FDA Approves Xolegel Gel For the Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis

PRINCETON, NJ, July 28, 2006 –- Barrier Therapeutics, Inc., a pharmaceutical company developing and commercializing products in the field of dermatology, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xolegel (ketoconazole, USP) Gel, 2% for the topical treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in immunocompetent adults and children twelve years of age and older. Xolegel, previously referred to by the Company as Sebazole, is a topical formulation of 2.0% ketoconazole, an antifungal agent, in a waterless gel for once-daily application. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin inflammation characterized by a red, scaly, itchy rash primarily occurring on the face, scalp, hairline, eyebrows and trunk. The condition often recurs, requiring re-treatment over time. Xolegel is the first prescription gel formulation of ketoconazole approved in the U.S.

“The approval of Xolegel is an important milestone for Barrier and positions us for our third U.S. product launch since the middle of last year,” commented Geert Cauwenbergh, Ph.D., Barrier’s Chief Executive Officer. “We expect to see significant revenue growth over the next two to three years from our current portfolio of approved products while we continue to advance the development of our important pipeline of clinical product candidates.”

Seborrheic dermatitis affects approximately 3% to 5% of the U.S. population. Until the approval of Xolegel, current prescription therapies have consisted primarily of shampoos, topical antifungal creams including ketoconazole creams, and topical steroids. These treatments typically require two or more applications per day over periods of up to four weeks to be effective. With its unique gel formulation, Xolegel provides patients with a dosing regimen of a once daily application for two weeks, requiring approximately 75% fewer applications compared to some traditional therapies. Xolegel has been shown to be effective with minimal skin irritation and is steroid-free.

“There are approximately 8.5 million people in the U.S. that suffer with seborrheic dermatitis and having this new convenient treatment option available to manage the symptoms associated with the disease should be of significant benefit for both physicians and patients,” stated Al Altomari, Barrier’s Chief Operating Officer. “We anticipate launching Xolegel during the fourth quarter of this year, further leveraging our 60 person sales force who will detail the product to both dermatologists and pediatricians.”

For more information about Barrier Therapeutics or products mentioned, visit the company web site at www.barriertherapeutics.com.

Source: Barrier Therapeutics, Inc.

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