Clinical aspects: preliminary experience with a novel oral formulation of cyclosporin (Neoral).

Cyclosporin has been shown to be highly effective in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and numerous other dermatoses. Despite the effectiveness of cyclosporin, the response varies somewhat between individuals. Some may not respond, and often this is linked with unpredictable absorption of the traditional formulation. Cases of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis previously resistant to cyclosporin have responded well to a new microemulsified formulation, Neoral, and formal trials are now underway to investigate its use in these indications. Preliminary data from a clinical trial using the new formulation in chronic plaque psoriasis suggest that this has similar efficacy and tolerability to the traditional formulation in this condition, and that repeated short courses of therapy may be well tolerated.