Disclaimer: This page is not intended to replace medical judgment.
VTAMA (tapinarof) cream 1% is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults and atopic dermatitis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years and older. VTAMA cream is applied as a thin layer to affected areas once daily.
The active ingredient, tapinarof, works by supporting natural pathways regulated by AhR receptors. This includes suppressing Th17 cell differentiation and production of key cytokines, such as IL-17 and IL-22, which play a central role in the inflammatory process of psoriasis; upregulating skin barrier proteins to help restore skin barrier function; and inducing the Nrf2 transcription factor pathway to increase antioxidant activity.
VTAMA does not have any contraindications. For plaque psoriasis, the package insert specifically mentions the following adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) in patients treated with VTAMA cream: folliculitis, nasopharyngitis, contact dermatitis, headache, pruritus, and influenza. For atopic dermatitis, it mentions upper respiratory tract infection, folliculitis, lower respiratory tract infection, headache, asthma, vomiting, ear infection, pain in extremities, and abdominal pain.
As a nonsteroidal topical treatment, VTAMA offers an alternative to traditional corticosteroids for the management of plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Its unique mechanism of action and absence of contraindications make it a potential option for long-term use. VTAMA may be used as monotherapy or in combination with systemic therapies, offering clinicians an additional choice for addressing the chronic and inflammatory nature of plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Case author Brad Glick, DO, MPH, FAAD, presents the case of a 57-year-old female with worsening plaque psoriasis of the elbow who experienced limited responses to multiple therapies.
New data highlights the versatility of VTAMA cream, an efficacious, safe and well-tolerated, nonsteroidal treatment option for plaque psoriasis in all affected areas of the body
12-week benefits include high rates of skin clearance, meaningful itch relief
For up to one year, 40.9 percent of patients achieved complete disease clearance with a four-month remittive effect; no new safety signals seen
Complete disease clearance observed in 41 percent of patients with tapinarof cream 1 percent used once daily
Response rate higher but more adverse events seen at week 12 in patients with plaque psoriasis receiving tapinarof versus vehicle control
Biologic Medications for Psoriasis, HS, AD, PN, CSU, and BP
Download our free biologics Quick Reference Chart for dermatology
JAK 1–3 & TYK2 Inhibitors in Dermatology
Download our free JAK/TYK2 Inhibitors for Dermatology Quick Reference Charts
Topical Nonsteroidal and Fixed Combination Therapies for PsO and AD
Download our free Quick Reference Chart for Topical Non-steroidal and Fixed Combination Therapies
Vaccines and Systemic Therapies
Download our free Quick Reference Chart for Vaccines and Systemic Therapies Chart
