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New MetroGel(R) 1% Kit Provides Convenient Treatment and Added-Value For 14 Million American Sufferers

FORT WORTH, TX -- January 12, 2007 -- Galderma Laboratories, L.P. today announced the availability of a new MetroGel(R) 1% Kit for the topical treatment of the inflammatory lesions of rosacea. The new kit contains a 60 gm tube of the leading topical prescription treatment for Rosacea, MetroGel(R) (metronidazole) Topical Gel, 1%.

Also included in the kit is a complimentary 4 fl. oz. bottle of Cetaphil(R) Gentle Skin Cleanser, the number-one skin cleanser recommended by dermatologists, plus a patient education brochure with information about rosacea trigger factors, symptoms and treatment. The brochure contains a $2.00-off coupon for future purchases of Cetaphil(R) brand cleansers and moisturizers.

MetroGel(R) 1% Kit, with its additional contents, is the same cost as a regular 60gm tube of MetroGel(R) 1%, and the MetroGel(R) 1% Kit is currently available to rosacea patients in pharmacies nationwide. "This is a natural extension for our MetroGel(R) brand franchise. The combination of proven, effective treatments and patient education provides additional value to the patient," said Albert Draaijer, President of Galderma Laboratories, L.P.

MetroGel(R) 1%, incorporates a vehicle containing HSA-3(TM), a combination of niacinamide, betadex and propylene glycol. The vehicle is a water-based formulation and contains no alcohol. The product requires once-a-day dosing as opposed to twice-a-day for most other topical rosacea treatments.

According to a study published in the April 2006 issue of Cutis, "A good skin care regimen is a critical part of rosacea treatment, but care must be taken to choose products that do not irritate as rosacea patients typically have sensitive skin."(1) Cetaphil(R) Gentle Skin Cleanser is specifically formulated for dry, sensitive or compromised skin and will not strip the natural protective oils or emollients, or disturb the skin's natural pH balance.

"The beneficial effect of Cetaphil(R) Cleanser for the sensitive skin of rosacea patients has been verified in clinical trials. Combining MetroGel(R) 1% and Cetaphil(R) Cleanser in a Kit at no additional cost is of substantial value-and provides automatic convenience for rosacea patients," said Dr. James Del Rosso, a dermatologist practicing in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Personal Communication)

An estimated 14 million Americans suffer from rosacea, characterized by redness, flushing and blushing on the face. However, many people in the early stages of rosacea mistake their symptoms for sunburn, rash or acne, causing them to delay diagnosis and treatment. The chronic disorder primarily affects the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead. Unfortunately, without treatment, rosacea can worsen over time, with the initial redness worsening and becoming more persistent. Visible blood vessels may appear, bumps and pimples may form on the face, eyes may appear to be bloodshot, and eventually, excess tissue may develop on the nose. Recent surveys reveal that almost 70 percent of rosacea patients suffer socially and that their self-esteem is affected by the condition.(2)

The following adverse experiences have been reported with the topical use of metronidazole: burning, skin irritation, dryness, transient redness, metallic taste, tingling or numbness of extremities, and nausea.

REFERENCES:
1. Draelos, Zoe D. The Effect of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser on the Skin Barrier of Patients With Rosacea. Cutis. 2006;77:27-33.
2. What is Rosacea?, 2006, Rosacea.org: The National Rosacea Society. http://www.rosacea.org/index.php


SOURCE: Galderma Laboratories, L.P.

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