Etretinate: A Synthetic Retinoic Acid Derivative that is a Prodrug of Acitretin
Etretinate is a retinoic acid (vitamin A acid) [
R0064] derivative that is a prodrug of acitretin [
A3097]. Etretinate is used for the treatment of severe psoriasis and other dyskeratoses, but the precise mechanism of action of it is not fully understood. However, the pharmacological profile of etretinate suggests that it acts by normalizing pathological changes in epidermal and dermal skin, particularly inhibiting hyperkeratinization and cell differentiation. In addition, etretinate reportedly has teratogenic potential. (The product is for research purpose only.)