Atralin Gel for the Treatment of Rosacea

Investigation of the Topical Retinoid, Atralin Gel 0.05% for the Treatment of Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is a type of rosacea that causes a red face often with frequent flushing, topical sensitivity and prominent blood vessels. We think that long term damage to skin from the sun (photodamage) may play a role in causing this type of rosacea. Tretinoin is a topical medication that is known to improve photodamage. We want to find out if Atralin (tretinoin 0.05%) Gel used for up to 46 weeks will improve erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects 18 years of age and older of any race.
2. Clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate erythematotelangiectatic facial rosacea based on physician evaluation.
3. Willing and able to understand and sign informed consent.
4. Able to complete study and comply with study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe self reported facial sensitivity
2. History of allergy to fish
3. Severe sun sensitivity
4. Severe erythematotelangiectatic rosacea requiring systemic treatment
5. Papulopustular, Ocular-only, Phymatous rosacea, Steroid rosacea, pyoderma faciale
6. Unwilling to undergo facial biopsies
7. Concomitant use of medications that are reported to exacerbate rosacea, such as topical and systemic steroids
8. Use of topical rosacea treatments in the past 2 weeks.
9. Use of systemic antibiotics in the past 4 weeks.
10. Use of systemic retinoids within the past 6 months.
11. Use of topical retinoids within the past 3 months
12. Use of laser or light based rosacea treatments within the past 2 months.
13. Cosmetic procedures (e.g., superficial chemical peels, exfoliation or microdermabrasion of the face) within the past two months
14. Use of topical anti-aging medications including alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, beta-hydroxy acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, ascorbic acid
15. Other dermatologic conditions that require the use of interfering topical or systemic therapy or that might interfere with study assessments.
16. Clinically significant abnormal findings or conditions (other than rosacea), which might, in the opinion of the Investigator, interfere with study evaluations or pose a risk to subject safety during the study.
17. If female, Subjects who are either of non-child bearing potential (defined as postmenopausal -absence of menstrual bleeding for 1 year - or as having undergone bilateral tubal ligation, hysterectomy or bilateral ovariectomy) or, if of childbearing potential, Subjects who have had a negative urine pregnancy test at the beginning of the study, and have agreed to practice appropriate birth-control to prevent pregnancy during the study.(The type and dose of birth control must have been stable for at least 2 months prior to study entry and not be expected to change during the study).
18. Subjects who are lactating.
19. Use of any investigational therapy within the past 4 weeks.
20. Known hypersensitivity or previous allergic reaction to retinoids
21. Carcinoid, Pheochromocytoma or other systemic flushing causes