First topical nail fungus treatment approved

The FDA approved Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox) Topical Solution 8%, the first topical treatment approved for the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus. Ciclopirox is a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal drug that inhibits the growth of dermatophytes. It is a product of Aventis Pharma Deutschland GmbH of Frankfurt, Germany.

Ciclopirox is applied once daily with an applicator brush to all of fected nails and immediately adjacent skin. In clinical trials, ciclopirox was found to be safe and effective in treating nail fungus, with some patients experiencing resolution of the infection, the FDA states.