Revision Skincare partners with RVL Pharmaceuticals to scale FDA-approved ptosis treatment

30 Aug 2022 --- Revision Skincare, a medical-grade professional skincare brand, is partnering with RVL Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company specializing in the commercialization of Upneeq (oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution).

Upneeq, 0.1%, is used for treating acquired blepharoptosis, or low-lying eyelids, in adults. It is believed to be the “first and only” non-surgical treatment option approved by the FDA for acquired ptosis.

Through the partnership, Revision Skincare and RVL Pharmaceuticals plan to bring access to innovations like D.E.J Eye Cream, Revox Line Relaxer and Upneeq. The two companies plan to collaborate on various marketing efforts within the medical aesthetics industry to address unmet consumer needs.

“[Revision Skincare’s] strong history of innovation for skin health aligns with our core directive around ocular medical aesthetics,” says Brian Markison, CEO at RVL Pharmaceuticals.

Comes with caution
Although Upneeq is FDA-approved, 1 to 5% of subjects have reported adverse reactions. Common side-effects include punctate keratitis, conjunctival hyperemia, dry eye, blurred vision, administration site pain, eye irritation and headache.

Although Upneeq is FDA-approved, in 1-5% of subjects, adverse reactions have been reported.Ptosis may also be associated with neurologic or orbital diseases such as stroke or cerebral aneurysm, Horner syndrome, myasthenia gravis, external ophthalmoplegia, orbital infection and orbital masses. 

It is recommended to use Upneeq with caution in patients with cerebral or coronary insufficiency or Sjögren’s syndrome. Also, patients with cardiovascular disease, orthostatic hypotension, uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension must be supervised and under medical care, as this class of alpha-adrenergic agonists may impact blood pressure. 

Caution is also advised in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors which can affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating amines. Upneeq may increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma in patients with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma.

Medical aesthetics
A survey by the American Society for Dermatological Surgery (ASDS) affirmed that dermatologists and online platforms play the most significant role in consumer decisions toward cosmetic treatments, skincare purchases and the choice of provider.

“Patients continue to trust ASDS member dermatologists’ medical expertise and aesthetic acumen to help them look and feel their best.”

The ASDS notes that online community platforms which contain health and beauty resources for consumers are growing. Digital conversations impact consumer decisions for cosmetic procedures or skincare product purchases. 

Recently, US singer-songwriter Joe Jonas entered the medical aesthetics space by partnering with Merz Aesthetics to promote the company’s Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) anti-wrinkle product.

Xeomin is an FDA-approved, double-filtered anti-wrinkle injection that may temporarily improve the appearance of frown lines. 

Edited by Radhika Sikaria