Pimecrolimus, a topical calcineurin inhibitor for atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin diseases

Abstract

Pimecrolimus is a topical calcineurin inhibitor that demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties through selective inhibition of the skin’s immune system, with low potential for systemic immunosuppression. A large development program has shown that, when used twice daily from the first signs or symptoms of an exacerbation, pimecrolimus benefits the long-term management of atopic dermatitis by reducing the number of major flares and the need for topical corticosteroids. Additional studies have demonstrated the usefulness of pimecrolimus in other inflammatory skin diseases and investigation of the disease-modifying properties of pimecrolimus on atopic dermatitis and systemic manifestations of atopy is underway. Data from clinical studies indicate that pimecrolimus has a favorable safety profile, characterized by a lack of steroid-associated side effects, low incidence of local and systemic adverse events, low systemic absorption and lack of deleterious effects on the immune system.