XP-828L in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: XP-828L, a protein extract obtained from sweet whey, has demonstrated potential benefit for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis in an open-label study. OBJECTIVE: To study in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study the safety and efficacy of XP-828L in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis. DESIGN: XP-828L 5 g/d (group A, n=42) or placebo (group B, n=42) was given orally for 56 days followed by XP-828L 5 g/d in group A and by XP-828L 10 g/d in group B for an additional 56 days. RESULTS: Patients receiving XP-828L 5 g/d for 56 days had an improved Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score compared with patients under placebo (p less than 0.05). Considering the data of group A only, the PGA score improved from day 1 to day 56 (p less than 0.01); the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score improved as well, but to a lesser extent (p less than 0.05). CONCLUSION: Oral administration of 5 g/d XP-828L compared with a placebo significantly improved the PGA score of patients with mild to moderate psoriasis.