Posttreatment maintenance of therapeutic effect with fixed-combination halobetasol propionate 0.01%/tazarotene 0.045% lotion for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis

Abstract

Background

The topical corticosteroid halobetasol propionate (HP) and retinoid tazarotene (TAZ) are effective in psoriasis treatment. Fixed-combination HP 0.01%/TAZ 0.045% lotion has demonstrated efficacy and safety in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Objective

To investigate the maintenance of therapeutic effects after cessation of once-daily HP/TAZ treatment.

Methods

In two phase 3 studies (NCT02462070; NCT02462122), adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis received HP/TAZ for 8 weeks. Data at week 12 were analyzed post hoc to evaluate posttreatment maintenance of treatment success (clear/almost clear skin), improvements in signs of psoriasis (erythema, plaque elevation, scaling), and reductions in affected body surface area (BSA). In a 52-week open-label study (NCT02462083), participants stopped HP/TAZ treatment after achievement of treatment success; data were analyzed post hoc to assess time to retreatment.

Results

Across all studies, most participants who achieved treatment success maintained this effect for at least one month posttreatment. Treatment effects were similarly maintained for improvements in signs of psoriasis and reductions in BSA. Some participants continued to improve after cessation of treatment. Maintenance of treatment success and time to retreatment were greater for participants who achieved clear skin.

Conclusion

HP/TAZ lotion provides therapeutic effects that persist after treatment cessation, supporting its use in long-term management of plaque psoriasis.

Keywords:

• Topical
• psoriasis
• maintenance

Acknowledgements

Medical writing support was provided by Prescott Medical Communications Group (Chicago, IL) with financial support from Ortho Dermatologics. Ortho Dermatologics is a division of Bausch Health US, LLC.

Disclosure statement

M.G. Lebwohl is an employee of Mount Sinai and receives research funds from: AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Incyte, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, LEO Pharma, Ortho Dermatologics, Pfizer, and UCB; is a consultant for Aditum Bio, Allergan, Almirall, Arcutis, Inc., Avotres Therapeutics, BirchBioMed Inc., BMD skincare, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cara Therapeutics, Castle Biosciences, Corrona, Dermavant Sciences, Evelo, Facilitate International Dermatologic Education, Foundation for Research and Education in Dermatology, Inozyme Pharma, Kyowa Kirin, LEO Pharma, Meiji Seika Pharma, Menlo, Mitsubishi, Neuroderm, Pfizer, Promius/Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Serono, Theravance, and Verrica.

L. Stein Gold has served as investigator/consultant or speaker for Ortho Dermatologics, LEO Pharma, Dermavant, Incyte, Novartis, AbbVie, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, UCB, Arcutis and Lilly.

J.Q. Del Rosso has served as a consultant, investigator, and/or speaker for Ortho Dermatologics, Abbvie, Amgen, Arcutis, Dermavant, EPI Heath, Galderma, Incyte, LEO Pharma, Lilly, MC2 Therapeutics, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB.

L. Green has served as consultant, speaker, and/or investigator for Arcutis, AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Dermavant, Janssen, Lilly, MC2, Novartis, Ortho Dermatologics, Sienna, Sun Pharma, and UCB.

A. Jacobson is an employee of Ortho Dermatologics and may hold stock and/or stock options in its parent company.