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Approvals begin to happen for 3 exciting treatment creams for psoriasis and eczema

There are three highly anticipated new topical creams for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema moving through the FDA clearance process as we write this blog.

Two new unique creams for psoriasis

For psoriasis, there has not been a novel non-steroidal topical medication approved in over twenty years. Thus, it is exciting that two unique creams have completed late-stage testing and are being reviewed by the FDA for potential authorization to prescribe within the next year.

• Roflumilast cream 0.3% targets inflammation by inhibiting PDE-4*. In two large pivotal** studies, roughly 40% of patients were clear or almost clear of psoriasis after 8 weeks of daily application. In addition, most patients had clinically meaningful improvements in itch. Roflumilast cream 0.3% was well tolerated with a low rate of pain or reaction where the cream was applied.
• Tapinarof cream 1%, the second topical, is a novel small molecule called TAMA***. Like roflumilast, once daily application of tapinarof cream demonstrated reproducible and exciting results with 40% of patients achieving clear or almost clear skin by week 12. The cream was well tolerated, with folliculitis (inflammation of the follicles) and contact dermatitis occurring in a minority of patients.

A unique topical medication for eczema

For eczema (atopic dermatitis), the FDA recently approved Opzelura^® cream 1.5% in those aged 12 years and older with mild to moderate disease. This is the first topical agent belonging to a category of medications called JAK inhibitors. Opzelura^® cream works by addressing the inflammation of eczema in a manner distinct from currently available options such as topical corticosteroids and other immunomodulatory creams including tacrolimus (Protopic^®), pimecrolimus (Elidel^®) and crisabarole (Eucrisa^®). Two large pivotal** studies investigating Opzelura^® cream in over 1200 atopic dermatitis subjects demonstrated impressive and consistent results. After 8 weeks of treatment, more than half of the patients showed clear or minimal signs of eczema. In addition, most patients had measurable improvements in itch. Although the cream was well tolerated, warnings commonly attributed to oral JAK inhibitors appear in the Opzelura^® package insert. To help put this into context, we suggest coming in for a consultation with one of our skilled and trusted providers at SkinCare Physicians to discuss whether this new exciting treatment might be the right answer for you.

Although remembering their names might be a challenge, these new topical creams promise to bring relief to patients suffering from psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Visit your dermatologist to find out if any of these therapies might be suited for you.

* PDE-4: Phosphodiesterase-4
** A pivotal study is a late-stage clinical trial seeking to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of a new drug in order to obtain its marketing approval by the FDA.
*** TAMA: Therapeutic aryl hydrocarbon receptor-modulating agent

2 Responses to Approvals begin to happen for 3 exciting treatment creams for psoriasis and eczema

• Elora says:

  February 25, 2022 at 2:50 pm

  I suffer from eczema. Triamcinalone ointment has minimal effect on the intense itching. Elidel cream doesn’t work at all. I’m interested in a discussion about new treatments. Including Opzelura and Dupixent.

  Reply
  • Blog Admin says:

    February 25, 2022 at 3:03 pm

    Hi, please call our office at 617-731-1600 to make an appointment. Thank you.

    Reply