Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd announced that Toctino (alitretinoin), a new once-daily oral treatment for adults with severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) unresponsive to potent topical corticosteroids, has been approved by the Swiss regulatory authority Swissmedic.

"We are delighted that this innovative Basilea drug received marketing authorization in our home market. Toctino is the first licensed treatment for patients suffering from severe chronic hand eczema who do not respond to potent steroid therapy," said Dr Anthony Man, CEO of Basilea. "We look forward to bring Toctino to patients and physicians in Switzerland soon."

Basilea submitted a pricing and reimbursement dossier to the Swiss authorities.

Toctino has been launched in Denmark, Germany and the United Kingdom for the treatment of adults with severe chronic hand eczema unresponsive to potent topical corticosteroids. Toctino has also received marketing authorization in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Spain. Further, Toctino has been recommended for approval in Italy. Alitretinoin is under regulatory review in Canada and 15 additional European countries.

Toctino (alitretinoin), the only therapy approved for severe chronic hand eczema unresponsive to potent topical treatments. Swissmedic approved Toctino for the use in adults who have severe refractory chronic hand eczema that is unresponsive to at least four weeks of extended topical treatment. The initial treatment includes the avoidance of contact to the causative irritant/noxa, skin protection and potent topical corticosteroids.

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Basilea's integrated research and development operations are currently focused on new antibacterial, antifungal and oncology agents to fight drug resistance and on the development of dermatology drugs.