Efficacy and safety of topical terbinafine 10% solution (MOB-015) in the treatment of mild to moderate distal subungual onychomycosis: A randomized, multicenter, double-blind, vehicle-controlled phase 3 study

Background: Onychomycosis is a recalcitrant fungal nail infection. Topical antifungal agents may be preferred over systemic agents due to lack of systemic adverse effects. Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of topical terbinafine 10% solution (MOB-015) for the treatment of distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis. Methods: In a multicenter, double-blind, phase III, North American study, patients with mild to moderate distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis involving 20% to 60% of at least 1 great toenail were randomized to once daily application of MOB-015 or matching vehicle for 48 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was complete cure, while the secondary efficacy variables were mycological cure and treatment success. Safety evaluations were also performed. Results: At week 52, the mycological cure (negative culture and potassium hydroxide microscopy) rate in the MOB-015 and vehicle groups was 69.9% and 27.7%, respectively (P<.001), and complete cure (0% clinical disease involvement and mycological cure) was achieved in 4.5% and 0% of patients, respectively (P=.0195). At least 1 adverse event leading to discontinuation of treatment occurred in 2.8% of patients in the MOB-015 group and in 4.2% in the vehicle group. Limitation: The follow-up period after end of treatment may not be sufficient to accurately reflect cure in distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis. Conclusions: MOB-015 is a treatment option for onychomycosis with an adverse event profile similar to vehicle.

Automated summary

The study investigated the efficacy and safety of topical terbinafine 10% solution (MOB-015) for the treatment of distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis. Results showed that MOB-015 group had significantly higher mycological cure rate and complete cure rate compared to the vehicle group.