3M on track to file Aldara for skin lesions in mid '03

3M Pharmaceuticals has reported positive results in two pivotal PhaseIII studies of its immune response modifier Aldara (imiquimod) Cream 5% in patients with actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinoma, both of which are associated with cumulative exposure to the sun. The drug cut AK lesions by 83% versus 0% with placebo, while BCC lesions were reduced by 82% and 3%, respectively. 3M says it will file for approval of the new indications for Aldara, which is already sold for treating genital and perianal warts, in mid-2003.