ClassName/CompanyApproval Dates and Comments

Anti-acne


Tretinoin gel 0.1%

Retin-A Micro®

Ortho

Approved by the FDA for acne treatment. Reported to cause
less irritation than the original Retin-A® formulation.

Anti-HIV


Delavirdine

Rescriptor®

Pharmacia & Upjohn

Approved by the FDA April 7, 1997 as an added potency
enhancement agent of HIV drug cocktails. It is a nonnucleoside
reverse transcriptase inhibitor, which is not as
powerful as protease inhibitors. Skin reaction is the main
side effect of delavirdine.


Nelfinavir

Viracept®

Agouron Pharmaceuticals

Indication(s): Approved by the FDA March 14, 1997 for
treatment of HIV infection when therapy is warranted
Nelfinavir is the first protease inhibitor approved simultaneously
for adults and children. In trials, it was combined with
zidovudine (Retrovir®) or lamivudine (Epivir®).

Antipsoriasis


Calcipotriene ointment

Dovonex®

Bristol Myers Squibb

The efficacy claim for once daily dosing of plaque psoriasis
was approved by the FDA March 20, 1997.

Antiviral


Valacyclovir tablet

Valtrex®

Glaxo Wellcome

Labelling amendment approved FDA April 30, 1997. The
contraindication in immunocompromised patients has been
removed and reference to “in immunocompetent adults” has
been removed from the indication statements.

Laser
system


Pulsed Er:Yag
laser system

Derma 20®

Esc Medical Systems Ltd.

Approved by the FDA April 15, 1997. This laser system is
used for general dermatologic applications, including skin
resurfacing applications.

Skin Substitute


Human skin equivalent

Apligraf®

Novartis

Approved in Canada April 1997 for use in healing venous leg
ulcers. See article on page one of this issue.

Wart removal


Podofilox gel 0.5%

Condylox®

Oclassen

Approved by the FDA March 13, 1997 for the treatment of
perianal warts and external genital warts. The topical solution
was previously approved for external genital warts only.