Six week evaluation of the potential for topical desoximetasone 0.25% spray to induce photoallergic skin reaction

Abstract

Purpose: Desoximetasone 0.25% topical spray is a novel formulation that has not been tested or approved for safety and efficacy. The primary objective was to determine the potential of desoximetasone 0.25 and 0.05% topical sprays, as well as a vehicle to induce photoallergic skin reaction after repeated topical application and irradiation to the skin using a controlled photopatch testing procedure.

Materials and methods: 53 subjects completed the study, each with six application sites (two of each treatment), three of which were irradiated and three non-irradiated, for an induction period of three weeks and then challenge period at week 6.

Results: Desoximetasone 0.25 and 0.05%, as well as vehicle showed no evidence of potential to induce photosensitization. There was statistically significantly greater irritation at the vehicle irradiated site in comparison to the irradiated treatment area of desoximetasone 0.25% (p = .005) and the irradiated treatment area of desoximetasone 0.05% (p = .008).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that regular treatment with desoximetasone 0.25 and 0.05% spray, followed by UV light exposure does not induce photosensitization or photo-irritation. These findings increase confidence for the use of this topical spray in eczema or psoriasis patients who may also be receiving UV light therapy and may contribute to the clinical management of these patients.

Keywords:

• Desoximetasone
• topical;corticosteroids
• light-exposure
• irritation potential

Disclosure statement

Dr. Feldman is a speaker for Janssen and Taro. He is a an consultant and speaker for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Galderma, Stiefel/GlaxoSmithKline, Abbott Labs, and Leo Pharma Inc. Has also has received grants from Galderma, Janssen, Abbott Labs, Amgen, Stiefel/GlaxoSmithKline, Celgene, and Anacor. He is a consultant for Amgen, Baxter, Caremark, Gerson Lehrman Group, Guidepoint Global, Hanall Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Kikaku, Lilly, Merck & Co Inc, Merz Pharmaceuticals, Mylan, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Inc, Qurient, Suncare Research, and Xenoport. Is also on the advisory board for Pfizer Inc. Dr. Feldman is the founder and holds stock in Causa Research and is a majority owner in Medical Quality Enhancement Corporation. He receives Royalties from UpToDate and Xlibris.

Nupur Patel, Asha Gowda, Alexandra Grammenos and Oombola Onikoyi have no conflicts to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

Study and manuscript preparation was sponsored by Taro Pharmaceuticals.