Fixed-combination halobetasol propionate and tazarotene topical lotion decreases TNF-α and IL-17A levels in psoriatic lesions

Abstract

Objective

Fixed-combination halobetasol propionate (0.01%) and tazarotene (0.045%) lotion (HP/TAZ) is approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults, with a demonstrated efficacy and safety profile in phase 3 trials. This study examined the effect of HP/TAZ on the reduction of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 17 A (IL-17A) and its correlation to psoriasis improvement.

Materials and methods

Ten adults with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis and 2 symmetrical plaques self-applied HP/TAZ (treated plaque) or vehicle lotion (untreated plaque) for 12 weeks. At baseline and each study visit (weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12), Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score and erythema, scaling, and induration were assessed. Additionally, D-squame tape strips were utilized to quantify TNF-α and IL-17A in target lesions by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Significant improvements in mean IGA score in HP/TAZ–treated compared with untreated plaques were evident at week 2 and maintained through week 12 (p < 0.003). HP/TAZ significantly reduced TNF-α levels at weeks 4 through 12 (p < 0.03) and IL-17A levels at weeks 2 through 8 (p < 0.05) in treated compared with untreated plaques.

Conclusions

HP/TAZ was highly effective in treating psoriasis plaques and, although HP/TAZ is not a biologic, effectively reduced cytokine-associated inflammatory markers that drive psoriatic disease.

Keywords:

• Plaque psoriasis
• inflammation
• IL-17A
• TNF-α

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data available upon reasonable request of the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by Ortho Dermatologics. Writing and editorial assistance was provided under the direction of the authors by MedThink SciCom and was funded by Ortho Dermatologics. Ortho Dermatologics is a division of Bausch Health US, LLC.