads, pimples or cysts to appear on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne affects about 5.6 million Canadians, or nearly 20 per cent of the population and causes emotional distress and can cause permanent scarring1 or pigmentation changes.4 Acne affects about 90 per cent of adolescents and about 25 per cent of teens will still have acne at age 25.3
About ARAZLO
ARAZLO tazarotene lotion,
About Bausch Health
Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC) is a global diversified pharmaceutical company enriching lives through our relentless drive to deliver better health outcomes. We develop, manufacture and market a range of products, primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, medical aesthetic devices, international pharmaceuticals, and eye health, through our controlling interest in Bausch + Lomb. Our ambition is to be a globally integrated healthcare company, trusted and valued by patients, healthcare professionals, employees and investors. For more information, visit www.bauschhealth.com and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
The Bausch Health Canadian prescription treatment portfolio is focused on dermatology, gastrointestinal and cardio-metabolic conditions. Bausch Health also has two manufacturing facilities for prescription pharmaceuticals in Canada: in Laval, Quebec, and Steinbach, Manitoba. More information can be found at the Company's website at www.bauschhealth.ca.
REFERENCES
1. PrARAZLO® (Tazarotene Lotion,
2. "Targeted Topical Delivery of Retinoids in the Management of Acne Vulgaris: Current Formulations and Novel Delivery Systems." Pharmaceutics. Gemma Latter et al, October 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835300/, accessed Nov. 1, 2022.
3. Canadian Dermatology Association, Acne, Quick Facts, https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/acne/#:~:text=Acne%20affects%
4. "What to Know about Hyperpigmentation Acne." Medical News Today, Jessica Caporuscio, April 28, 2021, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hyperpigmentation-acne, accessed Nov. 1, 2022.
Investor Contact: ir@bauschhealth.com | Media Contact: Kevin Wiggins |
SOURCE: Bausch Health Companies Inc.
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