Publication:

A review article on Winlevi

Acne is a most common multiform skin condition. Androgen plays a major role in acne pathogenesis in both males and females. The appliance of anti-androgen is potentially effective. However, anti-androgens for topical application are not available in market. Clascoterone (cortexolone 17α propionate), an ester derivative of cortexolone is an androgen receptor inhibitor developed as a topical cream and solution for the treatment of androgen dependent skin disorders, including acne vulgaris. Although the mechanism of action of clascoterone (Winlevi) for topical treatment of acne vulgaris is not known. In 2020 clascoterone 1% has been first approved by United States of America (USA) for the topical therapy of acne vulgaris people aged 12 years or above. Assessment of acne is done based on overall severity of acne based on grades- grade 0, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, and grade 4 (clear- severe). Both inflammatory on non-inflammatory lesions were counted. Treatment success is achieved when the grade or score is clear or almost clear. Clascoterone cream is well tolerated with no significant clinical safety issues. Clascoterone 1% twice daily treatment have the most effective favourable results with low adverse events. Currently first line treatment targeting aspects of acne includes benzyl peroxide topical or oral antibiotics, topical retinoid. Females with acne is treated with combined oral contraceptives (e. g. norgestimate and norethindrone are approved by FDA for treatment of acne in females) or spironolactone which affects androgens. Androgen receptors are present throughout the skin and found in sebaceous glands, dermal cells, and sebocytes. Androgen inhibiton is an effective way for treatment of acne in females.