Comparative effects of calcipotriol (MC903) solution and placebo (vehicle of MC903) in the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp

Abstract

The efficacy and safety of calcipotriol solution in the treatment of scalp psoriasis was compared with placebo (vehicle solution), in a multicentre double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study of 49 adult patients. Calcipotriol solution (50 micrograms/ml), or placebo, was applied twice daily over a 4-week period. At the end of the study period 60% of patients on calcipotriol showed clearance or marked improvement of their psoriasis compared with 17% on placebo. Overall assessment of treatment response showed that calcipotriol was superior to placebo in both investigator (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval for difference 19.0-67.6) and patient (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval for difference 18.3-68.0) assessments. Total sign score for psoriasis (i.e. the sum of the scores for redness, thickness and scaliness) decreased by 48.9% in the calcipotriol group, and by 18.6% in the placebo group (P = 0.005). Calcipotriol was significantly superior to placebo in reducing redness, thickness, scaliness and extent of psoriasis, and in the patients' assessment in reducing scalp flaking and itching. No statistically significant changes in blood biochemistry were detected during the study, and the solution was generally well tolerated.

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

“…In the treatment of scalp psoriasis, calcipotriol solution has been shown to be safe and effective for both short-term and long-term treatments [13,14,15]. The primary benefit of calcipotriol in the treatment of scalp psoriasis is the strong safety profile related to repeated use, allowing long-term treatment.…”

Scalp psoriasis: European consensus on grading and treatment algorithm

“…A placebo-controlled comparison of calcipotriol solution confirmed that calcipotriol significantly reduces the symptoms of scalp psoriasis after 4 weeks of treatment, according to both investigator and patient assessments (P < 0.001 for both). 16 More recently, in a large prospective, observational study (n ¼ 3396) of scalp psoriasis patients treated with calcipotriol solution for 8 weeks, 80% of patients showed 'good' or 'very good' clinical improvement. 20 However, as noted above, in two comparisons with betamethasone valerate (solution, n ¼ 474; and lotion, n ¼ 42), the corticosteroid proved more efficacious.…”

Ustekinumab Induces Fast Response and Maintenance of Very Severe Refractory Scalp Psoriasis: Results in Two Greek Patients from the Psoriasis Hospital-Based Clinic

“…Currently available synthetic vitamin D 3 analogues include calcipotriol, maxacalcitol, tacalcitol and calcitriol. There are only small open studies that show that calcipotriene's optimal effect occurs at 8 weeks and lasts 52 weeks [9,23]. These agents are only minimally systemically absorbed and therefore have few systemic side effects.…”