Calcipotriol plus Betamethasone Dipropionate Scalp Formulation Is Effective and Well Tolerated in the Treatment of Scalp Psoriasis: A Phase II Study

Abstract

Background: There is a need for more effective therapy for scalp psoriasis. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of a 2-compound scalp formulation including calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. Methods: Patients (n = 218) with scalp psoriasis were randomized to treatment with the 2-compound scalp formulation (n = 108) or betamethasone dipropionate in the same vehicle (n = 110). The treatments were applied once daily on the scalp for up to 8 weeks. Results: The 2-compound scalp formulation showed a significantly higher efficacy than betamethasone dipropionate on the total sign score at the end of treatment (p = 0.042) and after 2 weeks (p = 0.005). Conclusion: The calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation was superior to betamethasone dipropionate in the same vehicle when used once daily for up to 8 weeks in the treatment of scalp psoriasis.

Treatment of severe scalp psoriasis: From the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation

“…37 A regimen using a combination of a corticosteroid and a vitamin D analogue for scalp psoriasis can help to minimize irritation and the amount of topical corticosteroids used. [26][27][28][29]53 In one small study, the ointment combination of calcipotriene 50 g/g and betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g was effective in treating resistant scalp psoriasis. 27 Head-to-head studies comparing the combination of topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues to each therapy alone in scalp psoriasis will be required to properly evaluate efficacy.…”

A new scalp formulation of calcipotriene plus betamethasone compared with its active ingredients and the vehicle in the treatment of scalp psoriasis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

“…Based on the results from a previous clinical trial, 20 it was assumed that the comparisons of the two-compound scalp formulation versus betamethasone dipropionate alone would have 90% power and versus calcipotriene or vehicle alone would have more than 99.5% power, with 540 patients in the twocompound scalp formulation group, 540 patients in the betamethasone dipropionate group, 270 patients in the calcipotriene group, and 135 patients in the vehicle group. Thus approximately 90% power would be achieved to reject the combined null hypothesis.…”

Efficacy and maintenance strategies of two-compound formulation calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate gel (Xamiol® gel) in the treatment of scalp psoriasis: results from a study in 885 patients

“…This is a lipophilic gel formulation, particularly suitable for application to the scalp that combines the keratinocytes differentiation action of the vitamin D 3 analogues with the anti-inflammatory effect of steroids reducing the side-effect profile of the single topical agent. Previous studies showed the efficacy and safety of this combination in mild-to-moderate plaque-type psoriasis of body and scalp (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). However, maintenance strategies after complete remission have been poorly investigated.…”