Topical Dermatology Program

CombinatoRx currently has two product candidates, CRx-191 and CRx-197 that are advancing into clinical trials for the topical treatment of inflammatory dermatoses, specifically targeting psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting between 6 and 7.5 million people in the United States. Topical drugs, such as steroids, Vitamin D3, Vitamin A derivatives, and anthralin are usually the first line treatment for psoriasis. Topical steroids remain the mainstay of therapy for psoriasis and other inflammatory dermatological diseases and corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses represent one of the largest markets in topical dermatology. However, long term use of high potency steroids is limited due to steroid-related side effect concerns such as skin atrophy and adrenal suppression, which may lead to depression, anxiety and fatigue. Mid-potency steroids, although well-tolerated, are generally less efficacious than high-potency steroids. We believe demand exists for a topical dissociated steroid with the efficacy of a high-potency steroid and the safety of a mid-potency steroid, which may potentially extend the duration of treatment and provide a more rapid onset of action.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 15 million people in the United States. Atopic dermatitis is treated primarily with topical corticosteroids, but their use is limited by steroid-associated side effects. As an alternative to steroids, approved topical calcineurin inhibitors represent an effective treatment option. However, topical calcineurin inhibitor use has been significantly diminished as a result of a 2005 FDA health advisory and black box warning on the approved products. As a result, we believe significant opportunity exists for topical immunomodulatory agents with novel mechanisms of action.