Safety and Efficacy of a Once-Daily Halobetasol Propionate 0.01% Lotion in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Results of Two Phase 3 Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the mainstay of psoriasis treatment; long-term safety concerns limiting consecutive use of potent TCS to 2-4 weeks.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate safety and efficacy of halobetasol propionate 0.01% lotion in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

Two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled phase 3 studies (N=430). Subjects randomized (2:1) to halobetasol propionate 0.01% lotion or vehicle once-daily for 8 weeks, 4-week posttreatment follow-up. Primary efficacy assessment: treatment success (at least a 2-grade improvement from baseline in Investigator Global Assessment [IGA] score and 'clear' or 'almost clear') at week 8. Safety and treatment emergent adverse events (AEs) evaluated throughout.

RESULTS

Halobetasol propionate 0.01% lotion demonstrated statistically significant superiority over vehicle as early as week 2. By week 8, 36.5% (Study 1) and 38.4% (Study 2) of subjects were treatment successes compared with 8.1% and 12.0% on vehicle (P less than 0.001). Halobetasol propionate 0.01% lotion was also superior in reducing psoriasis signs and symptoms, body surface area (BSA), and improving quality of life. Halobetasol propionate 0.01% lotion was well-tolerated with no treatment-related AEs greater than 1%.

LIMITATIONS

Study did not include subjects with BSA greater than 12.

CONCLUSIONS

Halobetasol propionate 0.01% lotion was associated with significant reductions in the severity of the clinical signs of psoriasis, without the safety concerns of a longer treatment course. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(10):1062-1069.

Safety and Efficacy of a Fixed Combination Halobetasol and Tazarotene Lotion in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Pooled Analysis of Two Phase 3 Studies

BACKGROUND

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the mainstay of psoriasis treatment. Safety concerns may limit use. Combination with tazarotene may optimize efficacy and minimize safety and tolerability concerns.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate safety and efficacy of halobetasol propionate 0.01%/tazarotene 0.045% (HP/TAZ) lotion in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

Two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled phase 3 studies (N=418). Subjects randomized (2:1) to HP/TAZ lotion or vehicle once-daily for 8 weeks, 4-week follow-up. Primary efficacy assessment: treatment success (at least a 2-grade improvement from baseline in IGA score and 'clear' or 'almost clear'). Safety and treatment emergent AEs evaluated throughout.

RESULTS

HP/TAZ lotion demonstrated statistically significant superiority over vehicle as early as week 2 (P equals 0.002). By week 8, 40.6% of subjects were treatment successes compared with 9.9% on vehicle (P less than 0.001). A third of subjects remained treatment successes post-treatment. HP/TAZ lotion was also superior in reducing psoriasis signs and symptoms, and Body Surface Area (BSA) involvement. Most frequently reported treatment related AEs were contact dermatitis (6.3%), application site pain (2.6%), and pruritus (2.2%).

LIMITATIONS

No data were collected beyond the 4-week follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

HP/TAZ lotion provides synergistic efficacy that is both rapid and sustained, with good tolerability and safety over 8 weeks use. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(8):855-861.

Rapid Onset of Action in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis With Halobetasol 0.01%/Tazarotene 0.045% Fixed Combination

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic condition often managed with topical therapy. Patients have high expectations about the speed at which improvement is achieved, which then can have a marked impact on the patient's adherence to treatment. Recently, clinical data on a new fixed combination of halobetasol and tazarotene (HP/TAZ) have been presented. HP/TAZ lotion was statistically more effective than individual active ingredients or its vehicle, with a predictable safety profile.

OBJECTIVES

Here we review the efficacy and tolerability data with a specific focus on the first two weeks of therapy.

METHODS

Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled Phase 2 study in moderate or severe psoriasis (N=212). Subjects randomized (2:2:2:1 ratio) to receive halobetasol 0.01%/tazarotene 0.045% (HP/TAZ), individual active ingredients (HP or TAZ), or vehicle, once-daily for 8 weeks. Efficacy assessments included treatment success (defined as at least a 2-grade improvement from baseline in the IGA score and a score of 'clear' or 'almost clear'), and impact on individual signs of psoriasis (erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling) at the target lesion.

