Palomar Receives FDA Clearance for Acne Treatment

Palomar Medical Technologies Inc., Burlington, MA, received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market the LuxV handpiece for the treatment of acne. Formerly for pigmented lesions, the LuxV handpiece can now be marketed for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. This hand-piece attachment can be used with Palomar’s family of Lux Pulsed Light systems.

The American Academy of Dermatology said acne affects more than 80% of the world’s population at some point in their lives and more than $1.4 billion is spent annually on anti-acne medication and treatment. In the past, a combination of over the counter cleansers and prescribed topical medications including topical antibiotics, peroxide compounds and topical retinoids have been recommended to treat acne. Unfortunately, many cause side effects and are negatively viewed due to an aversion to long-term dependence on antibiotics, Palomar executives said.

Clear skin can be seen after just a few treatments, according to dermatologist and director of Belgium’s Boom Laser Clinic Christine C. Dierickx, MD. Executives said the LuxV hand-piece targets root cause of acne–sebaceous glands. The LuxV emits pulses of intense light that alter the structure and function of these glands to reduce acne lesions with longer remission times, improved efficacy rates and less side effects than other treatments, executives said.