Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate aerosol foam for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris: case series and review of the literature

Andreas Pinter,1 Henrik Thormann,2 Flavia Angeletti,1 Ahmad Jalili3 1Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; 2Dermatology Clinic, Vejle, Denmark; 3Department of Dermatology, Bürgenstock Medical Center, Obbürgen, Switzerland Abstract: An aerosol foam formulation of a once-daily, fixed-dose combination of a synthetic vitamin D3 analog/synthetic corticosteroid (calcipotriol [Cal] 50 µg/g and betamethasone dipropionate [BD] 0.5 mg/g) has recently been introduced for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. Data from several sources – randomized controlled trials, case reports (as highlighted in this review), and real-world evidence (RWE) – underscore the considerable and rapid clinical response, effectiveness, and favorable safety and tolerability of Cal/BD aerosol foam in mild-to-moderate psoriatic patients previously treated with class 3 or 4 topical corticosteroids, in patients unsatisfied with ongoing phototherapy in combination with topical therapy and in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. In addition, our case series, considered together with other RWE, highlights that Cal/BD aerosol foam is more effective and with greater levels of patient preference and acceptability than comparator preparations. Thus, Cal/BD aerosol foam offers several treatment advantages, including relief of itch, and is an appropriate first-line topical therapy for consideration in patients with psoriasis of any severity. Keywords: aerosol, betamethasone dipropionate, calcipotriol, psoriasi