Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Allergan (AGN) Rhofade Cream for Rosacea Approved in U.S.

Read MoreHide Full Article

Allergan plc announced that the FDA has approved Rhofade (oxymetazoline hydrochloride) cream for topical treatment of persistent facial erythema (redness) associated with rosacea in adults. Rhofade will be available commercially from May 2017 in the U.S.

Allergan claims that Rhofade is the first and only alpha1A adrenoceptor agonist approved for persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea in adults.

Shares of Allergan have outperformed the Zacks classified Medical-Generics Drugs industry in the last three months. The stock lost 6.9% during this period, while the broader industry witnessed a drop of 12.1%.



The approval was based on two clinical studies both of which met the primary efficacy endpoint. The clinical trials, which enrolled a total of 885 patients, were identical, multi-centered, randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group and vehicle-controlled in moderate or severe patients aged 18 years or older. Both the studies demonstrated that Rhofade was more effective than vehicle in reducing persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea in adults.

According to The National Rosacea Society (NRS), approximately 16 million Americans are affected by rosacea with 65% of patients noticing the first symptom between 30 and 60 years of age. FDA approval for Rhofade underscores Allergan's commitment to addressing unmet patient needs through innovations in dermatology.

With the approval of Rhofade, the company has strengthened its dermatology portfolio. Allergan’s Dermatology Segment generated sales of $282.2 million during the nine months ended Sep 2016, up 13.2% year over year. The lead product in Allergan’s dermatology portfolio is Aczone, which reported a 36% surged in sales during the aforementioned period.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Allergan currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include Enzo Biochem, Inc. (ENZ - Free Report) , ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc and Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. . Each of these stocks sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Enzo Biochem’s loss estimates narrowed from 17 cents to 16 cents for 2016 over the last 60 days. The company posted a positive earnings surprise in three of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 22.50%.

ARIAD’s loss estimates narrowed from 4 cents to 3 cents for 2016 and from 45 cents to 35 cents for 2017 over the last 30 days. The company posted a positive surprise in three of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 171.37%.

Sucampo’s estimates increased from $1.58 to $1.74 for 2017 over the last 30 days. The company posted a positive surprise in all of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 35.55%.

The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search

Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks – absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research. See these stocks free >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Enzo Biochem, Inc. (ENZ) - free report >>

Published in