Calling Sernivo (betamethasone dipropionate) Spray 0.05% a ‘trifecta’ for dermatologists who treat mild-to-moderate psoriasis, Josh Zeichner, MD, introduced members of the New York City media to the new spray-on steroid.

“It is effective, safe and goes on easy even in hard-to-treat areas like the elbows,” explains Dr. Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research and an assistant professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Elbows are really difficult to treat, and a lot of drugs aren’t tested on these tough to treat areas. Sernivo was.”

While noting that the psoriasis treatment market is oversaturated with topical steroids, Zeichner said the true niche for Sernivo is the ease of administration.

Sernivo, an emulsion in a spray, is the first approved product from Dr. Reddy's, a US subsidiary Promius Pharma. It received the US Food and Drug Administration’s nod in Feb 2016, and became available via prescription in June 2016.  Sernivo is indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis in patients 18 years of age or older. “It can be used twice daily for up to one month,” Zeichner explains. “A lot of direct to consumer commercials for biologics that treat psoriasis are bringing life to psoriasis as a condition, and Sernivo will be useful for some of the patients who aren’t quite as severe,” he says.