Opportunities of topical drug products in a changing dermatological landscape

Despite the prevalence and the impact on quality of life of dermatological indications, drug products to treat such conditions have rarely been blockbusters. The prevailing perception of a limited commercial potential of dermatological drug products has restricted innovation and encouraged a more conservative development approach. For example, the focus was on repurposing/reformulation of existing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) specifically for the topical delivery route.

However, the situation is quite different today catalyzed in part by the blockbuster success of Dupixent (dupilumab), the first monoclonal antibody treatment for atopic dermatitis which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in 2017. Dupixent's success not only encouraged the development of other biologics but also inspired the (re-)development of new dermal drug products that can reap the many benefits of topical administration.

We have also witnessed a shift toward outsourcing development efforts (and associated risks) towards small- to mid-size pharmaceutical companies which often require support of contract research and development/manufacturing organizations (CRO and CDMO). Such trends also emphasize the need of greater expertise in topical formulation design, as well as associated commercial and regulatory considerations.

Today, we believe that topical drug products remain not only an essential but also commercially viable class of dermatological therapeutics. In this opinion article, we will address the challenges as well as opportunities of coherent development strategies in the current market environment, formulation innovations of topical drug products and technological advances to facilitate rational topical drug formulation development.