The human skin blanching assay for in vivo topical corticosteroid assessment. II. Subject- and observer-dependent variation in blanching responses
- Authors: Haigh, John M , Meyer, Eric , Smith, Eric W , Kanfer, Isadore
- Date: 1997
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006300
- Description: The human skin blanching (vasoconstriction) assay for the assessment of topical corticosteroids has been in use for over 30 years, the intensity of the drug-induced blanching being assessed subjectively by eye. Both arms of several male and female volunteers are used for product application and more than one observer is used to estimate the degree of induced blanching. There are, therefore, numerous variables which are inherent in the assay procedure. This investigation consisted of three identical trials performed at 8-week intervals, utilising the same 18 volunteers and the same three observers in an attempt to address the question of reproducibility of the assay. From the results obtained it is clear that the assay methodology is capable of consistently distinguishing, on a rank order basis, between preparations which show similar blanching (chemically-equivalent formulations). The similarity of the results for the three individual trials gives considerable confidence to results produced using this methodology. An experiment designed to test the reproducibility of the blanching scores showed that the observers are capable of producing identical results even though visual observation is highly subjective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
The human skin-blanching assay for in vitro topical corticosteroid assessment. I. Reproducibility of the assay
- Authors: Haigh, John M , Meyer, Eric , Smith, Eric W , Kanfer, Isadore
- Date: 1997
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006299
- Description: The human skin blanching (vasoconstriction) assay for the assessment of topical corticosteroids has been in use for over 30 years, the intensity of the drug-induced blanching being assessed subjectively by eye. Both arms of several male and female volunteers are used for product application and more than one observer is used to estimate the degree of induced blanching. There are, therefore, numerous variables which are inherent in the assay procedure. This investigation consisted of three identical trials performed at 8-week intervals, utilising the same 18 volunteers and the same three observers in an attempt to address the question of reproducibility of the assay. From the results obtained it is clear that the assay methodology is capable of consistently distinguishing, on a rank order basis, between preparations which show similar blanching (chemically-equivalent formulations). The similarity of the results for the three individual trials gives considerable confidence to results produced using this methodology. An experiment designed to test the reproducibility of the blanching scores showed that the observers are capable of producing identical results even though visual observation is highly subjective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
Accuracy and reproducibility of the multiple-reading skin blanching assay
- Authors: Smith, Eric W , Meyer, Eric , Haigh, John M
- Date: 1992
- Language: English
- Type: Book chapter
- Identifier: vital:6439 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006625
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
Sensitivity of different areas of the flexor aspect of the human forearm to corticosteroid-induced skin blanching
- Authors: Meyer, Eric , Smith, Eric W , Haigh, John M
- Date: 1992
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006317
- Description: The intensity of corticosteroid-induced blanching has been found to vary at different areas of the flexor aspect of the human forearm. A retrospective analysis of 38,880 observations of skin blanching in 56 volunteers was conducted to assess the sensitivity of forearm skin to betamethasone 17-valerate. The mid-forearm appears to be more sensitive to the blanching response than do the areas close to the wrist or elbow. These results indicate that each preparation under evaluation should be applied to several sites along the forearm when using the human skin blanching assay in order to obtain an accurate comparative assessment of corticosteroid release from topical delivery vehicles.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1992
The human skin-blanching assay for comparing topical corticosteroid availability
- Authors: Smith, Eric W , Meyer, Eric , Haigh, John M , Maibach, Harold I
- Date: 1991
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6433 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006604
- Description: The human skin blanching assay remains in widespread use as a reliable, qualitative, comparative indicator of topical corticosteroid availability and potency. The experimental refinements promulgated by certain researchers in this field have yielded a versatile bioassay for the accurate assessment of new drugs or delivery vehicles. With the increasing appearance of generic topical corticosteroid formulations which compete with trade-name equivalents, the vital importance of this assay in regulatory affairs and assessing bioequivalence has been re-emphasized. It is stressed that if the blanching assay is to be used in this sphere, then multiple-reading trials must be conducted; important registration or clinical decisions cannot be made with any validity from short-term assessments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
Blanching activities of betamethasone 17-valerate formulations: effect of the dosage form on topical drug availability
- Authors: Smith, Eric W , Meyer, Eric , Haigh, John M
- Date: 1990
