Alitretinoin: a comprehensive review.

Author(s): Cheng C, Michaels J, Scheinfeld N

Affiliation(s): Jefferson Medical College, USA.

Publication date & source: 2008-03, Expert Opin Investig Drugs., 17(3):437-43.

Publication type: Review

BACKGROUND: Alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid) is a unique panagonist retinoid, capable of binding to all six known retinoid receptors (RAR-alpha, -beta, -gamma, and RXR-alpha, -beta, -gamma). Studies are being carried out to determine how best to utilize this characteristic in treatments for conditions such as chronic hand dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on alitretinoin. METHODS: The scope of the review encompasses ways that alitretinoin is currently and may potentially be utilized. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Orally administered alitretinoin is a safe and effective treatment for chronic hand dermatitis. Topical treatment with alitretinoin can be expanded into other areas such as photoaged skin and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Despite these benefits, oral alitretinoin will face a difficult path attaining approval for use in the US.