Preliminary clinical evaluation of a new topical corticosteroid, halopredone acetate, as compared to fluocinonide.

17,21-Bis(acetyloxy)-2-bromo-6beta,9-difluoro-11beta-hydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (halopredone acetate; Topicon), a new corticosteroid for topical use, was compared with fluocinonide in a double blind sequential study. The tests were made on a total of 16 patients affected with psoriasis and exudative dermatitis. In each patient, the symmetrically distributed skin lesions were separately treated with either halopredone acetate or the reference compound. The two active substances were in the same concentration (0.05%) in the same carrier (cream), and both reduced the subjective and objective symptoms of these skin conditions. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two medicated areas. Haloperidone acetate, the excipients of the cream and the reference compound were all excellently tolerated.