FDA approves Taclonex for all plaque psoriasis treatment
Posted Jan. 11, 2006
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a prescription topical ointment, Taclonex, for treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. It has been used and approved for psoriasis treatment outside the United States under the names Dovobet and Daivobet.
Warner Chilcott, which is marketing the product in the United States, estimates that Taclonex should be available for patients in spring 2006.
Taclonex is the first once-daily topical ointment for psoriasis in the United States that combines calcipotriene (brand name Dovonex) and betamethasone dipropionate (brand name Diprosone).
Doctors often prescribe steroids and forms of synthetic vitamin D3 such as Dovonex as separate applications. Calcipotriene manages cell growth. Betamethasone dipropionate is a potent corticosteroid that treats inflammation. The use of both treatments in one product may be more convenient for patients than two separate applications.
The product is approved for all severities of plaque psoriasis. Warner Chilcott announced the news on Jan. 10. Leo Pharma, Inc., the product's manufacturer, submitted the product in March 2005 to the U.S. FDA for approval. For detailed information on side effects and safety, talk to your doctor.
The National Psoriasis Foundation welcomes the approval as a new option for many people with psoriasis, and will continue to report on its availability.
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