topical methotrexate microemulsion

Topical methotrexate microemulsion is a specialized dermatological formulation developed by Assiut University for the treatment of mild plaque psoriasis. It contains 0.1% methotrexate within a jojoba oil-based microemulsion delivery system (40% jojoba oil, 45% surfactants Tween-80/Span-85, and 15% water) designed to optimize skin penetration and localized drug deposition. Methotrexate acts as a folic acid analogue that competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), an enzyme essential for DNA synthesis, thereby suppressing the rapid keratinocyte proliferation characteristic of psoriasis. Additionally, it exerts anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects by promoting T-cell apoptosis and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). This topical approach aims to provide the therapeutic benefits of methotrexate directly to psoriatic plaques while avoiding the systemic toxicities, such as hepatotoxicity and myelosuppression, associated with oral administration.

Other names

topical methotrexate microemulsionmethotrexate 0.1% microemulsiontopical methotrexate (Assiut University)