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SATURDAYOctober 16SESSION 32:15– 2:30Click here to return to Dermatology Update 2004 Schedule and Abstracts |
Richard Miller Imiquimod is a new immune response modifier (IRM) drug synthesized and developed by 3M Pharmaceuticals. The IRM compound series was initially generated in an effort to make a selective anti-Herpes virus compound. After topical application, imiquimod activates Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) in dendritic cells and monocytes thereby inducing cytokines in the skin including interferon alpha (IFN- a ) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- a ). Chemokines like MIP-1 a may also be induced which attract monocytes to the treated area. The increased cytokines and chemokines cause activation of the innate immune response and the acquired Th1 cellular immune response. This mechanism of action is beneficial for patients who have chronic virus infections in the skin or tumors in the skin. The topical formulation of imiquimod 5% cream called Aldara TM was approved for use by the FDA in the United States in 1997 for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts and in 2004 for the treatment of the UV induced lesions, Actinic keratosis and Basal Cell Carcinoma. Recently, several publications by Dermatologists indicate they find imiquimod beneficial for treating other HPV infections and other skin cancers. In addition, clinical trials are ongoing using related compounds for topical delivery and a Phase I trial is ongoing using systemic delivery to cancer patients. Imiquimod and the newer IRMs cause immune activation and represent a new approach to therapy.
Click here to return to Dermatology Update 2004 Schedule and Abstracts |