New corticosteroid with cream-like base

<span style="font-size: 12px;">http://www.upsher-smith.com/Jul 11 2011

Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. announced the launch of Trianex™ 0.05% (Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment), a prescription topical corticosteroid offering the feel of a cream with the strength of an ointment.  Trianex™ combines triamcinolone, the No. 1 prescribed type of topical corticosteroid, with a pleasing cream-like base to relieve inflammation and itching in skin conditions that respond to treatment with corticosteroids, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema).

While ointment formulations are generally considered more potent than cream formulations of the same medication, patients may find creams more cosmetically acceptable than greasy ointments.  Trianex™ is formulated with a proprietary hydrous emulsified base that helps maintain moisture to soften and smooth the skin.  It also provides ointment occlusivity to help enhance corticosteroid absorption, and it does not contain preservatives, which are often found in creams and can cause irritation. Notably, Trianex™ offers the only 0.05% mid-potency triamcinolone ointment in convenient packaging, available in 17-gram and 85-gram tubes to allow for prescribing flexibility.

"With Trianex™, physicians and patients have the best of both worlds – a mid-potency treatment option that delivers the strength of an ointment in a proprietary cream-like base that may be pleasing to patients," said Glenn MacEachern, Director - Product Marketing, Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.   "The base for topical corticosteroids is one of many factors that may affect patient compliance, and we are pleased to offer Trianex™ as a unique option for sufferers of inflammation and itching due to corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions."

Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema) are two examples of skin conditions that may respond to topical corticosteroid treatment. An estimated 5 million people are affected by psoriasis, a chronic skin disease of scaling and inflammation.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 10 to 20 percent of children and 1 to 3 percent of adults develop atopic dermatitis, characterized by very itchy patches that cause scratching, which can lead to redness, swelling, and possible skin damage.

Trianex™ 0.05% (Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment) is supplied in 17g tubes (NDC 0245-0136-17) and 85g tubes (NDC 0245-0136-85).