Safety and efficacy of pimecrolimus (ASM 981) cream 1% in the treatment of mild and moderate atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents.
BACKGROUND
The ascomycin derivative pimecrolimus (ASM 981) is a cell-selective cytokine inhibitor, specifically developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.


OBJECTIVE
When applied topically, pimecrolimus cream 1% has shown promise as a treatment for inflammatory skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis (AD) in children and adults, allergic contact dermatitis, and chronic contact irritant hand dermatitis in adults.


METHODS
In two independent 6-week, randomized, multicenter studies of identical design, the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus cream 1% in children with predominantly moderate AD were compared with vehicle. Pooled data from a total of 403 patients were used in the analysis. The primary efficacy parameter was the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score. Secondary parameters included Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and severity of pruritus scores. Subjects were also asked to assess their disease control as uncontrolled, limited, good, or complete.


RESULTS
Significant therapeutic benefits relative to vehicle were observed in the pimecrolimus-treated group at the first efficacy assessment, 8 days after initial application of the study medication (eg, relief of pruritus). At each subsequent postbaseline visit, pimecrolimus-treated patients showed significant improvement relative to controls in all efficacy measures. The medication was well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Pimecrolimus cream 1% appears to be a safe and effective alternative to currently used therapies for AD.
Eichenfield
Lawrence F
LF
Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, Children's Hospital-San Diego, 3020 Children's Way, Mail Code 5092, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. leichenfield@UCSD.edu
Lucky
Anne W
AW
Boguniewicz
Mark
M
Langley
Richard G B
RG
Cherill
Robert
R
Marshall
Katharine
K
Bush
Christopher
C
Graeber
Michael
M
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; C117268:pimecrolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus