Protopic use can prevent relapse

Implications: This article is important in that it confirms a commonly used method in clinical dermatology practice. Namely that of using Protopic for longer term maintenance to prevent flares, and to act as a topical steroid sparing agent. This has been done since the introduction of Protopic, and among dermatologists there are no significant safety concerns over its long term use. Elidel, from Novartis, should also be studied, though it is commonly acknowledged to be a weaker topical immunomodulator, albeit better tolerated.

Analysis: The company most positively affected will be Astellas, the makers of Protopic. Protopic sales did not decrease to the same degree as those of Elidel, when the FDA warnings came out, because it was being used by dermatologists, who were more comfortable with immunomodulators. Elidel was more commonly used by primary care physicians who were not as familiar or as comfortable.

Other companies that may be affected would be the makers of branded low potency topical steroids used in atopic dermatitis such as Skin Medica (Desonate prodcut) and Stiefel ( Verdeso product). The effect would not be great as these products are still the first line branded agents used in childhood atopic dermatitis.