Fingolimod hydrochloride gel shows promising therapeutic effects in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of topically applied 2% hydroxypropyl cellulose gels containing 0.5% fingolimod hydrochloride (FNGL) with or without 6% colloidal oatmeal in an in vivo model of atopic dermatitis (AD).

METHODS: AD-like lesions were induced in SKH1/Hr hairless mice and were treated with FNGL gels, non-medicated base gels and Elidel(®) cream for 6 weeks. The severity/improvement of the lesions was assessed regularly using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), pH of the skin, transepidermal water loss, g/m(2) /h (TEWL), humidity and temperature. At the end of the experiments, the plasma levels of cytokines, FNGL and white blood cells were determined.

KEY FINDINGS: The EASI score was almost unchanged for the vehicle-only groups compared to before the treatments, whereas the medicated groups showed a significant decrease in the overall EASI score (P < 0.01), although there was non-significant differences among them (P > 0.081). Both the FNGL groups also showed a significant (P ˂ 0.05) reduction in blood WBC.

CONCLUSION: This study shows that the gels containing 0.50% FNGL and FNGL 0.50% plus 6% colloidal oatmeal have potential for the treatment of AD. The presence of colloidal oatmeal may provide additional benefits.