RESULTS

As early as 2 weeks, HP/TAZ lotion demonstrated statistically significant superiority for treatment success over vehicle (P equals 0.047) and TAZ (P equals 0.029). By week 2, 47.5% of patients were 'mild', 'almost clear' or 'clear' compared with 33.3%, 16.9%, and 12.9% of patients treated with HP, TAZ, or vehicle, respectively; plaque elevation and scaling were significantly improved compared with HP, TAZ, or vehicle, and erythema was significantly improved compared with TAZ. Improvements in baseline itching (45.6%), dryness (42.2%), burning/stinging (55.9%) with HP/TAZ lotion at 2 weeks were similar to those seen with HP, and greater than that achieved with TAZ (30.8% [P equals 0.099], 35.4%, and 13.3%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The HP/TAZ fixed combination lotion provides rapid relief of psoriasis symptoms, with apparent benefits over both HP and TAZ by week 2. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(8):863-868.

Halobetasol 0.01%/Tazarotene 0.045% Lotion in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Maintenance of Therapeutic Effect After Cessation of Therapy

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that varies widely in its clinical expression. Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the mainstay of treatment. Long-term safety remains a concern, limiting use, and posttreatment flare is common. Tazarotene has also been shown to be effective in psoriasis, with efficacy maintained several weeks posttreatment. Fixed combination therapy with TCS and tazarotene may improve psoriasis signs and minimize posttreatment flare or rebound.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the maintenance of effect posttreatment with a once-daily application of halobetasol propionate 0.01%/tazarotene 0.045% (HP/TAZ) lotion in comparison with its active ingredients and vehicle in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled Phase 2 study in moderate or severe psoriasis (N=212). Patients randomized (2:2:2:1 ratio) to receive HP/TAZ, individual active ingredients, or vehicle, once-daily for 8 weeks with a 4-week posttreatment follow-up. Efficacy assessments included treatment success (defined as at least a 2-grade improvement from baseline in the IGA score, and 'clear' or 'almost clear'), and impact on individual signs of psoriasis (erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling) at the target lesion.

RESULTS

At the end of the 4-week posttreatment period, 38.2% of patients who had been treated with HP/TAZ were treatment successes; compared with 21.0%, 12.8% and 6.9% of patients who had been treated with HP (P=0.042), TAZ (P=0.004), or vehicle (P=0.002). HP/TAZ lotion was also superior in maintaining reductions in psoriasis signs of erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling at the target lesion. At the end of the 4-week posttreatment period, 49.1%, 54.5%, and 54.5% of patients, respectively, were treatment successes: compared with 38.7% (P=0.26), 48.4% (P=0.51), and 48.4% (P=0.51) of patients who had been treated with HP; 29.8% (P=0.049), 31.9% (P=0.022), and 23.4% (P=0.001) who had been treated with TAZ; and 13.8% (P=0.002), 20.7% (P=0.003), and 20.7% (P=0.003) who had been treated with vehicle. Side effects were minimal and tended to resolve during the posttreatment period.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, HP 0.01%/TAZ 0.045% lotion provides synergistic efficacy following 8 weeks' therapy that is sustained after a 4-week posttreatment period. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(7):723-726.

Effect of Different Skin Penetration Promoters in Halobetasol Propionate Permeation and Retention in Human Skin

Halobetasol propionate (HB) is a potent synthetic corticosteroid used against inflammatory skin diseases, such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, among others. The aim of this study is to define how the presence of different skin penetration enhancers (nonane, menthone, limonene, azone, carene, decanol, linoleic acid and cetiol) affects the penetration and retention in skin of HB. To determine drug penetration through skin, 5% of each promoter was used in an ex vivo system with human skin on Franz cells. The results showed that the highest permeation occurs in the presence of menthone, followed by nonane. Permeation parameters were determined. The in vivo test was assessed, and the formulation containing HB-menthone presented better anti-inflammatory efficacy. These results are useful to generate a specific treatment according to each patient's needs, and the inflammatory characteristics of the disease.

