Tacrolimus ointment shows promising results in improving
atopic eczema
Tacrolimus ointment shows similar efficacy to the topical
steroid hydrocortisone-17-butyrate ointment 0.1 per cent in adult atopic
eczema, a study shows.
The study was presented on behalf of Fujisawa, manufacturer
of tacrolimus, at the 10th annual congress of the European Academy of
Dermatology and Venereology in Munich recently. A second study demonstrated
that tacrolimus ointment is more effective than the standard treatment
of hydrocortisone acetate ointment 1 per cent in paediatric eczema.
The phase III, randomised parallel-group study of
570 adults with moderate to severe atopic eczema showed that tacrolimus
ointment 0.1 per cent achieved improvement rated as "excellent or clearance"
(>90 per cent improvement) in 50 per cent of patients after three weeks.
This matched the improvement achieved in patients randomised to hydrocortisone-17-butyrate
ointment 0.1 per cent. The most common adverse event with tacrolimus —
local irritation — generally resolved after a few days.
In the paediatric study, 560 children aged two to
15 years with moderate to severe atopic eczema were randomised to receive
tacrolimus ointment (0.03 per cent or 0.1 per cent) or hydrocortisone
acetate ointment 1 per cent. Results showed excellent improvement or clearance
(>90 per cent improvement) in 38.5 per cent of patients treated with
tacrolimus ointment 0.03 per cent, compared with 48.4 per cent of those
using tacrolimus 0.1 per cent. Of the children randomised to receive hydrocortisone
acetate, 15.7 per cent showed this level of improvement.
Dr Malcolm Rustin, consultant dermatologist, Royal
Free Hospital, London, said: "Tacrolimus ointment represents ... an alternative
to potent corticosteroids. Because it does not cause skin thinning, it
is suitable for the treatment of atopic eczema on sensitive areas such
as the face and neck." He added: "In the adult study, a clinical response
was apparent with tacrolimus as early as three days after the start of
treatment, with improvement continuing until the end of the treatment
period of three weeks."
Tacrolimus works by inhibiting the production of
cytokines produced in response to allergens. Studies have shown that it
is particularly effective in reducing the inflammation mediated by T helper
1 cells occurring in superimposed infections in chronic atopic eczema
skin lesions.
Tacrolimus ointment is expected to become available
in the United Kingdon next year. — Contributed.
Back to Top
|
