Early efficacy and safety data with fixed-dose combination calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate foam attributed to mechanism of absorption and steroid potency

Topical therapy is the mainstay of treatment for the majority of patients with psoriasis vulgaris (chronic plaque psoriasis), with combinations of vitamin D analogues and glucocorticoids having been shown to negate many of the negative effects associated with either monocomponent individually. Following the established efficacy of fixed-dose combination calcipotriol (Cal; 50 µg/g) plus betamethasone dipropionate (BD; 0.5 mg/g) ointment and gel formulations, a novel Cal/BD foam formulation was developed. When applied, Cal/BD foam forms a supersaturated solution on the skin, increasing the penetration and bioavailability of Cal and BD. Early data indicate that this results in improved efficacy outcomes versus Cal/BD ointment, without negatively affecting safety outcomes (such as the incidence/severity of side effects or impacted calcium homeostasis or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). This article discusses the potency and absorption of fixed-dose combination Cal/BD foam, as well as the positive early efficacy and safety data associated with its utilisation in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.