New Observational Study Demonstrates Patient Impact of Seborrheic Keratosis, A Common, Undertreated Skin Condition Affecting ...
October 19 2016 - 8:00AM
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACRS) today announced results
from an observational study that found patients with
asymptomatic seborrheic keratosis (SK) are bothered by their highly
visible skin lesions and very interested in treatment options to
improve their appearance, even if a cost were associated with
treatment. The study was conducted in dermatology practices by
Burke, Inc. on behalf of Aclaris.
Often undertreated, SKs impact more than 83 million people in
the U.S., and though benign, SKs can have a significant physical
and emotional impact on patients. SK lesions frequently appear in
highly visible locations; 80% of SK patients have lesions on the
face or neck. SK lesions are typically characterized by a waxy,
scaly, elevated appearance and vary in color from light tan to dark
brown or black.
Results from the prospective observational study will be
presented at the annual Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference in Las
Vegas on October 20-23, 2016. This is the first study to evaluate
the burden on patients with asymptomatic SK lesions, or those that
are not irritated or bleeding. The study included 406 patients aged
40-69 with asymptomatic SK lesions in 10 regionally-diverse
community dermatology practices who completed questionnaires in
their dermatologists’ offices.
“As a physician, I see the negative effects that SKs cause in
many patients every day in practice as they are so common and
multiple. Many patients find SKs to be unsightly and a
reminder that they are ‘getting older’. From their
perspective, the SKs should not be there,” said Dr. James Del
Rosso, lead study investigator and dermatologist in Las Vegas,
Nevada. “This study highlights how patients feel about their
condition and what they will do to hide or get rid of their
lesions.”
Findings from the study include:
- The majority of patients (61 percent) took action to hide,
disguise, or deal with their SK lesions (e.g., hiding them with
clothes, makeup or hair or picking at lesions so they fall
off).
- Approximately one-third (34 percent) of patients had previously
asked their dermatologist about treatment for SK, motivated by
concerns about appearance as well as health.
- A vast majority of patients (86 percent) indicated they were
somewhat or extremely interested in treatment provided in a
dermatologist’s office and were willing to pay a reasonable
out-of-pocket fee.
- Factors that correlated with higher interest in treatment were
the presence of lesions on the face or neck.
While no SK treatment has been approved by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA), invasive procedural
treatment options include cryosurgery (freezing),
electrodesiccation (burning), curettage and surgery.
“This study confirms there is a strong desire for SK treatment
among dermatology patients. Current treatments are often
painful or have undesirable outcomes like scarring or
dyspigmentation which leave physicians and patients frustrated with
the gap in treatment options,” said Dr. Neal Walker, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Aclaris. “There is a significant need
for an effective, non-scarring treatment for the millions of people
suffering with SKs. To meet this need, we are focused on developing
a first-in-class, non-invasive treatment for SK.”
About Aclaris
Therapeutics, Inc.Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is a
clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on
identifying, developing, and commercializing innovative and
differentiated drugs to address significant unmet needs in
dermatology. Aclaris is based in Malvern, Pennsylvania and more
information can be found by visiting Aclaris’ website at
www.aclaristx.com.
About Seborrheic Keratosis SK lesions are among
the most common non-cancerous skin lesions, affecting over 83
million people in the U.S.i One of the most frequent diagnoses made
by dermatologists, SK lesions typically have a waxy, scaly,
slightly elevated appearance. They can vary in color from light tan
to dark brown or black, and appear on the face, trunk, and
extremities. Patients may be affected with just one lesion or
dozens of SK lesions. SK does not pose a health risk, though the
lesions can become itchy, irritated, and painful. SK lesions
usually are treated by cryosurgery, electrodesiccation, curettage
or excision. Each of these methods may be painful or can result in
pigmentary changes or scarring at the treatment site.
Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking StatementsAny statements contained in this
press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute
forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be
identified by words such as "believe", "expect", "may", "plan,"
"potential," "will," and similar expressions, and are based on
Aclaris' current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking
statements include expectations regarding the clinical development
of Aclaris’ A-101 drug candidate for the treatment of SKs. These
statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those reflected in such
statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results
to differ materially include uncertainties inherent in the conduct
of clinical trials, Aclaris' reliance on third parties over which
it may not always have full control, and other risks and
uncertainties that are described in the Risk Factors section of
Aclaris' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2015, Aclaris’ Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, and other filings Aclaris
makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission from time to time. These documents are available
under the "Financial Information" section of the Investors page of
Aclaris' website at http://www.aclaristx.com. Any
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press
release and are based on information available to Aclaris as of the
date of this release, and Aclaris assumes no obligation to, and
does not intend to, update any forward-looking statements, whether
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Aclaris Contact:
Michael Tung, M.D.
Vice President/Investor Relations
484-329-2140
mtung@aclaristx.com
Media Contact:
Mariann Caprino
TogoRun
917-242-1087
m.caprino@togorun.com
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