New Corticosteroid Vehicle Formulations for Psoriasis
Title: Clinical studies of a new vehicle formulation
for topical corticosteroids in the treatment of psoriasis.
Author: Stein L
Publication: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Jul;53(1
Suppl 1):S39-49.
Topical corticosteroids are a common form of topical anti-inflammatory
treatment of psoriasis. They are also available in different :
- Treatment strength
- Doses
- Formulations
- Vehicles (carrier base or solution for the drug) such as ointments,
creams, and lotions.
Recently, mid-potency corticosteroid betamethasone valerate (BMV)
and ultra-high-potency corticosteroid clobetasol propionate have
become available.
The author reviewed the clinical studies on the efficacy and
safety of these two corticosteroids, in forms of:
- Betamethasone valerate 0.12% foam
- Clobetasol propionate 0.05% foam
as treatments for scalp and non-scalp psoriasis.
The studies demonstrated that both topical agents are safe and
effective treatments for scalp and non-scalp psoriasis. The foam
vehicle forms of both corticosteroids are absorbed more rapidly
and have greater total absorption when compared to the lotion
or solution form. The foam vehicle form also appears to be associated
with better patients’ compliance and improvement in their
quality of life.
The authors concluded that due to the unique nature of the foam
vehicle, combined with positive findings in lab settings, suggested
that the new betamethasone valerate and clobetasol propionate
foam formulations might expand the available treatment options
for combination therapy.
