FDA Approval and Usage:
Tapinarof, marketed under the brand name Vtama, has been approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in adults and children over the age of 2.
Mechanism of Action:
Type and Application: Tapinarof is formulated as a cream and serves as a topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist (AhR).
Biological Effect: When applied, Tapinarof binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, activating it. This activation results in the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-17, thereby reducing inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis maintenance (click to enlarge the image).
Pricing Information:
Cost: The price of Vtama (Tapinarof) topical cream is notably high, with a 60-gram tube costing approximately $1,500 without insurance.
Application: The cream is to be applied once daily.
Side Effects:
Common Reactions: Users of Tapinarof might experience several side effects:
- Folliculitis in about 20% of users.
- Nasopharyngitis in 11% of users.
- Contact dermatitis in 7% of users.
- Headaches in 4% of users.
- Pruritus, including generalized pruritus, in 3% of users, which is somewhat paradoxical given the treatment's aim to reduce itching.