A study done by the FDA indicated that the Vitamin A used in almost half of the roughly 500 sunscreens on the market may actually increase the growth of skin cancer. Dr. Kim Gittere Abson, a dermatologist at the Polyclinic in Seattle, “So this is a study that was conducted by the FDA that looked at mice using a form of Vitamin A called Retinal Palmitate.” “And in the mice, that were just treated with the Vitamin A, versus the ones that were not, there was a 21% increase in skin cancer in those mice.”

Two FDA advisory committees voted in favor of the approval of Purdue Pharma’s reformulated version of long-acting OxyContin, despite some members’ concerns over the drug’s safety. The OxyContin drug designed to be abuse-deterrent. The reformulated version of OxyContin (oxycodone HCl) would be slightly safer than the current product, although its safety profile for the majority of users is still doubtful, according to David Margolis, the professor of dermatology and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Galderma, the leading pharmaceutical company in dermatology, and Ipsen, an international innovation-driven specialty pharmaceutical group, announced that Azzalure® (botulinum toxin type A manufactured by Ipsen), has received a marketing authorization in Spain from the Spanish Medicines and Healthcare Products Agency (AEMPS). Azzalure is a local muscle relaxant specifically developed for aesthetic use and has been approved for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines seen at the frown (vertical lines between the eyebrows), in adult men and women aged up to 65 years, when the severity of these lines has an important psychological impact on the patient.

Obagi Medical Products, Inc has announced the publication of a study of its copper-zinc malonate eye treatment ELASTIderm™ in the September 2008 issue of the dermatology journal, Experimental Dermatology. Findings of the study conducted at Jefferson Medical College suggest that six weeks of ELASTIderm treatment can boost the biosynthesis of elastin in skin helping to repair and regenerate the elastic fiber network. It reduces the number of visible wrinkles by restoring the skin’s elasticity. The product uses a bi-mineral complex technology.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved safety labeling revisions for Photocure’s Metvixia (methyl aminolevulinate HCl 16.8%) for use with the company’s Aktilite CL238 lamp. The site of treatment becomes photosensitive during the period between application of the cream and red-light illumination. That is why FDA has warned of adverse effects of dermal photosensitization, advising patients to avoid exposing the area to bright light. Sunscreen does not help in the protection of treated lesions. Patients should stay away from sunlight for two days after the therapy. FDA has also laid down that only trained physicians can apply the Metvixia cream.

Results of a prospective multi-center clinical trial show that a long-term, low-dose schedule of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate does not prevent age-related changes in skin surface. Researchers from Boston University revealed that there was no significant improvement in the skin structure after the end of a year long low-dose hormone therapy. The mean age of the 485 women enrolled in the trial was 53.6 years. Instead they recommended regular basic care through products like Renova that can save the skin from photo-damage.

Elemé™ Medical Inc. has received CE Mark approval for its SmoothShapes® System. The SmoothShapes® System uses a proprietary technology called Photomology® that combines laser and light energy with mechanical massage and vacuum. The system restores healthy activity of adipose cells. The treatment provides improved appearance of cellulite that lasts longer. The device that has already received a clearance from FDA will be launched by the company at the 17th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology in Paris.

Drug maker Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has entered into a licensing and distribution agreement with a American dermatology and aesthetic medicine company Cosmederm Technologies for distribution of proprietary skin care products in India. The agreement, as of now, covers only two products, Refinity and Cosmederm peel kits that contain Glycolic acid, which improve the color, glow and tone of the skin, in significant quantities.