Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Psoriasis affects an estimated 2% of the world's population, with higher rates in developed countries. 80% have mild-to-moderate disease and 50 to 80% have scalp involvement. Topical treatments are the mainstay of treatment.

Areas covered: Two-compound calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate (BD) is a common topical combination therapy consisting of a vitamin D analogue and a corticosteroid. It comes in ointment, gel/suspension, and foam formulations. Phase II and III clinical trials have consistently shown the two-compound formulation to be effective and safe, with no clinically significant skin atrophy, calcium level changes, or adrenal suppression were seen. Topical scalp solution was also safe and effective in treating scalp psoriasis in pediatric populations.

Expert commentary: Calcipotriene plus BD is more effective and safer than the individual ingredients in the same vehicle for treating body and scalp psoriasis. It should be considered a first line therapy for mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis.

KEYWORDS:

• Psoriasis
• calcipotriene
• betamethasone dipropionate
• topical

Declaration of interests

The Center for Dermatology Research is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Galderma Laboratories, L.P. S Feldman is a speaker for Janssen and Taro. He is a consultant and speaker for Galderma, Stiefel/GlaxoSmithKline, Abbott Labs, Leo Pharma Inc. S Feldman 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. He is on an advisory board for Pfizer Inc. S Feldman is the founder and holds stock in Causa Research and holds stock and is majority owner in Medical Quality Enhancement Corporation. He receives Royalties from UpToDate and Xlibris. D Hill’s translation research is funded by Janssen Pharmaceuticals LLC. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.