Different treatment outcomes with different formulations of clobetasol propionate 0.05% for the treatment of plaque psoriasis

Abstract

Two advanced formulations of clobetasol propionate (CP) 0.05% (Clobex® Spray; Galderma Laboratories, L.P., Fort Worth, TX, USA and Olux® Foam; Stiefel/Connetics Corp., Coral Gables, FL, USA) were compared in a study of 77 randomized patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. At the end of the treatment period (2 weeks for CP foam or up to 4 weeks for CP spray per product labeling), patients treated with CP spray had a median 64% reduction in affected body surface area (BSA) compared to a median 25% reduction in patients treated with the CP foam (p = 0.004). Also at the end of the treatment period, 22% of CP spray‐treated patients were completely clear compared to 5% of CP foam‐treated patients (p = 0.04). Improvements in quality of life as determined by the Dermatology Life Quality Index were statistically significantly greater at all time points for patients treated with CP spray compared to patients treated with CP foam (p<0.04 for all). The majority of adverse events for both products were mild in severity. Thus, while both of these formulations contain the same active ingredient at the same concentration, differences in their efficacy were observed when each treatment was used within its approved labeling guidelines.