A recently updated patent, assigned to Galderma suggests a rosacea topical comprising “at least one compound of the avermectin family and benzoyl peroxide”.
This is an unusual (or novel, depending on your viewpoint I suppose) pairing of ingredients for a topical treatment for rosacea symptoms.
If you search patents online you can also find applications for topicals containing Avermectin + Metronidazole and Avermectin + Hydrocortisone.
Galderma of course already make Benzoyl Peroxide based products such as Benzac AC and Epiduo.
United States Patent Application 20110003763
AVERMECTIN/BENZOYL PEROXIDE COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING AFFLICTIONS OF THE SKIN, E.G., ROSACEA
The compounds of the avermectin family according to the present invention especially include invermectin, ivermectin, avermectin, abamectin, doramectin, eprinomectin and selamectin. The compound of the avermectin family is preferentially ivermectin.
In the compositions according to the invention, the said compound of the avermectin family is present in concentrations of from 0.001% to 10% by weight and preferably from 0.01% to 5% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.
In the compositions according to the invention, the benzoyl peroxide is present in concentrations of from 0.01% to 30% by weight and preferably from 0.1% to 20% by weight and particularly preferably from 1% to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.
Benzoyl peroxide (or dibenzoyl peroxide) is known in the prior art for its anti-acne and keratolytic properties. Benzoyl peroxide has a bacteriostatic effect on Corynebacterium acnes, reduces the level of free fatty acids in sebaceous secretions and has strong oxidizing properties. Benzoyl peroxide is conventionally used in the treatment of common acne and, to a lesser extent, in the treatment of rosacea.
Ivermectin is known in the prior art for its anti-parasitic and anthelmintic properties. The anti-parasitic activity is thought to be due to the opening of a chlorine channel in the membrane of the neurons of the parasite under the effect of an increased release of the neuromediator GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), inducing neuromuscular paralysis that may lead to the death of certain parasites. Ivermectin also interacts with other chlorine channels, especially those dependent on the neuromediator GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
Advantageously, the compositions of the invention comprise, other than the at least one compound of the avermectin family and benzoyl peroxide, at least one other therapeutic agent capable of increasing the efficacy of the treatment. Exemplary such agents include antibiotics, anti-bacterial agents, anti-viral agents, anti-parasitic agents, anti-fungal agents, anaesthetics, analgesics, anti-allergic agents, retinoids, free-radical scavengers, anti-pruritic agents, keratolytic agents, anti-seborrhoeic agents, anti-histamines, sulfides, and immunosuppressant or anti-proliferative products, or a mixture thereof.
Considering benzoyl peroxide brought on my rosacea, this is a treatment I would definitely skip.