Winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest University School of Medicine recently announced results from two studies conducted on LuxiqÒ (a novel foam topical corticosteroid, betamethasone valerate) Foam, 0.12% and OLUXÒ (clobetasol propionate) Foam, 0.05%.
Study investigator Steven R. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, was the principal investigator in the studies, which evaluated quality of life for patients treated with Luxiq for scalp dermatoses and the efficacy of OLUX alone and OLUX combined with zinc pyrithione for mild-to-moderate psoriasis.
In the first study, results indicated that patients treated with Luxiq experienced improved quality of life over those treated with other topical treatments for corticosteroid-responsive scalp dermatoses, citing the foam’s ease of use in comparison to many available dermatological lotions, creams, gels and ointments.
"Vehicle characteristics are a major consideration for patients," Feldman said. "Our study proves foam-based treatments like Luxiq, which are easier to apply, less messy and cosmetically more acceptable than many available dermatological treatments, are preferred by patients and result in increased quality of life."
The study asked 24 patients living with scalp psoriasis to evaluate treatments, including gels, emollients, creams, ointments and foams based on preference. On an overall Quality of Life (QOL) Scale, Luxiq foam rated higher than other treatments. More specifically, QOL scores were greater for Luxiq than Derma-Smoothe, an oil-based treatment (2.67 versus 1.75). Criteria for evaluating quality of life included ease of application, time consumption, absorption, touch, smell, how it feels on skin, and staining. At conclusion of the study, the majority of patients requesting a prescription chose Luxiq foam (11 of 18).
In the second study, Wake Forest researchers reported that adding zinc pyrithione to OLUX for the treatment of mild-to-moderate psoriasis did not increase efficacy. A randomized, double blind Phase IV study was conducted with 25 patients. OLUX was applied to both sides of the patient’s body, with zinc pyrithione randomly sprayed on the right or left side. The treatments were applied for two weeks, not to exceed 50g of OLUX per week. At the end of the two-week period, the changes in baseline scores were not significantly different between the treatments (OLUX –3.5; Olux and zinc –3.3).
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