A new calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate formulation (Daivobet (TM)) is an effective once-daily treatment for psoriasis vulgaris

Background: Topical corticosteroids and calcipotriol have been used separately for many years to treat psoriasis. A new combination ointment has been formulated, which contains both calcipotriol and the corticosteroid betamethasone dipropionate. Objective: To compare the combination ointment with betamethasone dipropionate ointment, calcipotriol ointment and ointment vehicle in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Methods: 1,603 patients were randomised to one of the 4 doubleblind treatments used once daily for 4 weeks. Results: The mean percentage change in the PAST at the end of treatment was -71.3 (combination), -57.2 (betamethasone), -46.1 (calcipotriol) and -22.7 (vehicle). The mean difference of combination minus betamethasone was -14.2 (95% Cl: -17.6 to -10.8, p < 0.001), of combination minus calcipotriol -25.3 (95% Cl: -28.7 to -21.9, p < 0.001) and of combination minus vehicle -48.3 (95% Cl: -53.2 to -43.4, p < 0.001). 6.0% of patients (combination) reported local adverse reactions compared to 4.9% (betamethasone), 11.4% (calcipotriol) and 13.6% (vehicle). Conclusion: Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate combination ointment used once daily is well tolerated and more effective than either active constituent used alone. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.