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It may also hold the key to further success for Hamilton-based Quantec Ltd, developers of a clinically-proven anti-acne cream called Epiology Skincare derived from high value milk proteins.
Quantec founder and managing director Dr Rod Claycomb says one simple question has led his research and development team to confirm the patented ingredient in Epiology Skincare kills the bad bacteria that causes acne but does not kill naturally-found good bacteria required for healthy skin.
“We launched Epiology Skincare onto the Mexican market in December 2014 through a strong national network of dermatologists. One of those dermatologists, Dr Ingrid Karin Lopez-Gehrke, performed some clinical studies on her patients.
“Those patient experiences led her to ask our R&D team if it was possible that Epiology kills the bad bacteria on your skin that causes acne but does not kill the good bacteria your skin requires to be healthy.
“This was something we suspected but never thoroughly tested so her question sent us back into the lab to run new experiments. We concluded Dr Ingrid’s suspicions were factual: in the process of killing the bad bacteria that causes acne – P. acnes – Epiology does not kill commensals, or good bacteria naturally found on healthy skin,” Claycomb says.
Dr Lopez-Gehrke, a key opinion leader among Mexican dermatologists, was invited to present the results of Epiology clinical experiences at the New Zealand Dermatological Society annual meeting on Saturday, August 28 in Auckland.
Lopez-Gehrke led a study of the unique ability of Epiology to reduce redness and protect patient’s skin from known harsh effects of prescription acne medications.
According to statistics provided by Quantec’s Mexican distributor, 80-90% of the country’s population is affected by acne before the age of 21 and many will contact a dermatologist. Mexican dermatologists derive around one-third of their income from selling branded derma products.
Claycomb believes the distribution of Epiology into Mexico is a good entry point for the company to launch into other Central American and Latin American markets in the medium term.
