Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders in the US, affecting approximately 50 million people in the US 1 and >150 million people worldwide 2, and nearly all people at some point in their lives. Acne is characterized by comedones, pustules, and, potentially, scarring. Excessive sebaceous gland activity and sebum production are believed to play a key role in the pathophysiology of acne, contributing to colonization with Propionibacterium acnes, inflammation, and the formation of comedones and pustules in clogged pores.

The impact of acne on quality of life has been estimated to be as great as that associated with epilepsy, asthma, diabetes, or arthritis 3. While the market for acne exceeds $3 billion worldwide, acne remains a significantly underserved medical condition, particularly in patients with moderate-to-severe disease, as a result of the limited efficacy of available therapies and the risk of side effects associated with systemic treatments such as Accutane™ (isotretinoin).

 

 

1 JAAD (2006) 55:490.
2 Business Insights. “The Dermatology Market Outlook to 2013”. 2008
3 Br J Dermatol (1999) 140:672