Photocil (Topical) for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

NB-UVB phototherapy is a common treatment for patients with atopic dermatitis, and has been reported to be safe and effective in numerous clinical trials. Clinical trials have reported achievement of Atopic Dermatitis Area Severity Index (ADASI)-75 in 50-70% of patients after 4-6 weeks of NB-UVB treatment.

Many drawbacks limit patients compliance, access, and acceptance of traditional NB-UVB phototherapy. The strict treatment regimen (2-3 sessions per week for an average of 12 weeks or more) performed at a specialized phototherapy clinic combined with high cost and low or no reimbursement make compliance and access a major drawback.

In order to address the drawbacks of phototherapy, we developed a novel topical cream - Photocil - that selectively delivers NB-UVB therapy when exposed to sunlight. When used with natural sunlight, Photocil provides a convenient alternative to traditional clinic based phototherapy; thus, has the potential to dramatically increase patient compliance and treatment outcome.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with atopic dermatitis confirmed by a dermatologist
• Atopic dermatitis lesions affecting at a minimum 5% of the facial, legs, or arms surface area
• Age: 18 to 65
• Participants able to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Subject did not respond to prior phototherapy treatment
• Subject completed phototherapy for same lesion(s) in last 6 months
• Subject has previous history of skin cancer
• Subject has previous history of photosensitivity
• Subject has a history of herpes (HSV I or II) outbreaks
• Subject has previous history of autoimmune disease may be excluded at investigator's discretion
• Subject is currently taking of immunosuppressive or photosensitizing drugs
• Subject plans to use antibiotics, anti-fungal, calcineurin inhibitors or other drugs that may cause photosensitivity during the study period. These patients may be excluded at investigator's discretion
• Subject is pregnant or lactating women