Vectical Ointment Approved for Psoriasis

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Galderma Laboratories' Vectical (calcitriol) ointment has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis in adults, the company said.

Approval was based on two eight-week studies involving more than 800 people. Improvement was first observed at week two, Galderma said in a news release.

The most frequently reported side effects included skin discomfort and high amounts of calcium in the urine.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder characterized by thick, dry scaly patches. Up to 3 percent of the U.S. population has the disorder, accounting for millions of hours of lost productivity each year, the company said.

More information

To learn more about psoriasis, visit the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.