QLT to divest Aczone

Skin & Allergy News, May, 2008 by Alicia Ault

Vancouver, B.C.-based QLT Inc. said in mid-March that it would divest its acne therapy Aczone. The company made the announcement in the wake of the Food and Drug Administration's decision to remove a requirement for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase screening and blood monitoring for users. The FDA decision was based on results of a postmarketing study submitted by the manufacturer.

Aczone (dapsone 5% aqueous gel) was approved in July 2005. QLT owns worldwide marketing rights, but says it will now divest the product, as planned. "Management believed in the product and took the necessary steps to address the FDA's needs, ultimately dramatically enhancing the value of Aczone," said QLT CEO Bob Butchofsky in a statement.