ANTIPSORIATIC EFFECT OF FUMARIC-ACID DERIVATIVES - RESULTS OF A MULTICENTER DOUBLE-BLIND-STUDY IN 100 PATIENTS

Background: Psoriasis vulgaris may benefit from treatment with fumaric acid and/or its derivatives; however, because different preparations have been used, results have been contradictory and difficult to inter pret. Objective: The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate th e therapeutic value of fumaric acid derivatives. Methods: A randomized double-blind study was carried out in patients with psoriasis, compar ing a well-characterized formulation of fumaric acid derivatives with placebo. Results: The results indicated statistically significant supe riority of the fumaric acid derivatives over placebo. Adverse events ( flush, gastrointestinal disturbances) were initially relatively freque nt, but decreased thereafter. Conclusion Fumaric acid derivatives were found to be effective and safe in the treatment of psoriasis.