Free “Facing Forward,” Mobile Application for Acne Patients
Cutanea Life Sciences, Inc. (CLS), a U.S. prescription dermatology company, has announced the introduction of “Facing Forward,” a new mobile application for patients who are prescribed Aktipak (erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 3%/5%, a combination therapy indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. The app will be available free through the Apple Store or Google Play. Aktipak is contraindicated in individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.1
“A major focus at Cutanea is the development of innovative technologies that can aid in monitoring patient compliance with dermatology medications,” said Robert J. Bitterman, CEO and President of Cutanea Life Sciences. “We want our Aktipak customers to use the product as directed and dosed. The ‘Facing Forward’ app is designed as a toolkit for Aktipak users, particularly active teens who are coping with acne, to derive maximum benefit from the therapy.”
The main features of the “Facing Forward” app include:
• A camera function that enables users to take a “photo journal” of their face and track their progress while they are undergoing treatment with Aktipak
• An instructional video on how to mix Aktipak fresh
• Dosing reminders
• RX refill reminders
• A compliance report so that their physicians can immediately determine if their patients are using the medication properly
• Acne information resources
“Most teens today have three things in common: they have acne, they’re always on the go, and they’re into digital technology, including smartphones and the ‘selfie’ phenomenon,” said Daniel Roling, M.D., a Philadelphia area dermatologist. “For teenagers prescribed Aktipak, the ‘Facing Forward’ mobile app should be a welcome and valuable aid in monitoring compliance and treatment progress.”
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million Americans annually, and 85 percent of people ages 12 to 24 will experience at least mild acne. It is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by blackheads, whiteheads and pimples that occurs on the face, neck, shoulders, upper arms, chest and back. Acne has been shown to cause significant psychological problems, including poor self-image, depression and anxiety.2
Aktipak is a portable, freshly mixed, patient-blended therapy that offers a flexible and convenient treatment option for active, “on-the-go” acne patients. The product comes in pocket-sized, single-dose, dual-chamber pouches (60 to a carton), each of which contain the antibiotic erythromycin and the antibacterial benzoyl peroxide in separate chambers. The patient opens the pouch and blends the gel contents immediately prior to use, enabling simple, convenient application with no mixing needed in the pharmacy. Aktipak has an 18-month shelf life from the date of manufacture, and no refrigeration is required. The 1.5″ x 2.5″ pouches tuck easily and discreetly into purses, gym bags and backpacks.
To learn more about Aktipak, visit:
http://www.aktipak.com
For more information, visit:
http://www.cutanea.com
Notes:
1 Aktipak (erythromycin 3%-benzoyl peroxide 5%) Topical Gel [package insert]. Wayne, PA: Cutanea Life Sciences, Inc.; 2017.
2 Acne; American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved February 23, 2017 from https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions
Source: Cutanea Life Sciences, Inc.
