1% Tapinarof cream for the treatment of psoriasis: a network meta-analysis of randomized placebo- and calcipotriol- controlled trials

Abstract

Background Tapinarof is the rst new molecular entity approved for the topical treatment of psoriasis in the United States in nearly 25 years and represents an innovative nonsteroidal type of topical treatment.Objective To evaluate the e cacy and safety of 1% tapinarofcream for the treatment of psoriasis in adults by establishing a network of 1% tapinarof cream, calcipotriol, and placebo. Methods MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and the National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched from inception to February 28, 2023. A network meta-analysis of preferred reporting items and a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2015 were used.Results A total of 2408 patients were enrolled in 8 clinical studies of 1% tapinarof cream and 6874 patients in 14 clinical studies of calcipotriol, with OR of 6.2 (4.4,8.9) for C04 versus P04 for 4 weeks of treatment and OR 8.3 (5.5,13.0) for T04 versus P04; OR 5.3 (3.7,8.0) for C08 versus P08 for 8 weeks of treatment , and OR 8.3(5.9,13.0) for T08 versus P08; OR 4.9(2.9,8.5) for C12 versus P12 at 12 weeks and OR 7.3(5.1,11.0) for T12 versus P12. The differences in effects between them were all statistically signi cant. The incidence of adverse events: 1% tapinarof cream versus placebo OR:3.3(2.6,4.3) was statistically signi cant and calcipotriol versus placebo OR:1.1(0.89,1.4) was not statistically signi cant.Conclusions The e cacy of 1% tapinarof cream in the treatment of psoriasis at 4, 8 and 12weeks was superior to placebo and calcipotriol, with a higher incidence of adverse events than placebo and calcipotriol, and no serious systemic adverse reactions were observed. 1% tapinarof cream is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of psoriasis. Key PointsTo explore the application of network analysis method in clinical studies of new drugs.To establish a network of 1% tapinarof cream, calcipotriol and placebo.To evaluate the e cacy and safety of 1% tapinarof cream for the treatment of psoriasis in adults. DeclarationsFunding: Not applicable Con icts of Interest: None.