The fumaric acid esters (FAE) monoethyl fumarate (MEF) and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) are chemical compounds derived from the base compound fumaric acid. Fumaric acid is a food additive commonly found in sweets and cakes. In this chemical state, fumaric acid is poorly absorbed and passes straight through the body without causing any effects. On the other hand, fumaric acid esters are potent chemicals or drugs that have been used to treat psoriasis for over 30 years. However, it is only within the last decade that serious clinical research has been carried out to determine their use, effectiveness and safety in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin conditions.
It is important to emphasise the difference between fumaric acid and fumaric acid esters. Fumaric acid formulations are available as health supplements and often marketed as a natural alternative medicine to treat psoriasis. They are poorly absorbed by the gut and excreted via urine without having any therapeutic effect whatsoever.
The use of fumaric acid esters in the treatment of psoriasis was first introduced in the late 1950s by the German chemist Schweckendiek. A standardised fumaric acid protocol for psoriasis was developed and used FAEs both orally and topically (ointment and bathing solution). Results were promising but were associated with serious side effects.
At that time it was thought that psoriasis was caused by a biochemical defect of the citric acid (Krebs) cycle, of which fumaric acid plays a role. Although the mode of action of FAEs and their place in psoriasis therapy remains unclear, evidence suggests that it has nothing to do with the Krebs cycle and the major active compound appears to be dimethyl fumarate (DMF). This is thought to work by correcting the immunological imbalance that exists in psoriasis (shifting from a Th1 pattern of immune response to a Th2 one).
Fumaric acid esters have been used to treat severe psoriasis in northern Europe for over 20 years. However, the use of FAEs remains unregistered in most countries outside of Germany. The product Fumaderm® is made up of dimethyl fumarate and calcium, magnesium, and zinc salts of monoethyl hydrogen fumarate and has been approved for oral use in Germany since 1994. A second oral product, Skilarence®, was introduced to the European market for the treatment of psoriasis in 2017.
Many recent studies have shown that FAEs is an effective therapy in patients with severe psoriasis who have tried and failed conventional psoriasis treatments. Patients tolerating FAE therapy can expect a 75% improvement in their psoriasis in four months. Also, FAEs are being used in combination with second-line drugs such as ciclosporin, methotrexate and hydroxyurea for an additional benefit or to facilitate dose reduction of the second line agent.
The main side effect that causes a high dropout rate in most clinical trials is gastrointestinal complaints, which occur in up to 60% of patients. Gastrointestinal problems manifest as diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramps and pains. Also, flushing occurs in 30% of patients and is worse at the onset of therapy.
Other more serious side effects that have occurred include kidney and liver disturbance and white blood cell abnormality (lymphopenia, eosinophilia). It is essential that kidney function, liver function, and blood count should be monitored regularly when taking FAEs. These changes appear to be reversible when treatment is stopped, and to date, there are no reports of severe long-term toxicity.
Further studies are required to determine how exactly FAEs work in psoriasis. Dimethylfumarate appears to be the major active ingredient and further investigation into refining the currently available FAE formulation may reduce the side effect profile and make it a more acceptable treatment for psoriasis.
Although dimethyl fumarate is a topical sensitiser known to cause contact allergic dermatitis, systemic contact dermatitis has not been reported to oral treatment with fumaric acids esters.
New Zealand approved datasheets are the official source of information for these prescription medicines, including approved uses and risk information. Check the individual New Zealand datasheet on the Medsafe website.
