Pimecrolimus prevents atopic eczema flare-ups
Pimecrolimus (Elidel), a non-steroid cream being developed
for the treatment of atopic eczema, prevents disease flare-ups and reduces
the need for topical corticosteroid treatment, research shows.
In a six-month study involving 250 three- to 23-month-old
babies, the use of pimecrolimus as soon as the signs of eczema or itching
recurred prevented disease flare-ups in 70 per cent of those treated.
Only 32 per cent of those receiving conventional treatment (emollients
for dry skin and corticosteroids for flare-ups) were flare-up free over
the study period.
Data from a second study, involving 713 patients
aged two to 17 years, showed that 51 per cent of those using pimecrolimus
at the first signs and symptoms of eczema did not have any disease flare-ups
or need topical corticosteroid treatment. This compared with 28 per cent
of patients who received conventional treatment being flare-up free over
the same period.
Commenting on the research, which was presented
on behalf of Novartis, manufacturer of pimecrolimus, at the 10th congress
of the European Dermatology and Venereology in Munich recently, Dr Mark
Goodfield, consultant dermatologist, Leeds General Infirmary, said: "Many
parents are reluctant to use corticosteroids on children, and so there
is a great need for an effective alternative."
Pimecrolimus is a skin-selective inflammatory cytokine
inhibitor. It works by targeting skin cells that release the pro-inflammatory
mediators in atopic eczema.
A spokesman for Novartis said that the company hoped
to have received markeing authorisation for Elidel by the end of 2002.
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