Epiceram for the treatment of atopic dermatitis

EpiCeram consists of a specific combination of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids that mimics those naturally found in the skin. EpiCeram was approved by the FDA in April 2006 for use as a nonsteroidal lipid barrier emulsion to manage symptoms of burning and itching associated with dry skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, radiation dermatitis and other dermatoses. EpiCeram has shown comparable efficacy to a mid-strength topical corticosteroid in a clinical study involving 113 children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Unlike topical steroids and immunomodulators such as calcineurin inhibitors that have clinically well-recognized undesirable side effects and usage restrictions (including FDA black box warning for the latter), current data suggests that EpiCeram has a favorable safety profile. Additionally, EpiCeram does not appear to have substantial restrictions associated with its use, especially with regards to the duration of use or patient age, compared to the other classes of prescription products.