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Oral Form of Non-Steroidal Treatment Shows Promise

Researchers at a recent dermatology conference presented a study on the use and safety of oral pimecrolimus (brand name Elidel) for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The study compared the use of oral Elidel to the cream formulation, which is on the market for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).

In late March 2003, researchers from the University of Vienna presented their study at the American Academy of Dermatology conference. Fifty patients took increasingly larger doses of the drug or placebo for 28 days. Those who received 20 milligrams (mg) to 30 mg saw improvement in their psoriasis symptoms of 60 percent and 75 percent, respectively. The only common side effect was a feeling of heat.

The researchers concluded that oral Elidel may help to safely supplement the topical cream, even at doses up to 26 times that of the cream. Elidel, manufactured by Novartis, is a topical steroid-free medication with immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties.