Fumaric acid and fumaric ester promising antipsoriatics?

Treatment of psoriasis vulgaris is still a medical challenge. Since antipsoriatic success brought about by fumaric acid, fumaric acid ester, and their deriving salts was first reported, there has been increasing interest in these substances. We report on the side effects observed in a patient topically treated with fumaric acid. As far as the antipsoriatic action of these drugs is concerned, the results published differ to a considerable degree. The side effects observed in systemic treatment are partially serious and especially affect the kidney function. As - with regard to the dosage, toxicity, mechanism of action, and pharmacokinetics of the derivatives of fumaric acid - our knowledge is still insufficient, further clinical trials, following the acknowledged scientific criteria, will have to be conducted, before a final decision can be made about the application of fumaric acid and its derivatives in the treatment of psoriasis.