Efficacy and safety of tirbanibulin 1% ointment in actinic keratoses: Data from two phase‐III trials and the real‐life clinical practice presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress 2022

Background The 31st European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress took place between 7th and 10th of September 2022 in Milan, Italy. Objectives We report presented clinical data on the efficacy/effectiveness, safety and tolerability of tirbanibulin 1% ointment that has recently been licensed for actinic keratosis (AK) of the face or scalp in adults. Methods Summary of presentations given at the EADV Congress. Results Prof. Pellacani presented two post hoc analyses from two phase‐III trials with AK patients (NCT03285477 [N = 351] and NCT03285490 [N = 351]): A descriptive analysis of medical history, concomitant medications, and safety results confirming a favourable profile for tirbanibulin showing that number of baseline AK lesions was not correlated to severity of local skin reactions. The latter analysis showed that cases of tirbanibulin application site pain or pruritus were few, and most were found to be mild. Prof. Kunstfeld reported six real‐life clinical cases in Austria showing good tirbanibulin effectiveness, safety and tolerability for the treatment of new or recurring AK lesions. Results demonstrated that after 2‐ to 4‐month follow‐up, tirbanibulin was well tolerated and effective in AK patients. Presentations by Dr. Patel confirmed good outcomes and tolerability of tirbanibulin in Olsen grade 1–2 AK (N = 12) and porokeratosis patients (N = 4) treated once daily for 5 consecutive days in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, real‐world experience in solid organ transplant recipients (N = 2) demonstrated effectiveness of tirbanibulin in skin field cancerization treatment. A symposium sponsored by Almirall was conducted during the congress in which Dr. Hadshiew and Dr. Lear brought together their clinical experience in Germany and the United Kingdom respectively. Interesting clinical cases of 5 consecutive days of tirbanibulin treatment compared to other treatments were discussed with attendees, as well as current treatment needs of AK patients. Conclusions This article provides an overview of presentations and symposium discussions, summarizing key phase‐III results and real‐life clinical experience with tirbanibulin shared by dermatologists across Europe.