RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Two PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash prescription products from Stiefel are being introduced for over-the-counter use in the United States.

The GlaxoSmithKline subsidiary said Friday that its most-prescribed benzoyl peroxide (BPO) wash formulations — PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash in 4% BPO and 8% BPO strengths — are officially making their OTC debut at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting in New Orleans, which runs through the beginning of this week.

Plans call for the new PanOxyl 4% and 8% BPO Acne Creamy Washes to become available for shipment in May, according to Stiefel. A comprehensive marketing campaign directed at dermatologists and pharmacists will communicate details of the new products, the company said.

PanOxyl 4% and 8% BPO Acne Creamy Washes feature a patented delivery system including dimethyl isosorbide (DMI) that solubilizes BPO and greatly reduces particulate-based skin irritation and inflammation commonly experienced with conventional BPO formulations, Stiefel said, adding that both products are thick, creamy formulations that provide excellent efficacy and rapid reduction in acne lesions.

"Stiefel’s Creamy Wash formulations have been physician favorites for several years," stated Shayne Sundholm, vice president of U.S. nonprescription dermatology at Stiefel. "And we are excited to be able to offer them to a larger number of consumers through the retail market."

The company added that its PanOxyl Acne Management product line offers a variety of formulations for the treatment and prevention of acne on the face, chest and back.