Talarozole, a selective inhibitor of P450-mediated all-trans retinoic acid for the treatment of psoriasis and acne

Talarozole, being developed by Barrier Therapeutics Inc under license from Johnson & Johnson, is a potent and selective inhibitor of Cytochrome P450 26-mediated breakdown of endogenous all-trans retinoic acid for the treatment of psoriasis and acne. Phase II clinical trials of an oral formulation of talarozole in patients with psoriasis and with acne, and a phase I clinical trial of a topical formulation have been completed. At the time of publication, Barrier Therapeutics had suspended the development of talarozole as part of a series of cost-cutting initiatives; the company had also been acquired by Stiefel Laboratories Inc. No formal announcement had been made regarding the further development of talarozole.