Often undertreated, SKs impact more than 83 million people in the U.S., and though benign, SKs can have a significant physical and emotional impact on patients. SK lesions frequently appear in highly visible locations; 80% of SK patients have lesions on the face or neck. SK lesions are typically characterized by a waxy, scaly, elevated appearance and vary in color from light tan to dark brown or black.
Results from the prospective observational study will be presented at the annual
“As a physician, I see the negative effects that SKs cause in many patients every day in practice as they are so common and multiple. Many patients find SKs to be unsightly and a reminder that they are ‘getting older’. From their perspective, the SKs should not be there,” said Dr.
Findings from the study include:
- The majority of patients (61 percent) took action to hide, disguise, or deal with their SK lesions (e.g., hiding them with clothes, makeup or hair or picking at lesions so they fall off).
- Approximately one-third (34 percent) of patients had previously asked their dermatologist about treatment for SK, motivated by concerns about appearance as well as health.
- A vast majority of patients (86 percent) indicated they were somewhat or extremely interested in treatment provided in a dermatologist’s office and were willing to pay a reasonable out-of-pocket fee.
- Factors that correlated with higher interest in treatment were the presence of lesions on the face or neck.
While no SK treatment has been approved by the
“This study confirms there is a strong desire for SK treatment among dermatology patients. Current treatments are often painful or have undesirable outcomes like scarring or dyspigmentation which leave physicians and patients frustrated with the gap in treatment options,” said Dr.
About
About Seborrheic Keratosis
SK lesions are among the most common non-cancerous skin lesions, affecting over 83 million people in the U.S.i One of the most frequent diagnoses made by dermatologists, SK lesions typically have a waxy, scaly, slightly elevated appearance. They can vary in color from light tan to dark brown or black, and appear on the face, trunk, and extremities. Patients may be affected with just one lesion or dozens of SK lesions. SK does not pose a health risk, though the lesions can become itchy, irritated, and painful. SK lesions usually are treated by cryosurgery, electrodesiccation, curettage or excision. Each of these methods may be painful or can result in pigmentary changes or scarring at the treatment site.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as "believe", "expect", "may", "plan," "potential," "will," and similar expressions, and are based on Aclaris' current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include expectations regarding the clinical development of Aclaris’ A-101 drug candidate for the treatment of SKs. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially include uncertainties inherent in the conduct of clinical trials, Aclaris' reliance on third parties over which it may not always have full control, and other risks and uncertainties that are described in the Risk Factors section of Aclaris' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, Aclaris’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
Aclaris Contact:Michael Tung ,M.D. Vice President/Investor Relations 484-329-2140 mtung@aclaristx.com Media Contact:Mariann Caprino TogoRun 917-242-1087 m.caprino@togorun.com