The Efficacy of Three Class I Topical Synthetic Corticosteroids, Fluocinonide 0.1% Cream, Clobetasol 0.05% Cream and Halobetasol 0.05% Cream: A Scholtz-Dumas Bioassay Comparison

Background: This study compared the efficacy of a novel, topical class I synthetic, 0.10% fluocinonide corticosteroid with two other class I corticosteroids and placebo for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Methods: A 0.5 gram dose of fluocinonide 0.1% cream, clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream, halobetasol propionate 0.05% cream, and placebo ointment were applied to test sites on one psoriatic plaque per patient (n=5). Test sites were outlined according to the Scholtz-Dumas bioassay. Test sites were assessed by a blinded evaluator (1=psoriasis worsened to 5=psoriasis clear or almost clear), cleaned and medications were reapplied on days 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12.

Results & Conclusion: The three class I corticosteroid products were comparably effective, numerically and statistically, in clearing the psoriatic plaques. Upon completion of treatment, 60–80% of active-treated sites were clear or almost clear of psoriasis compared to zero with the placebo.