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Home Topics A–Z Crisaborole
Author: Anoma Ranaweera, Medical Writer, Auckland, New Zealand. Chief Editor: Dr Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, March 2017. DermNet NZ Update July 2021
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In December 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved crisaborole topical ointment, 2%, to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in patients 2 years of age and older. The age limit in the US has subsequently been changed to include patients from 3 months of age.
Crisaborole 2% ointment has subsequently been approved for use in Australia and New Zealand (2019) on prescription for patients from 2 years of age with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.
Crisaborole is a boron-based phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor (PDE-4). It is a non-steroidal topical monotherapy that inhibits the phosphodiesterase (PDE)-4 enzyme in the skin. Overactive PDE-4 has been shown to contribute to the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis
Crisaborole has been reported to be of benefit (but not yet approved) for intertriginous/flexural psoriasis and facial psoriasis, and chronic irritant contact dermatitis.
If you are not based in New Zealand, we suggest you refer to your national drug approval agency for further information about medicines (eg, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration and the US Food and Drug Administration) or a national or state-approved formulary (eg, the New Zealand Formulary and New Zealand Formulary for Children and the British National Formulary and British National Formulary for Children).
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