Topical treatment of psoriasis with the topoisomerase inhibitors novobiocin and nalidixic acid: a pilot study

Arch Dermatol Res. 1987;279(3):147-50. doi: 10.1007/BF00413248.

Abstract

Our studies in human epidermal keratinocytes as a model system have suggested that the antibiotic topoisomerase II inhibitors, novobiocin and nalidixic acid, may be of value for the treatment of hyperproliferative skin disorders. We have therefore conducted a pilot study of the clinical efficacy of these compounds for the treatment of psoriasis. The compounds were administered topically to psoriatic plaques in seven healthy patients over a period of 6 weeks. Nalidixic acid (2%) or novobiocin (2% or 5%) in methylcellulose were applied twice daily under occlusion, and methylcellulose alone was used as a control. In six of the seven patients, one or both compounds effected somewhat greater improvement than in the control within 3 weeks of treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Aged
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nalidixic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Nalidixic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Novobiocin / administration & dosage
  • Novobiocin / therapeutic use*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / enzymology
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors*

Substances

  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors
  • Novobiocin
  • Nalidixic Acid