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6432 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006602
- Description: The blanching activities of Betnovate© cream, lotion, ointment and scalp application (each containing 0.1 % betamethasone (as the 17-valerate)) were determined using healthy human subjects over a 32 h period in both the occludedand unoccluded modes. Considering that allfour formulation types contained the same label concentration of corticosteroid,it may bepresumed that theformulations would show similar topical drug availability: this was, however, not found to be the case. The scalp application demonstrated the highest topical availability in both the occluded and unoccluded modes. The lotion formulation showed the greatest increase in topical availability on occlusion and the ointment formulation was the least sensitive to the effects of occlusion. These differences, due solely to the effects of the vehicle, may have important clinical implications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
A critical evaluation of the human skin blanching assay and comparative bioavailability studies on topical corticosteroid preparations
- Authors: Meyer, Eric
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Dermatopharmacology Skin, Effect of drugs on Adrenocortical hormones
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3727 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001464
- Description: Several aspects of the human skin blanching assay were evaluated in an attempt to suggest improvements in the methodology of this assay. Three trials were performed in the unoccluded application mode, using two proprietary creams containing 0,1% betamethasone (as the 17-valerate). Preliminary observations of the influence of ambient temperature and relative humidity on the blanching response did not allow definite conclusions to be drawn. Studies on the number of observers required for reliable results of comparative blanching indicated that at least two trained observers should be employed. Analyses of the results of individual volunteers demonstrated the expected biological variability, and suggest that subjects selected for trials should represent a range of blanching responses. No sex-related differences in blanching responses were found, and both arms exhibited similar sensitivity to corticosteroids. Retrospective analysis of 95 040 observations of blanching responses showed that in the unoccluded application mode blanching is lowest close to the wrist, and in the occluded mode blanching is lowest close to the elbow. Studies on the method of transportation of Betnovate preparations suggest that topical formulations should not be exposed to temperature extremes during transportation. It is proposed that patients should not transport topical formulations in the holds of ships or aircraft, and that exporters and manufacturers should make use of special transportation and storage conditions. In a study of ten topical formulations from three countries it was found that there was no trend of products from one country consistently exhibiting superior blanching to products from the other two countries, or products from one country consistently exhibiting the lowest degree of blanching, although considerable differences in blanching responses were found in some cases. Interpretation of the results of these studies demonstrated the importance of employing a combination of statistical analyses, blanching profiles and AUC values when drawing conclusions regarding comparative bioavailability. A study of the blanching profiles of Betnovate cream included in all 16 trials performed during this work indicated that this preparation behaved in a similar fashion during all trials, thereby giving credence to the results of the trials
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
The human skin-blanching assay as an indicator of topical corticosteroid bioavailability and potency: an update
- Authors: Smith, Eric W , Meyer, Eric , Haigh, John M , Maibach, Harold I
- Date: 1989
- Language: English
- Type: Book chapter
- Identifier: vital:6440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006627 , ISBN 0824780361
- Description: The human skin-blanching (or vasoconstrictor) assay has evolved from initial observations that corticosteroids induce a pallor or whitening of the skin to which they are applied. McKenzie and Stoughton (1962) are generally recognized as having developed the first scientific bioassay for comparing corticosteroid potency. The extensive use of this bioassay to compare drug release from topical delivery systems has demonstrated numerous instances in which the topical bioavailability may vary greatly, dependent on the character of the delivery vehicle. It has become evident that simply incorporating an intrinsically potent drug into a formulation does not necessarily produce a clinically efficacious product.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
Comparison of the blanching activities of Dermovate, Betnovate and Eumovate creams and ointments
- Authors: Meyer, Eric , Magnus, Ashley D , Haigh, John M , Kanfer, Isadore
- Date: 1988
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6393 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006315
- Description: The human skin blanching assay was used to determine the blanching activities of Dermovate, Betnovate and Eumovate creams and ointments. Dermovate was found to elicit a superior blanching response to Betnovate which in turn elicited a superior blanching response to Eumovate, except in the comparison of Betnovate and Eumovate ointments under occlusion. The importance of employing the correct methodology of the blanching assay is emphasized and the good correlation between the results of this study and clinical trials is indicated.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1988
