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Dovonex (CALCIPOTRIENE)
Calcipotriene works by binding to the Vitamin D3 receptor, which helps to regulate the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.
Dovonex (Calcipotriene) is a Vitamin D Analog used to treat plaque and scalp psoriasis. It works by targeting the Vitamin D3 receptor, modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation. Originally developed by Leo Pharma, it is now off-patent and available as a generic medication. Dovonex has been FDA-approved since 1993 for its approved indications. As a small molecule, it has a bioavailability of 6%.
At a glance
| Generic name | CALCIPOTRIENE |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Leo Pharma As |
| Drug class | Vitamin D Analog [EPC] |
| Target | Vitamin D3 receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1993 |
Mechanism of action
Calcipotriene is synthetic vitamin D3 analog that has similar receptor binding affinity as natural vitamin D3. However, the exact mechanism of action contributing to the clinical efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis is unknown.
Approved indications
- Plaque psoriasis
- Scalp psoriasis
Common side effects
- Psoriasis
- Skin exfoliation
- Skin haemorrhage
- Psoriatic arthropathy
- Neurologic neglect syndrome
- Carotid artery thrombosis
- Personality disorder
- Sinus congestion
- Adjustment disorder
- Respiratory tract congestion
- Sneezing
- Sensory loss
Key clinical trials
- Comparison of Topical Photodynamic Therapy With Topical Calcipotriol in Management of Oral Leukoplakia (PHASE3)
- Comparison of Topical Calcipotriol and Intralesional Steroids in Alopecia Areata (PHASE4)
- Acupuncture With Chinese Herbal Cream Compare With Acupuncture With Calcipotriol in Plaque Psoriasis. (PHASE2)
- Effects of Semaglutide on Clinical Outcomes and Metabolic Inflammation in Psoriasis (PHASE4)
- A Phase III Trial To Evaluate The Efficacy And Safety Of MC2-01 Cream Compared To CAL/BDP Gel and Vehicle In Plaque Psoriasis Subjects (PHASE3)
- Utilization of a Microdevice for Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis (PHASE4)
- Topical 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) Plus Calcipotriol in Children With Palmoplantar Wart (NA)
- 5-Fluorouracil and Calcipotriene for Treatment of Low Grade Skin Cancer (PHASE2,PHASE3)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 8629128 | 2026-05-26 | Formulation |
| 8263580 | 2028-05-07 | Formulation |
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |