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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
[Immunosuppressive macrolides and their use in dermatology]
E C Bornhövd1, E Schuller, T Bieber
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Summary
Immunosuppressive macrolides like tacrolimus show promise for topical anti-inflammatory skin disease treatment, potentially replacing glucocorticosteroids. Further research is ongoing for related compounds such as ascomycin derivative ASM 981 and sirolimus.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Immunosuppressive macrolides represent a novel class of anti-inflammatory agents.
- Glucocorticosteroids are currently used for topical treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
- Cyclosporine A is approved for oral treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis but not topical therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties, efficacy, and safety of immunosuppressive macrolides for dermatological conditions.
- To compare tacrolimus (FK506), ascomycin derivative ASM 981, and sirolimus (Rapamycin).
- To assess their potential as alternatives to glucocorticosteroids in topical therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on immunosuppressive macrolides.
- Analysis of biochemical and cellular properties.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data and licensing status.
Main Results:
- Tacrolimus (FK506) effectively penetrates inflamed epidermis and shows efficacy in clinical trials for atopic dermatitis.
- Ascomycin derivative ASM 981 shares properties with FK506, but requires more data.
- Sirolimus (Rapamycin), while structurally related, acts via different pathways.
Conclusions:
- Immunosuppressive macrolides are promising for topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.
- Tacrolimus (FK506) is a key macrolide with demonstrated clinical efficacy.
- Further investigation is needed for ASM 981 and sirolimus to establish their therapeutic roles.
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