Fumaric Acid Esters (FAEs) have been used in north European countries for
more than thirty years to treat moderate-severe psoriasis. In 1994 a defined mixture of
FAEs was registered in Germany under the brand name of Fumaderm®. The main
ingredient of this mixture is dimethylfumarate (DMF). This and its main metabolite,
monomethylfumarate, have proven to possess potent immunomodulatory functions.
Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of FAEs therapy for chronic plaque type
psoriasis, exanthematic guttate type, pustular type and psoriatic erythroderma. The most
common adverse effects under FAEs therapy were gastrointestinal complains and
flushing and no severe secondary effects have been described. By reason of that, FAEs
therapy are now considered an effective and save treatment option on moderate or
severe psoriasis patients.
Keywords: Fumarates, dicarboxylic acids, drug administration routes,
administration, oral, immunologic factors, adjuvants, immunologic, skin and
connective tissue diseases, skin diseases, skin, dermis, epidermis.
