The Value of Excipients and the Required Understanding of the Biological System in Product Development: An Impactful Example of Curaderm, a Topical Skin Cancer Treatment

The incidences of nonmelanoma skin cancer are increasing worldwide, and the ongoing war on its treatment necessitates the development of effective and non-invasive methods. Through basic and clinical research, non-invasive treatments like Curaderm have been developed, leading to improved quality of life for patients. Excipients, previously considered inactive ingredients, play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of topical formulations. The development of Curaderm emphasizes the importance of understanding the interactions between active ingredients, excipients, and the biological system to create effective and affordable pharmaceutical formulations. The systematic approach taken in the development of Curaderm, starting from the observation of the anticancer activity of natural solasodine glycosides and progressing through toxicological and efficacy studies in cell culture, animals, and humans, has provided insights into the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of solasodine glycosides. It is crucial to determine these pharmacological parameters within the skin’s biological system for maximal effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a skin cancer treatment. Curaderm, as a topical treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer, offers benefits beyond those obtained from other topical treatments, providing hope for improved quality of life for patients.