NEW FDA APPROVAL: THE HIGHEST UVA & UVB PROTECTION IN A SUNSCREEN WITH MEXORYL(TM) SX
NEW YORK, April 18 /PRNewswire/ -- La Roche-Posay, the brand recommended by 25,000 dermatologists worldwide, announces the FDA approval of ANTHELIOS 40 with the highest photostable UVA and UVB protection available in a sunscreen with Mexoryl(TM) SX. ANTHELIOS 40 Sunscreen is a revolutionary outdoor use sunscreen for the face and body, specifically tested for safety on those with the photosensitive skin disorder, Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE).
Photosensitivity is a pervasive issue for people suffering from a variety of photosensitive conditions including, but not limited to, PMLE, Photoallergic Eruption (sun allergies), Phototoxicity, Solar Uticaria (sun rashes) and autoimmune disease. In fact, it is estimated that up to 17% of the US population alone experience symptoms related to PMLE as a result of UV (primarily UVA) exposure(1). These figures are likely understated as many potential patients do not seek treatment for proper diagnosis. In approximately 50% of those affected, the action spectrum is actually UVA rays(2).
UVA rays penetrate deeper than UVB rays and can result in significant skin damage ranging from premature skin aging to skin cancer. It is therefore essential to protect oneself against these harmful rays, especially for those that are more susceptible to the risks associated with UV exposure as a result of photosensitive disorders or autoimmune disease. Proper broad spectrum photo-protection that is effective and safe is an indispensable tool to help manage these very real dangers. According to Dr. Vincent Deleo (board certified New York - Los Angeles based dermatologist), "UV exposure and its related risks are a big concern in my own practice where I see many patients who are photosensitive either because of the drugs they take, skin type or even an autoimmune disease. They absolutely need effective UVA and UVB protection to minimize the associated risks of such exposure."
La Roche-Posay ANTHELIOS 40 Sunscreen is the FDA approved sunscreen for outdoor-use that has the highest UVA and UVB protection available in a sunscreen with Mexoryl(TM) SX to meet these needs. Having been tested for safety on special populations including those with photosensitive skin, such as PMLE,(3) this formula provides a unique and synergistic combination of sun filters.
About ANTHELIOS 40
Innovation: A unique synergistic combination of sun filters. ANTHELIOS 40 contains the highest concentration of Mexoryl(TM) SX, the organic, stable sun filter designed to protect skin from the short UVA waves and provide enhanced overall UVA protection. Mexoryl(TM) SX is particularly effective against short UVA waves and is a key ingredient in ensuring this essential complete broad-spectrum protection. Unlike many other sunscreen filters that offer UVA protection, Mexoryl(TM) SX is highly photo-stable and has been shown to maintain activity for up to five hours in laboratory testing. This breakthrough innovation is the culmination of many years of research and testing. The result is demonstrated efficacy and safety that is supported by 87 non-clinical toxicology studies, 29 clinical studies (including 21 clinical pharmacology studies) tested on over 2,500 patients. Mexoryl(TM) SX was first patented in 1982 in Europe by L'Oreal and has a long history of safety and efficacy studies worldwide. La Roche-Posay was the first to launch Mexoryl(TM) SX in a sunscreen formula in Europe over 15 years ago and then most recently in the US in 2006.
For the first time in the US, this FDA-approved, breakthrough formulation also combines 5% Titanium Dioxide (an inorganic sun filter) with 2% Avobenzone (an organic sun filter) to provide an enhanced formulation with complete broad spectrum protection. Additional sun filter ingredients include a patented stabilized combination of Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and Octocrylene to provide coverage against UVB waves and long UVA waves. With this synergistic combination of ingredients, ANTHELIOS 40 has the highest UVA and UVB protection available in a sunscreen with Mexoryl(TM) SX for exceptional outdoor sun protection for those who are serious about sun protection. It should be used as a key prevention tool against the risks associate with exposure to the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Benefits of ANTHELIOS 40: With the highest UVA and UVB protection available in a sunscreen with Mexoryl(TM) SX, ANTHELIOS 40 follows the same strict formulation charter representative of the La Roche-Posay line of products that caters to all skin conditions, including very sensitive. The product is non-comedogenic, fragrance free, PABA-free, and dermatologist-tested. ANTHELIOS 40 is the newest addition to the existing La Roche-Posay ANTHELIOS franchise, which includes ANTHELIOS SX Daily Moisturizing Cream with SPF 15, and ANTHELIOS 15 Water Resistant Sunscreen Cream.
About LA ROCHE-POSAY
La Roche-Posay is the brand recommended by 25,000 dermatologists worldwide offering adjunctive therapy daily skincare and in-office chemical peel products formulated with highly concentrated ingredients targeting every skin's needs. Products are tested on sensitive skin. Its daily use products include formulations that are based on thermal spring water rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant. Formulations are clinically proven for safety and efficacy that enhance overall treatment results and reduce related side effects that can improve consumer quality of life. Its range of professional products is composed of in-office procedures, including chemical peels as well as pre and post care products / protocols to increase procedure efficacy and optimize safety.
ANTHELIOS 40 Sunscreen from La Roche-Posay will retail for $29.50 and can be purchased at CVS/pharmacy, Duane Reade, Longs and Brooks locations with Dermo-Skincare Centers, select physicians' offices and online at http://www.anthelios.com/ beginning late spring 2008. To learn more about ANTHELIOS 40 Sunscreen, please contact Amy Wein, Vice President of Creative Media Marketing at 212.979.8884 or amy@cmmpr.com
1 Honigsmann, H: Polymorphous light eruption. In: Lim, H., Sater, N.,
eds., Clinical Photomedicine. New York: Marcel Dekker. 1993; 167-180
2 Ortel, B., Tanew, A., Wolff, K. and Honigsmann, H.: Polymorphous light
eruption: Action Spectrum and photoprotecttion, J. Am. Acad. Dermatol.
1986; 14:748-753.
3 Data on file
La Roche-Posay
