Clinical trial of a potent non-halogenated topical steroid, Budesonide

In a double-blind, randomized multi-centre study, 116 patients with psoriasis have been treated for 1-3 weeks with budesonide ointment (Preferid, Draco/Tika; a subsidiary of AB ASTRA), a new non-halogenated topical steroid. In a series of 11 patients a 0.025% budesonide ointment was significantly superior to placebo. In a second series, of 54 patients, a 0.025% fluocinolone acetonide ointment (Synalar, ICI). In a third series, of 51 patients, a 0.010% budesonide ointment was compared with 0.025% fluocinolone acetonide ointment. No statistically significant difference between these two preparations was found to exist. No adverse reactions were observed.