Two Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group Comparison Studies of a Novel Enhanced Lotion Formulation of Halobetasol Propionate, 0.05% Versus Its Vehicle in Adult Subjects With Plaque Psoriasis

<p>BACKGROUND: A novel lotion formulation of halobetasol propionate, 0.05% (HBP Lotion) with enhanced vehicle characteristics of a cream while preserving the ease of use and cosmetic elegance of a lotion has been developed to treat plaque psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the safety and effectiveness of HBP Lotion in patients with plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

Two prospective, randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical studies were conducted in 443 adult subjects with moderate-severe plaque psoriasis. Subjects applied the test article to psoriatic plaques within the treatment area twice daily for 14 days. Efficacy data are based upon treatment "success" defined as those subjects that achieved scores of 0=clear or 1=almost clear with at least a two-grade improvement relative to baseline for an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) and clinical signs (plaque elevation, erythema, scaling). Safety data are presented as adverse events and local skin reactions.

RESULTS

After two weeks of treatment with HBP Lotion, 44.5% of the HBP Lotion treated subjects in each study achieved (a) treatment "success" (ie, an IGA score of 0=clear or 1=almost clear and >2 grade improvement compared to baseline) and (b) a notable reduction in plaque elevation, erythema, scaling, and pruritus. In contrast, only 6.3% and 7.1% of VEH subjects in Studies 1 and 2, respectively, achieved treatment success and the reduction of disease related signs was materially lower. Statistically, at day 15 in both Phase 3 studies, treatment success with HBP Lotion was superior to VEH (P less than 0.001). From a safety perspective the outcomes were in general unremarkable with similar findings in the HBP Lotion and VEH treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of HBP Lotion in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Furthermore, this novel HBP lotion formulation is also distinguished by its moisturization qualities and ease of use.</p> <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(3):234-240.</em></p>.

A Phase 2, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Vehicle Controlled Clinical Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of a Halobetasol/Tazarotene Fixed Combination in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis

<p>BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that varies widely in its clinical expression. Treatment options focus on relieving symptoms, reducing inflammation, induration, and scaling, and controlling the extent of the disease. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment, however long-term safety remains a concern, particularly with the more potent formulations. Combination therapy with a corticosteroid and tazarotene may improve psoriasis signs at a lower corticosteroid concentration providing a superior safety profile.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of a once-daily application of a fixed combination halobetasol propionate 0.01% and tazarotene 0.045% (HP/TAZ) lotion in comparison with its monads and vehicle in subjects with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled Phase 2 study in moderate or severe psoriasis (N=212). Subjects randomized (2:2:2:1 ratio) to receive HP/TAZ, individual monads, or vehicle, once-daily for 8 weeks. Efficacy assessments included treatment success (defined as at least a 2-grade improvement from baseline in the IGA score and a score of 'Clear' or 'Almost Clear'), and impact on individual signs of psoriasis (erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling) at the target lesion. Safety and treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were evaluated throughout.

RESULTS

HP/TAZ lotion demonstrated statistically significant superiority over vehicle as early as 2 weeks. At week 8, 52.5% of subjects had treatment success compared with 33.3%, 18.6%, and 9.7% in the HP (P=0.033), TAZ (P less than 0.001), and vehicle (P less than 0.001) groups, respectively. HP/TAZ lotion was superior to its monads and vehicle in reducing the psoriasis signs of erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling at the target lesion. At week 8, a 2-grade improvement in IGA was achieved by 54.2% of subjects for erythema, 67.8% for plaque elevation, and 64.4% for scaling. Most frequently reported TEAEs were application site reactions, and were more likely associated with the tazarotene component. Side effects such as skin atrophy were rare.

