Skin penetration enhancing components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a topical formulation for the treatment of a dermatological condition which comprises a macrocyclic lactone antibiotic, immunosuppressive macrolide or a biologically active analogue, derivative or pro-drug thereof; characterized in that it further comprises a permeation modulator and the permeation modulator and the macrocyclic lactone or macrolide or the biologically active analogue, derivative or pro-drug thereof are present in relative amounts such that when a therapeutic amount is applied to the skin a minimal systemic effect is produced. The immunosuppressive macrolide may be sirolimus.

1 - 23 . (canceled)  
   
   
       24 . A topical formulation for the treatment of a dermatological condition comprising a permeation modulator and azithromycin or FK 506, which are present in relative amounts such that when a therapeutic amount is applied to the skin a minimal systemic effect is produced.  
   
   
       25 . The formulation of  claim 24 , comprising 1 to 60% by weight of the permeation modulator and up to 10% by weight of azithromycin or FK 506.  
   
   
       26 . The formulation of  claim 24 , wherein the permeation modulator is an alkanoic acid or alkenic acid.  
   
   
       27 . The formulation of  claim 26 , wherein the alkanoic acid or alkenic acid is capric acid, octanoic acid or oleic acid.  
   
   
       28 . The formulation of  claim 24 , wherein the dermatological condition is psoriasis, alopecia, eczema dermatitis, lichen planus, lupus erthematosus, pyderma gangrenosum, vitiligo, graft versus host disease, pustular skin infections, bacterial skin infections or acne vulgaris.  
   
   
       29 . The formulation of  claim 24 , wherein the dermatological condition is eczema dermatitis and the concentration of azithromycin or FK 506 is 0.05% to 2% by weight.  
   
   
       30 . The formulation of  claim 24 , further comprising a thickening agent.  
   
   
       31 . The formulation of  claim 30 , wherein the thickening agent is white soft paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, yellow soft paraffin, cetyl alcohol, steryl alcohol, divalent carboxylic acid soaps or carnauber wax.  
   
   
       32 . A method for the treatment of a dermatological condition comprising administering an effective amount of the topical formulation of  claim 24.