A 6-Week Study to Evaluate the Photoallergic Potential of Diacerein 1% Ointment in Healthy Volunteers

This was a randomized, single center, vehicle controlled, within-subject comparison study of diacerein 1% ointment and vehicle ointment applied under fully occlusive patch conditions on the infrascapular region of each subject's back to induce a photoallergic skin reaction following Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. This was repeated twice each week during the 3-week Induction Phase, once during rest week 4 as applicable and once at Challenge Phase.

Key Inclusion Criteria:

• Is a healthy male or female (to be confirmed by medical history);
• Is 18 years of age or older;
• In the case of a female of childbearing potential, is using an acceptable form of birth control;
• In the case of a female of childbearing potential, has a negative urine pregnancy test (UPT) at Day 1 and are willing to submit to a UPT at the end of study (EOS);
• Is free of any systemic or dermatological disorder, which, in the opinion of the Investigator, will interfere with the study results or increase the risk of AEs;
• Is of any Fitzpatrick Skin Type or race, providing the skin pigmentation will allow discernment of erythema

Key Exclusion Criteria:

• Has a history of photosensitivity or photoallergy;
• Is using systemic/topical corticosteroids within 3 weeks prior to and/or during the study, or systemic/topical antihistamines 72 hours prior to and during the study;
• Is not willing to refrain from using systemic/topical anti-inflammatory analgesics such as aspirin, (occasional use of acetaminophen will be permitted);
• Are taking medication known to cause phototoxic reactions (eg, tetracyclines, thiazides, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDS]);
• Is using medication which, in the opinion of the Investigator, will interfere with the study results;
• Is unwilling or unable to refrain from the use of sunscreens, cosmetics, creams, ointments, lotions or similar products on the back during the study;
• Has psoriasis and/or active atopic dermatitis/eczema;
• Had a known sensitivity or allergy to constituents of the materials being evaluated including diacerein, mineral oil, petrolatum, cetyl alcohol, D&C Yellow #10 and/or ethyl paraben;
• Has damaged skin in or around the test sites, including sunburn, excessively deep tans, uneven skin tones, tattoos, scars, excessive hair, numerous freckles, or other disfigurations of the test site;
• Has received treatment for any type of internal cancer within 5 years prior to study entry;
• Has any known sensitivity to adhesives; and/or
• Has received any investigational drugs(s) with 4 weeks prior to study entry