Pimecrolimus (Novartis)

Pimecrolimus, an ascomycin macrolactam derivative, is an inhibitor of T-cell and mast cell activation under development by Novartis for the potential treatment of psoriasis and allergic dermatitis. Novartis is developing both topical and oral formulations of the compound. By December 1998, the topical form of the compound was in phase III trials and the oral form was in phase II trials. Phase III trials were initiated in July 1999 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. In December 1998, Warburg Dillon Read predicted sales of SFr 30 million in 2000 rising to SFr 184 million in 2002. In March 1999, Credit Suisse First Boston predicted sales of 10 million USD in 2001 rising to 90 million USD in 2003.