Abstract: A double-blind,randomized multicentre clinical trial was carried cut in 336 patients with chronic psoriasis by 21 dermatologists in Germany and Switzerland.The percentages of patients with severe chronic psoriasis showang cure(complete clearance) or marked improvement following treatment wish 0.05% CGP 14 458 ointment,0.02% GGP 14 458 ointemnt or DermovateR ointment for up to 25 days tvere 90%,77% and 80% respectivciy.Adverse effects were reported at the site of application in 4%,5% and 6% of the patients treated with 0.05% GGP 14 458 ointrnent,0.02% CGP 14 458 ointment and Bermovatc ointment,respectivciy.No clinically detectable sysiemic adveae effects were observed.Cosmetic acceptability and ease of apialication of the three trial preparations were practically identical.0.05% CGP 14 458 proved more effective than Dermovate ointment, the most potent ecrticosteroid topical presently used worldwide in clinical practice.Therefore, 0.05% CGP 14 458 ointiment would be a welcome addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for chronic,localized,severe or recalcitrant dcrmatoses.