In France, nearly 6 million individuals are affected by acne – a very frequent inflammatory disease that first affects adolescents. After forty years without innovation in this area, the European Medicines Agency has just approved the use of innovative treatment, called Winlevi.
An innovative cream, based on clascoterone
This decision aroused new hope for people affected by acne. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved and confirmed employment “Winlevi (…) in the treatment of acne in the face in adults and adolescents aged 12 to 18 “.
This cream, intended for adolescents aged 12 to 18, contains an unprecedented molecule – clascoterone, a topical anti -Androgen – which reduces the sensitivity of skin cells to hormones responsible for sebum overproduction. A therapeutic approach which contrasts with that of current treatments against acne, which targeted the bacteria at the origin of acne (Acne cutibacterium).
Result ? Said cream could change the lives of many patients. Several studies had already underlined its effectiveness, highlighting the rapid disappearance of comedons – after only 12 weeks of treatment.
Effects confirmed by the European Medicines Agency: “Clascoterone is an inhibitor of the androgens receptors who showed, in vitro, its ability to antagonize the effects of androgens in primary human sebocytes. This mode of action makes it possible to reduce the production of sebum and the accumulation of inflammatory mediators, considered as key factors of acne pathogenesis “, She reveals in a press release.
Winlevi: When will he be available in France?
Treatment has already been marketed in the United States and the United Kingdom for a few years, but for French people wishing to get this cream, we will still have to wait a little. Indeed, the High Authority for Health must still decide in favor – or not – of its use. It will assess the medical service rendered (SMR) as well as the cost-effectiveness of treatment. The price will then be set with the economic committee of health products.
Concretely, it will be necessary to wait 6 to 12 months after the advice of the EMA to see the treatment arrive in French pharmacies.
What undesirable effects to expect?
According to the official press release from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the potential adverse effects of this cream are light to moderate.
“Local skin reactions such as erythema, design/dryness, pruritus and tingling or burning sensations” can thus appear.
Reason why the Winlevi treatment must be supervised by an experienced doctor. Particular vigilance is also essential in the young adolescent, as for his possible endocrine effects due to his mode of anti-Androgen action.