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• The initiative is a social media challenge ahead of Global AK Awareness Day, on May 24, which supports the work of The Skin Cancer Foundation and Euromelanoma

• The Hats On Challenge provides an opportunity to take part in raising awareness of AK.

• Actinic Keratosis (AK) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin caused by years of sun exposure. If left untreated, AK can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
  

Woburn, Mass., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biofrontera Inc. (NASDAQ:BFRI), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development and commercialization of photodynamic therapy (PDT), and Almirall, a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to medical dermatology announced today the launch of the Hats On Challenge, a new community-driven, social media based initiative aimed at enhancing awareness and support for actinic keratosis (AK).

Actinic Keratosis (AK) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin caused by years of sun exposure. It often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, decollete or back of the hands. If left untreated, AK can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer¹.

AK is one of the most common diagnoses made by dermatologists², with an estimated global prevalence of 14%³, and the Skin Cancer Foundation and Euromelanoma emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent the progression of AK.

In the lead-up to AK Global Awareness Day on May 24, both companies are rolling out a dedicated awareness and fundraising campaign. This campaign will highlight the importance of disease awareness within the dermatology community and the general public, focusing on the importance of prevention and treatment of actinic keratosis. Funds raised will support ongoing public awareness and patient education through The Skin Cancer Foundation. This organization will also highlight AK content on their social media channels in the days surrounding Global AK Awareness Day.

The Hats On Challenge—a social media initiative that encourages participants to wear a hat, post a video, and use the hashtags [#HatsOnForAK #GlobalAKDay #GuardYourSkinsMemories #ActinicKeratosis] to spread awareness about skin protection, highlight early signs of AK, and reinforce the importance of timely treatment. The initiative is aimed at supporting the work of The Skin Cancer Foundation and Euromelanoma.

"Actinic keratosis is a common precancerous skin condition that results from chronic sun exposure and can potentially lead to skin cancer if left untreated. It’s estimated that 58 million Americans have one or more AKs. We are grateful to Almirall and Biofrontera for their support of our efforts to educate the public about the prevention, warning signs, and treatment options of this condition.” – Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation.