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Topicort (DESOXIMETASONE)
Topicort (Desoximetasone) is a corticosteroid medication that targets the glucocorticoid receptor to reduce inflammation. It is used to treat various skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and plaque psoriasis. Originally developed by Taro Pharmas North, it was FDA-approved in 1977 and is now available as a generic medication. Topicort is a small molecule that works by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, which then suppresses the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. As an off-patent medication, it is widely available from multiple generic manufacturers.
At a glance
| Generic name | DESOXIMETASONE |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Taro |
| Drug class | Corticosteroid [EPC] |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1977 |
Approved indications
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Discoid lupus erythematosus
- Eruption of skin
- Granuloma annulare
- Lichen simplex chronicus
- Plaque psoriasis
- Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Pruritus ani
- Pruritus of genital organs
- Scalp psoriasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Common side effects
- burning, folliculitis, and folliculo-pustular lesions
- pruritus, erythema, vesiculation, and burning sensation
- stinging and burning at the site of application
Key clinical trials
- Topical Scalp Psoriasis Study Evaluating Topicort Topical Spray (PHASE4)
- Topical Psoriasis Study for Patients Receiving Biologic Therapy (PHASE4)
- Adrenal Suppression and Pharmacokinetics of Topicort® Spray, 0.25% in Pediatric Patients With Plaque Psoriasis (PHASE4)
- Evaluating Treatment Resistant Dermatitis TaroIIR (PHASE4)
- Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Desoximetasone (DSXS) With Atopic Dermatitis (PHASE3)
- Effects of Desoximetasone Spray 0.25% on Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of 0.25% Desoximetasone Cream (Topoxy®) in the Treatment of Scalp Psoriasis (PHASE3)
- Desoximetasone Spray 0.05%, 0.25%; Dose Ranging Study (PHASE2)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 8715624 | 2026-05-26 | Formulation |
| 8277780 | 2028-09-01 | 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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Topicort CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Topicort updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Taro portfolio CI