Photo Credit: arazlo.com

βš•οΈπŸ’Š First Tazarotene Lotion Treatment For Acne Vulgaris, ARAZLOβ„’ (Tazarotene Lotion, 0.045%), Now Available To Patients Through Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan And Federal NIHB Public Drug Plans


Monday, 26 December 2022 08:00.AM

Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE: BHC) (TSX: BHC) and its Canadian dermatology division, one of the largest prescription dermatology health care businesses in Canada, today announced that its new topical prescription treatment for acne vulgaris, ARAZLOTM (tazarotene lotion, 0.045% w/w), is now available to patients through the provincial public drug plans of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as the federal government's Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) drug plan, which serves Canada's First Nations and Inuit populations.

ARAZLO is the first tazarotene lotion treatment approved by Health Canada for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 10 years of age and older. The listings by the four public drug plans are the first for ARAZLO in Canada, with others expected to follow as a result of the successful conclusion of listing negotiations with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, representing the drug plans of the federal government and all provinces and territories.

"We are very pleased to have achieved agreements for these first public drug plan listings in Canada for ARAZLO," said Cees Heiman, Bausch Health, Senior Vice President, Europe and Canada. "It is an important further step in helping to provide new treatment options for the approximately 5.6 million Canadians who are impacted by acne. We are very proud to have a large dermatology portfolio to help meet Canadians' needs."

"While tazarotene is not a new retinoid, the vehicle in ARAZLO is a true innovation in topical technology and enhances the tolerability, and thus effectiveness, of this new product for acne patients," said Dr. Jerry Tan, MD, FRCPC, of Windsor, Ontario, President of the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada, Adjunct Professor, Western University.

ARAZLO is the first tazarotene acne treatment available in a lotion formulated with PRISMATREXTM technology (formulation with known hydrating and moisturizing effects, which may alleviate dryness of skin) and has been shown to provide a good tolerability profile. Retinoids like tazarotene are a core component of acne treatment. Providing the treatment in a lotion form helps limit the dryness and irritation that has historically been a barrier to the long-term use of tazarotene by patients.

SOURCE: Bausch Health

* * *