Potency ranking of two new topical corticosteroid creams containing 0.1% desonide or 0.05% halometasone utilizing the human skin-blanching assay
- Authors: Meyer, Eric , Smith, Eric W , Haigh, John M , Kanfer, Isadore
- Date: 1988
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6400 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006327
- Description: The human blanching assay was used to assess the potency of two new proprietary corticosteroid creams. The blanching abilities of 0.1% desonide cream and 0.05% halometasone cream were evaluated relative to the blanching elicited by 0.05% clobetasol 17-propionate cream, 0.1% betamethasone 17-valerate cream and 0.05% clobetasone 17-butyrate cream. The results of the trial indicated that the 0.1% desonide cream falls into the potent group of topical corticosteroid preparations and the 0.05% halomethasone cream falls into the moderately potent group.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1988
Reply to correspondence: P.M. Gaylarde (1986) The human skin blanching assay—use and abuse
- Authors: Haigh, John M , Kanfer, Isadore , Meyer, Eric , Smith, Eric W
- Date: 1986
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6376 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006293
- Description: Finally, we would like to assure Dr Gaylarde that we do not advocate the use of the human skin blanching assay. There are several other in vivo methods for determining corticosteroid activity which will provide equally meaningful results. What we are advocating is that if the human skin blanching assay is going to be used, then it should be used properly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1986
Comparative bioavailability and ranking of topical corticosteroid formulations
- Authors: Meyer, Eric
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Adrenocortical hormones -- Therapeutic use Drugs -- Bioavailability Drugs -- Dosage forms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3732 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001471
- Description: Numerous experiments in recent years have indicated differences in the bioavailability of corticosteroids from seemingly identical topical dosage forms. The human blanching assay was utilized in this study to assess the comparative blanching activities of various locally manufactured proprietary corticosteroid preparations. The first experiment was performed to assess the relative blanching activities of six semi - solid preparations containing the same concentration of betamethasone 17-valerate. The preparations used were Betnovate cream and ointment, Persivate cream and ointment and Celestoderm-V cream and ointment. This was followed, in the second experiment, by the investigation of the blanching activities of two lotions containing betamethasone 17-valerate (Betnovate and Celestoderm-V) and a lotion containing betamethasone 17,21- dipropionate (Diprosone). The third experiment involved a study of six semi-solid proprietary corticosteroid-containing formulations, viz. Dermovate (clobetasol propionate) cream and ointment, Betnovate (betamethasone 17-valerate) cream and ointment and Eumovate (clobetasone butyrate) cream and ointment. This investigation was prompted by claims in advertisements in the medical media that Dermovate is therapeutically more efficacious than Betnovate which is more efficacious than Eumovate. The penultimate experiment in this study served the purpose of finding a corticosteroid-containing preparation that falls into the moderately potent group of corticosteroid formulations, as described in the United Kingdom MIMS. This preparation was used in the final experiment which was undertaken to ascertain the potency category of Florone (diflorasone diacetate) cream and ointment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
Relative potencies of topical corticosteroid formulations
- Authors: Haigh, John M , Kanfer, Isadore , Meyer, Eric , Smith, Eric W
- Date: 1985
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6375 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006291
- Description: It seems to us, and others (Burdick, 1974), that multiple reading times are essential to produce the response-time profile. Comparisons of potencies of topical corticosteroid formulations should only be made on the basis of area under the curve measurements and statistical treatment of all values obtained at each reading time throughout the course of the experiment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
Comparative bioavailability of some locally manufactured betamethasone valerate containing preparations
- Authors: Meyer, Eric , Haigh, John M , Kanfer, Isadore
- Date: 1983
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006326
- Description: The bioavailabilities of three locally manufactured proprietary betamethasone- 17-valerate containing creams and ointments were compared by measuring their abilities to cause blanching of human skin after topical application. The preparations studied were Betnovate Cream and Ointment, Celestoderm-V Cream and Ointment and Persivate Cream and Ointment. Celestoderm-V cream displayed a significantly superior blanching activity over both Betnovate and Persivate creams in' the occluded mode, whereas Persivate cream displayed a significantly superior blanching activity over both Betnovate and Celestoderm-V creams in the unoccluded mode. Persivate ointment was found to produce a significantly superior blanching activity over Betnovate and Celestoderm-V ointments in both the occluded and unoccluded modes of application.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983