Epiceram

EpiCeram is a topical non-steroidal skin care cream made up of ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol, which helps repair the damaged skin barrier of atopic skin. It is based on the research of Dr. Peter Elias for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema). Ceragenix obtained marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 2006. This drug works as a moisturizer and barrier cream and is now on the market. In the US, it requires prescription and was launched in October of 2008 by Promius Pharma.

In a clinical study led by Jeffrey L. Sugarman MD PhD of the Department of Dermatology at the University of California in San Francisco and Lawrence Charles Parish MD of the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology at the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, EpiCeram Skin Barrier Emulsion was shown to have comparable efficacy to a mid-potent steroid in a clinical study after 28 days of treatment, reducing disease severity, improvement in pruritus and improving sleep habits. The ceramide-dominant, physiological-lipid based formulation could represent an effective stand-alone or ancillary therapy for many pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis.

There are currently no age restrictions on skin barrier emulsions.

EpiCeram obtained Health Canada medical device license in September 2009 and was launched by Pediapharm in November of the same year. It is sold under prescription.