Hamilton-based company, Quantec Ltd, has successfully launched its world-first anti-acne cream to hundreds of Mexican dermatologists in Mexico City.
Quantec’s product, a clinically-proven anti-acne cream derived from cow’s milk called Epiology, was first launched into New Zealand pharmacies in May 2014.
Quantec founder and managing director Dr Rod Claycomb said it was the product’s success nationally that spurred Quantec to swiftly take the product global.
“Epiology sales in New Zealand exceeded our expectations this past year. So at the end of last year we partnered with Mexican distribution partner, Fenrir Business Development SA de CV (FBD), in a bid to gain market share in Mexico,” Dr Claycomb said.
“We presented the product at the Mexican Academy of Dermatology Congress; a three day event with over 300 dermatologists from around the country in attendance,” he said.
Dr Claycomb presented alongside Mexican dermatologist Dr Ingrid Karin Lopez Gehrke who recently facilitated clinical experience trials with Epiology. “Dr Ingrid is a tremendous enthusiast for Epiology and key opinion leader in the industry. During the trial she used the product on her current clients who had acne – alongside medicines such as isotretinoin – with great results,” Dr Claycomb said.
“She identified the skin’s ‘barrier function’ and ‘innate immune defences’ as something that no anti-acne product on the Mexican market currently professes to resolve.
“Quite simply, Quantec believes Epiology’s active ingredient, called IDP – derived from cow’s milk – provides this function and is why Dr Ingrid has seen such great results coupling Epiology with other acne treatments,” he said.
Dr Claycomb’s said Quantec is thrilled with the success of Epiology’s presence at the conference. “The effect of Dr Ingrid’s presentation gave the Epiology product credibility which is a positive springboard for our Mexican distributor, FBD,” he said.
There was strong New Zealand support at the conference with two representatives from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and the second-in-charge to the NZ Trade Ambassador in attendance.
Dr Claycomb explained Quantec’s rationale behind entering the Mexican market. “In Mexico, 80 to 90 percent of the population has been affected by acne before the age of 21. What’s more, studies have shown around 44 percent of Mexicans with acne contact a dermatologist,” he said.
“Dermatologists in Mexico are also very product-oriented, deriving about a third of their income from selling branded derma products. That’s why launching to dermatologists is so important initially.”
Dr Claycomb anticipates that Mexico will be a good entry point for the remainder of the Central American markets and the rest of Latin America over time.
“As a small start-up company from Hamilton, we are proud to have developed a clinically-proven anti-acne cream whose active, patented ingredient is derived from New Zealand cow’s milk.
“Now that we have successfully launched in Mexico City, we are excited about our other international opportunities in the pipeline.”