CONCLUSIONS

HP/TAZ lotion was consistently more effective than its monads or vehicle in achieving treatment success and reducing psoriasis signs of erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling at the target lesion. Safety data were consistent with the known safety profile of halobetasol propionate and tazarotene, and did not reveal any new safety concerns with the combination product.</p> <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(3):197-204.</em></p>.

Halobetasol Propionate Lotion, 0.05% Provides Superior Hydration Compared to Halobetasol Propionate Cream, 0.05% in a Double-Blinded Study of Occlusivity and Hydration

BACKGROUND

This study measured skin hydration and occlusivity of two test products [halobetasol propionate lotion, 0.05% (HBP Lotion) and Ultravate® (halobetasol propionate) cream, 0.05% (HBP Cream)] at 2, 4, and 6 hours after application to skin test sites previously challenged by dry shaving, which was performed to compromise the integrity of the stratum corneum barrier.

METHODS

Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), an indicator of skin barrier function, was measured using cyberDERM, inc. RG-1 evaporimeter. Skin hydration was evaluated using IBS SkiCon-200 conductance meter. Test products were applied bilaterally on dry-shaved sites on the volar forearm sites, according to a randomization scheme, with two test sites untreated to serve as "dry-shaved" controls. TEWL and conductance were measured at 2, 4, and 6 hours post-treatment.

RESULTS

HBP Lotion displayed a significant increase in skin hydration at 2, 4, and 6 hours post-treatment compared to the baseline values and dry-shaved controls (each, P less than 0.001). However, HBP Cream produced statistically significant increased skin hydration only after 6 hours (P less than 0.05). HBP Lotion was significantly more effective than HBP Cream in increasing skin hydration at 2 and 4 hours post-treatment (each, P less than 0.001), and had a directional advantage (not statistically significant) at 6 hours. Neither test product had a significant occlusive effect as measured by TEWL at 2, 4, and 6 hours post-application.

CONCLUSION

Both formulations of HBP (Lotion and Cream) contributed to skin moisturization, as measured by skin conductance. HBP Lotion produced a significantly more rapid onset and higher level of moisturization at 2 and 4 hours post-application compared to HBP Cream. The TEWL results indicate that neither HBP Lotion nor HBP Cream provided any significant occlusivity to the skin. <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(2):140-144.</em></p>.

Discoid lupus erythematosus of the vulva

Genital involvement is a rare manifestation in discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and there are few reports on vulvar clinical features. We describe a 41-year old Caucasian woman with bilateral vulvar DLE. Although vulvar lesions in lupus are probably more common than is realized, the present report is the first case of genital DLE documented in a female.

Pruritic eruption on the chest

The fact that this patient's rash was limited to his chest provided an important diagnostic clue.

Uptake and biological effects of synthetic glucocorticoids in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Uptake and biological effects of synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) were analyzed using common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were exposed to clobetasol propionate (CP) or clobetasone butyrate (CB) individually or in mixture at 1 μg L(-1) for 21 days. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) of CB was calculated as 100, and BCF of CP was less than 16. No effects were found in fish erythrocyte and leukocyte numbers and serum glucose levels after exposure to the selected GCs. On the other hand, serum concentrations of free amino acids significantly increased in GC-exposed groups. Thus, exposures to synthetic GCs at relatively low concentrations seemed to cause enhancement of protein degradation and subsequent increase of serum free amino acids without a corresponding increase in serum glucose levels, an effect which might be related to partial induction of gluconeogenesis by GC.

