Topical methotrexate therapy for psoriasis

In vitro percutaneous penetration of methotrexate is enhanced with 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one (laurocapram [Azone]). Laurocapram-containing methotrexate formulations provide effective local inhibition of epidermal DNA synthesis in the in vivo hairless mouse and minipig models, providing the biochemical rationale for topical use in the treatment of psoriasis. Topical methotrexate (0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%) in a laurocapram-containing formulation was tested in a two-center double-blind pilot clinical study of 42 patients with plaque psoriasis. Drugs were applied twice a day for six weeks, and lesions were scored weekly for erythema, scale, and elevation. An overall improvement of 50% or more in the combined scores for erythema, scale, and elevation was obtained with 0.1% methotrexate (64% of patients), 0.5% methotrexate (59%), and 1% methotrexate (56%) vs the vehicle alone (25%). These preliminary findings suggest that methotrexate preparations that provide adequate percutaneous absorption may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of psoriasis.