LEO Pharma’s azelaic acid foam for rosacea now available

LEO Pharma announces they are once again making their azelaic acid foam (Finacea, Leo Pharma) for the treatment of rosacea available on the market.

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The azelaic acid treatment is a 15% prescription medicine used to treat inflammatory pustules and papules in mild-to-moderate rosacea.

Previously, the treatment was owned by Bayer before Leo Pharma acquired it in the company’s acquisition of Bayer’s prescription dermatology business in 2018.

Following the acquisition, production of the prescription treatment was suspended due to a manufacturing delay in mid-2019; since then, the company says they have located the problem and production of the product will continue, according to the press release.¹

“We are pleased to bring Finacea Foam back on the market as an option for healthcare providers and their patients in the treatment and management of mild-to-moderate rosacea,” says Christopher Posner, president and CEO of LEO Pharma Inc. “People affected by rosacea are challenged by a chronic condition that affects the face, with symptoms including raised spots and pimple-like bumps. Helping patients is our mission at LEO Pharma, and we remain committed to supporting the medical dermatology community.”

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Some of the most common side effects when using the foam are itching, redness, dryness and pain (tenderness, stinging or burning). Additionally, there have been isolated occurrences of hypopigmentation after some people have used azelaic acid.

References:

LEO Pharma Inc. Announces Availability of Finacea® (azelaic acid) Foam, 15%, for Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Rosacea. LEO Pharma. http://www.leo-pharma.us/Default.aspx?ID=31103. Published April 15, 2020. Accessed April 15, 2020.