Last reviewed · How we verify
Eflornithine hydrochloride cream
Eflornithine inhibits ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme required for polyamine synthesis, thereby slowing hair growth in facial hirsutism.
Eflornithine inhibits ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme required for polyamine synthesis, thereby slowing hair growth in facial hirsutism. Used for Reduction of unwanted facial hair in women (hirsutism).
At a glance
| Generic name | Eflornithine hydrochloride cream |
|---|---|
| Also known as | DFMO, CPP-1X placebo, Vaniqa |
| Sponsor | National Skin Centre |
| Drug class | Ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor |
| Target | Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Eflornithine is an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis. Polyamines are essential for cell proliferation and differentiation, including in hair follicles. By depleting polyamines in hair follicle cells, eflornithine reduces the rate of hair growth and can decrease hair density and thickness in unwanted facial hair.
Approved indications
- Reduction of unwanted facial hair in women (hirsutism)
Common side effects
- Skin irritation
- Acne
- Folliculitis
- Burning or stinging at application site
Key clinical trials
- Topical Diclofenac and Topical DFMO Chemoprevention Trial in Subjects With a History of Skin Cancer (PHASE2)
- Comparison of a Face Cream Plus a Laser Procedure and Face Cream Alone in Treatment of Excessive Face Hairs in Female (PHASE4)
- Efficacy of Eflornithine Hydrochloride Cream in the Treatment of Melasma: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Split-face Controlled Study (PHASE2)
- Eflornithine With or Without Triamcinolone in Preventing Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Patients With Actinic Keratosis (PHASE2)
- Treatment With Topical Eflornithin After Laser Treatment in Women With Facial Hirsutism (PHASE4)
- Effect of 15% Eflornithine Hydrochloride Cream on African-American Males With Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PHASE2)
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 |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Eflornithine hydrochloride cream CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Eflornithine hydrochloride cream updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- National Skin Centre portfolio CI