Abstract

AIDS: Ligand Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval for Panretin Gel (alitretinoin) for topical treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma. The company has also filed for approval in Europe and Canada. The gel is applied twice daily, and a 4- to 6-month course of therapy costs between $3,900 and $5,800. The main side effect is skin irritation; 7 percent of patients withdrew from trials because of skin toxicity. Panretin capsules have been tested in phase II clinical trials. Results of 2 trials with 402 patients were presented at the Retroviruses conference.