The development ties in with an emerging trend in dermatology, whereby active agents are included in foam vehicles, in order to improve treatment and achieve better patient compliance. Most foam dosage forms used in dermatology to date have incorporated corticosteroids, notably Connetics' Luxiq (betamethasone) formulation for scalp psoriasis, contact dermatitis and eczema.
However, some products have also been used to deliver antiseptics, antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents, local anesthetic agents, skin emollients, and protectants.
Scabies, an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei, tends to spread where there is frequent skin-to-skin contact between people, such as in hospitals, institutions, child-care facilities, and nursing homes.
Famix has developed a non-alcohol-based foam technology which contains conditioning oily substances and are designed to spread easily onto the skin and penetrate quickly, without leaving any greasy residues. The foam formulation liquefies when applied to the skin, and because it does not contain alcohol is less likely to cause irritation, according to the company.
Marco Taglietti, Stiefel's senior vice president of global research and development, said: "A foam will provide a treatment for scabies more convenient for the patient, resulting in increased compliance and better efficacy; a welcome improvement over currently available products."
Under the terms of the agreement, Foamix will develop the foam formulations, and Stiefel will conduct clinical trials and have rights to sell the product in the US.
Tagletti said the two companies "are going to develop a foam product that will fill an unmet market need for a skin hydrating, non-itchy, effective treatment for scabies that can be easily spread over the full body and provides a safe and effective alternative treatment for physicians and patients."