Effects of Calcipotriol Cream and Ointment, Clobetasol Cream and Ointment and Tretinoin Cream on the Erythemogenicity of UVB

Various studies have shown the blocking effects of topical agents on UVB penetration, which can be used in combination with phototherapy. In this study, the photoprotective effects of 0.005% calcipotriol, 0.05% clobetasol-17-propionate, and 0.1% tretinoin, which can be used in combination with broad-band UVB, were investigated in an in vivo test. In a study group of 20 patients, phototests were performed to determine minimal erythema doses (MED) and the tests were repeated with thin (0.1 cc/25 cm2) and thick (0.3 cc/25 cm2) calcipotriol, clobetasol-17-propionate, and tretinoin in cream forms and sunscreen. After determining the MED, the test was repeated in another 20 patients with thin and thick calcipotriol and clobetasol-17-propionate in both cream and ointment forms and sunscreen. MED was increased with thin and thick applications of all agents. Moreover, the photoprotective effects of each agent increased with their thick applications compared with thin ones. The application of calcipotriol cream and ointment, clobetasol cream and ointment, and tretinoin cream, all of which can block UVB, is not recommended just before phototherapy.

Disseminated porokeratosis of Mibelli: A case report

Porokeratosis is a disorder of clonal hyperproliferation of keratinocytes with several different clinical manifestations. Cutaneous lesions vary in their appearance and distribution. All variants share the distinguishing cornoid lamella on histopathological examination. We present an unusual case of disseminated porokeratosis of Mibelli in an immunocompetent patient.

Effects of steroidal and non-steroidal antiphlogistic drugs on eicosanoid synthesis in irritated skin: studies with the isolated perfused bovine udder

Using the isolated perfused bovine udder as an in-vitro model of skin inflammation, the effects of topically administered arachidonic acid on prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis have been shown previously. In this study, the effects of indometacin (indomethacin) and clobetasol-17-propionate (administered topically) as well as flunixin meglumine and meloxicam (administered via the perfusion fluid) have been studied. Compared with controls, arachidonic acid caused a significant increase in the dermal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and peptidoleukotriene (LTC4/D4/E4) concentration. Topical treatment with indometacin (1.6 mg cm−2) and clobetasol-17-propionate (90 μg cm−2), which were administered 60 min before arachidonic acid administration, inhibited the inflammatory reaction. Flunixin meglumine (1 μg mL−1 perfusion fluid) was administered 30 min after and meloxicam (3 μg mL−1 perfusion fluid) was administered 60 min before arachidonic acid application. Three hours after arachidonic acid administration, a significant inhibition of PGE2 synthesis was induced by flunixin. In contrast, meloxicam showed only a slight effect. The effect of flunixin was comparable with in-vivo results. It is known from animal studies that anti-inflammatory effects of meloxicam are obvious within up to 6 h after treatment. Therefore, the incomplete effect of meloxicam may be explained pharmacokinetically. In conclusion, the described in-vitro model seems to be suitable for studies of pharmacological effects on eicosanoid synthesis in the skin.

A randomized, investigator‐masked clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of clobetasol propionate 0.05% shampoo and tar blend 1% shampoo in the treatment of moderate to severe scalp psoriasis

The clinical benefit of currently available tar blend shampoos for the treatment of scalp psoriasis is restricted due to their limited efficacy, low cosmetic appeal and potential for carcinogenicity. This 4-week multicentre, randomized, parallel-group, investigator-masked study included 162 subjects and aimed to compare the efficacy, safety and cosmetic acceptability of clobetasol propionate 0.05% shampoo versus a currently marketed tar blend 1% shampoo in subjects with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis. Clobetasol propionate shampoo was superior to tar blend shampoo with respect to all efficacy variables tested (p<0.001): Total and Global Severity Score; erythema; plaque thickening; desquamation; pruritus; total scalp area involved; and the subject's global assessment of clinical improvement. Both treatments were safe and well-tolerated. Furthermore, more subjects indicated that clobetasol propionate shampoo was more cosmetically acceptable than tar blend shampoo. Clobetasol propionate 0.05% shampoo is a good alternative to tar blend shampoo in the treatment of moderate to severe scalp psoriasis.

