Acne treatment gets US approval

Kiwi company Douglas Pharmaceuticals has won approval to sell its locally developed acne medication in the United States.

The Auckland company has been trying for a decade to break into the US acne medication market, which is worth about US$400 million (NZ$494m).

Its new medication, isotretinoin, now has Food and Drug Administration approval.

The company is New Zealand's largest manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, specialising in immuno-suppression, central nervous system, oncology and dermatology products.

It already sells to 35 countries, with an export turnover of $85m.

Director Jeff Douglas said in a statement that it was a breakthrough and would boost export earnings.

"It's our biggest export product and is the market leader in Spain, Austria, Germany and Mexico," he said.

"The US market has, however, taken a little longer to get approval but as the US is the largest pharmaceutical market in the world, the potential for us is very exciting."

The first US orders will be dispatched next month and a consumer launch is likely around April or May.

Isotretinoin is sold as a prescription-medicine in New Zealand under the brand name Oratane.

- © Fairfax NZ News