FDA approves Dermira's wipe for excessive armpit sweating

Dermira Inc said its topical cloth for excessive armpit sweating was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, providing patients with an easy-to-use option for an often embarrassing condition.

The treatment, Qbrexza, works by blocking receptors responsible for sweat gland activation and can be used once a day, the company said in a statement.

About 10 million people are affected with the condition, known as primary axillary hyperhidrosis, which results in sweating beyond what is needed for regulating normal body temperature.

The condition can affect a person’s psychological well-being and overall quality of life due to constant stressing over the appearance of underarm sweat marks and working to conceal them.

“What we hear from patients is, ‘Wow, I’m glad it’s not just me. I’m embarrassed to talk to somebody about it, or I talked to a physician who couldn’t do anything about it,’” Chief Executive Officer Tom Wiggans told Reuters prior to the approval of the treatment.

Currently, Allergan’s Botox injection is used to treat the condition. Other treatments include antiperspirants and costlier alternatives such as laser therapy, as well as localized surgery like liposuction to remove sweat glands.

Qbrexza indicated to treat patients above the age of nine years, received a “broad” label, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Louise Chen said.

“This is a differentiator for Dermira, especially when one thinks about patients who might choose between (Qbrexza) and other available treatments.”

Dermira said it expected to launch the drug in October this year and that it was not aiming for a large prescribing base. Brokerage Cowen estimates sales of $250 million to $300 million by 2023 for the drug.