The efficacy of three class I topical synthetic corticosteroids, fluocinonide 0.1% cream, clobetasol 0.05% cream and halobetasol 0.05% cream: a Scholtz-Dumas bioassay comparison

BACKGROUND

This study compared the efficacy of a novel, topical class I synthetic, 0.10% fluocinonide corticosteroid with two other class I corticosteroids and placebo for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

A 0.5 gram dose of fluocinonide 0.1% cream, clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream, halobetasol propionate 0.05% cream, and placebo ointment were applied to test sites on one psoriatic plaque per patient (n=5). Test sites were outlined according to the Scholtz-Dumas bioassay. Test sites were assessed by a blinded evaluator (1 = psoriasis worsened to 5 = psoriasis clear or almost clear), cleaned and medications were reapplied on days 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12.

RESULTS & CONCLUSION

The three class I corticosteroid products were comparably effective, numerically and statistically, in clearing the psoriatic plaques. Upon completion of treatment, 60-80% of active-treated sites were clear or almost clear of psoriasis compared to zero with the placebo.

Eumovate (clobetasone butyrate) 0.05% cream with its moisturizing emollient base has better healing properties than hydrocortisone 1% cream: a study in nickel-induced contact dermatitis

BACKGROUND

The emollient base of a topical corticosteroid, through its moisturizing properties, can be a useful treatment adjunct.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the healing properties of Eumovate trade mark (clobetasone butyrate) 0.05% cream with its emollient base, hydrocortisone 1% cream and with no treatment.

METHODS

A single-centre, double-blind, intra-individual, comparative study that involved 18 volunteers with nickel-induced contact dermatitis. Following a positive patch test to nickel, sub-therapeutic amounts (10 micro l = 3 mg cm(-2)) of each of the treatments were applied twice daily for seven days to each of the four test sites.

RESULTS

In terms of the primary endpoint, a physician's global assessment after 7 days of treatment, clobetasone butyrate (CB) 0.05% cream showed a significantly better response than hydrocortisone (HC) 1% cream (78% vs 39%, difference -0.4, 95% CI -0.7 to -0.1; p = 0.046) or no treatment (78% vs 28%, difference -0.5, 95% CI -0.9 to -0.1; p = 0.016). CB 0.05% cream also showed a better response than its emollient base (78% vs 56%), though statistical significance was not achieved. In terms of moisturizing effects, there was no difference in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) between CB 0.05% cream and its emollient base. CB 0.05% cream treated sites did, however, have significantly lower values (i.e. were more moisturized) than untreated sites (difference -8.5, 95% CI -12.0 to -4.86; p < 0.001) or HC 1% treated sites (difference -7.1, 95% CI -11.0 to -3.4; p < 0.001). In terms of skin blanching activity, as expected the steroid-based creams achieved lower colorimetric values than the emollient base cream.

CONCLUSIONS

These results from experimentally induced skin inflammation indicate that CB 0.05% (as Eumovate 0.05% cream) has both more effective anti-inflammatory activity and better moisturizing properties than hydrocortisone 1% cream and that these effects are in part due to its efficient emollient base.

Clobetasol propionate lotion, an efficient and safe alternative to clobetasol propionate emollient cream in subjects with moderate to severe plaque‐type psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Various formulations of clobetasol propionate are currently used to treat psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, vasoconstrictive and immunomodulating properties.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy, safety and remission profile of clobetasol propionate lotion compared to that of clobetasol propionate emollient cream and lotion vehicle in subjects with moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis.

METHODS

Multicentre, investigator-blind, randomized, active- and vehicle-controlled, parallel-group study.

RESULTS

A total of 192 subjects were treated: 82 with clobetasol propionate lotion, 81 with clobetasol propionate cream and 29 with the vehicle. Clobetasol propionate lotion was significantly more effective than vehicle lotion and was comparable in efficacy to the emollient cream after 4 weeks of treatment. Treatment success was higher for subjects in the clobetasol propionate lotion group than in the emollient cream group after 4 weeks of a treatment-free follow-up period. Clobetasol propionate lotion was safe and well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that clobetasol propionate lotion is an efficacious, safe and well-tolerated alternative to the currently available emollient cream formulation, while showing a better remission profile after 4 weeks of treatment-free follow-up period.