A ‘next-generation’ topical cream for plaque psoriasis

Health Canada has recently approved Zoryve roflumilast cream for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients 12 years of age and older. The non-greasy, spreadable, fast-absorbing cream is a topical preparation of the phosphodiesterase 4 (or PDE4) inhibitor roflumilast. PDE4 is an intracellular enzyme that helps the body control cytokines—proteins that promote inflammation. A once-daily treatment, Zoryve relieves and controls mild, moderate and severe plaque psoriasis in all areas of the body, including knees and trunk, but also more sensitive and difficult-to-treat areas such as the face and intertriginous areas (skin-to-skin contact areas). Read: Efficacy and safety of deucravacitinib in the treatment of plaque psoriasis This 'next-generation' cream “brings an important new option to patients with plaque psoriasis. Treating difficult and sensitive areas with a patient-friendly, steroid-free PDE4 inhibitor in a cream formulation will help us meet patient needs in a way we have not been able to do until now," says dermatologist Catherine Maari, a researcher from Innovaderm Research in Montreal. “What makes this treatment unique is the technology and the preparation that can be used on all affected parts of the body to help simplify treatment regimens for patients. Approval of Zoryve is supported by two Phase 3 studies in 880 patients with mild, moderate or severe chronic plaque psoriasis (DERMIS-1 and DERMIS-2). "Rapid and statistically significant improvements were noted in the disappearance of psoriasis plaques and an alleviation of symptoms, including itching, in all affected areas of the body in patients treated with Zoryve, with a tolerability profile and of favorable safety and minimal adverse reactions at the site of application" noted the press release from Arcutis Canada. Read: Psychodermatology: a new under-recognized sub-specialty in dermatology Approximately one million Canadians, and 125 million people worldwide, live with psoriasis, according to the Canadian Dermatology Association. The most common form of this chronic inflammatory disease, plaque psoriasis affects approximately 90% of patients and presents as raised, red or purplish, scaly patches that cause itching. These plaques can form anywhere on the body, but are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, chest and lower back. “Living with plaque psoriasis comes with physical and emotional challenges,” says Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients program manager Helen Crawford. "Having a new topical option that doesn’t contain steroids and can be used in even the most bothersome and intimate parts of the body gives people with plaque psoriasis the ability to be somewhat safe from the unpleasant symptoms that can overwhelm them.” Arcutis Canada reports that "roflumilast cream is being evaluated at lower doses for atopic dermatitis, 0.15% for adults and children six years of age and older and 0.05% for children from two to five years old.” The Zoryve Canadian Product Monograph can be viewed here. This article has been translated from its original French and first appeared on our sister site Profession Santé. A previous version of this article indicated 0.05% dosage of the roflumilast cream was for children six years and older, when that dosage is, in fact, is for children ages two through five. We regret the error.

A ‘next-generation’ topical cream for plaque psoriasis

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