Sun Pharma gains Health Canada’s approval for WINLEVI for acne treatment

Sun Pharma Canada, a subsidiary of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, has secured Health Canada’s approval for their pioneering acne treatment, WINLEVI (clascoterone cream 1%).

This marks the first approval of an androgen receptor inhibitor for topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients aged 12 and older, presenting a groundbreaking advancement in acne treatments for Canadian patients after 40 years.

Approximately 20% of Canadians suffer from acne, a dermatological condition that not only affects the patients’ health-related quality of life, but also increases the risk of depression and anxiety.

The introduction of WINLEVI could significantly improve the quality of life for these patients. The cream works by inhibiting the effects of androgen receptors in sebaceous glands, aiding in the reduction of oil production and inflammatory cytokines, and consequently blocking the androgen cascade.

Uniquely, WINLEVI doesn’t merely focus on reducing inflammation, exerting antibacterial effects, or targeting follicular hyperkeratinization like most acne treatments. Instead, it targets the androgen receptor in the skin to manage oil production and inflammation, offering a novel approach to managing the common skin condition. Canadian consumers can expect to find WINLEVI on the shelves by Fall this year.

Abhay Gandhi — Sun Pharma North America CEO said: “Sun Pharma is committed to providing innovative dermatology medicines for Canadians, which fill the gap for necessary treatment options.

“We are thrilled to provide a new topical treatment option for the millions of Canadians affected by acne.”