Calcipotriene Betamethasone Dipropionate Aerosol Foam in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common chronic immune-mediated skin disease which has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life, and is associated with numerous comorbidities (i.e., psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and cardiovascular disease). A greater understanding of its immunopathogenesis has guided the development of novel, more targeted therapies. Nonetheless, traditional treatment with topical agents, phototherapy and systemic medications is used in the management of the majority of psoriasis patients. Mainstay topical treatments include corticosteroids and vitamin D derivatives. Calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate aerosol foam is a novel single product combination, which seeks to provide superior therapeutic efficacy in addition to enhanced cosmetic properties. This article reviews the literature on the pharmacology and clinical data in terms of safety, efficacy and patient satisfaction of this topical medication.

Keywords:

• aerosol foam
• calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate
• corticosteroids
• Enstilar^®
• psoriasis
• topical therapies
• vitamin D derivatives

Financial & competing interests disclosure

A Menter has been an advisor, consultant and/or speaker for AbbVie, Allergan, Amgen, Inc., Anacor, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Dermira, Eli Lilly and Company, Galderma, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Leo Pharma, Merck, Neothetics, Novartis, Pfizer, Inc., Regeneron, Symbio/Maruho, Vitae and Xenoport. 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.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.