Early clinical development of tazarotene.

Initial clinical investigations on tazarotene, a new acetylenic retinoid, have suggested potential usefulness in the treatment of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. Tazarotene promotes healing of psoriatic lesions by modulating the key pathogenetic factors in this disease. It is not sensitizing, phototoxic, or photoallergenic, but causes moderate dose-related skin irritation. Systemic absorption is minimal and elimination is rapid, providing a low potential for systemic adverse effects. Tazarotene effectively treats mild-to-moderate plaque-type psoriasis, the benefits seem to be sustained after the cessation of therapy, and once-daily treatment is equally effective as more frequent application.