Bioassay System for Formulations of Topically Applied Glucocorticosteroids

A human bioassay system was used to compare many commercially available formulations of topically applied glucocorticosteroids. The test is based on the appearance of blanching and its intensity. There were many statistically significant differences found between these formulations. Ointment vehicles were generally superior to cream or lotion vehicles. One gel vehicle was superior to a cream or lotion containing the same glucocorticosteroid. It is suggested that this bioassay system can predict clinical effectiveness of a given formulation.