The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of fumaric acid esters (FAEs) in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

In this 24-week, prospective, open-label, phase II pilot study, 11 patients with CLE, refractory to topical corticosteroids, were included. The primary endpoint of the study was the evaluation of the efficacy of FAEs after 24 weeks of treatment as assessed by the Revised Cutaneous Lupus Disease Area and Severity Index (RCLASI).

Compared to baseline, significant improvement in the mean total RCLASI activity score and the mean RCLASI activity score for skin lesions was observed in week 12 (p = 0.002, p = 0.002, respectively) and in week 24 (p = 0.009, p = 0.009, respectively). Most common adverse events included abdominal cramps and headache.

FAEs could be an alternative and safe treatment in patients with therapy-refractory CLE; however, randomized controlled trials are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FAEs in this disease.