Global Psoriasis Treatment Market to Reach $12.8 Billion by 2025 … – Business Wire (press release)

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Psoriasis Treatment Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2017 to 2025" report to their offering.

The Global Psoriasis Treatment Market was valued at US$ 7.9 Bn in 2016, and is expected to reach US$ 12.8 Bn by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2017 to 2025.

The psoriasis treatment market is rapidly growing due to factors such as growing prevalence in some countries, significant unmet needs, promising pipeline molecules would drive the growth of psoriasis market worldwide. For the purpose of study, global psoriasis treatment market is segmented on the basis of drug class such as TNF Inhibitors, Vitamin D analogues, interleukin blockers and other psoriasis medication. It is observed that, in the base year 2016, interleukin blockers was major revenue contributing segment due to its long-term safety with lower risk of infection and malignancy. Psoriasis treatment market is categorized on the basis of route of administration such as topical, oral and parenteral therapeutic drugs.

Currently, topical therapeutic drugs hold largest market share due to its safety, more effectiveness and targeted drug delivery. It is anticipated that parenteral therapeutic drugs would show significant growth during forecast period because newly approved biologics are generally preferred in moderate to severe psoriasis.

Companies Mentioned

Key Topics Covered:

Chapter 1 Preface

Chapter 2 Executive Summary

Chapter 3 Psoriasis Treatment Market Analysis

Chapter 4 Global Psoriasis Treatment Market, by Drug Class

Chapter 5 Global Psoriasis Treatment Market, by Route of Administration

Chapter 6 Global Psoriasis Treatment Market, by Geography

Chapter 7 Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/wnpcpw/global_psoriasis

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Global Psoriasis Treatment Market to Reach $12.8 Billion by 2025 ... - Business Wire (press release)

6 Ways to Stay Ahead of Your Psoriasis | EmpowHER – Women’s … – EmpowHer

Living with psoriasis can be a roller coaster ride: Sometimes you may be fighting flares while other times the condition may not have any noticeable symptoms. Knowing how to manage this autoimmune condition can make your life much easier and more comfortable.

Youve got many options for staying ahead of psoriasis even though it has no cure. Effective management of the condition includes:

There are many types of psoriasis. Each type requires different management plans based on the severity of the condition and where its located on your body. You must also factor in your other health conditions that may be related to psoriasis. Your doctor can devise a plan that works best for you.

Dont ignore symptoms of psoriasis. Because theres no cure, it needs to be managed by a doctor. What appears as a mild case may worsen with time, and your doctor can decide how to keep the condition from spreading.

Mild psoriasis can generally be treated with topical methods. Psoriasis that is moderate or severe in nature may require stronger interventions. These include:

Psoriasis is associated with other health conditions, such as:

Your doctor should check for these other conditions when treating psoriasis.

A recent trend in psoriasis management includes the treat to target approach. This concept allows you to evaluate your treatments with a doctor on a periodic basis. Together, you determine if the devised plan is effective in reducing your symptoms. Such a treatment plan should have overall goals for reducing your symptoms and allow for modifications from both you and your doctor every few months.

Several studies affirm this method of evaluation in managing psoriasis. Archives of Dermatological Research concluded that those who have outcomes measurement for their psoriasis experience:

Talk to your doctor about coming up with a regular schedule for evaluating your treatment plan. Goals should be individual in nature and may include:

It may be tempting to discontinue your psoriasis treatments if your condition seems under control. You may not be experiencing any psoriasis flare-ups and forget to take prescribed medications or keep up with a daily skin care routine. This can result in the condition coming back or even getting worse.

Consult your doctor if you feel that your treatment plan could be modified based on any reduced symptoms. Youll want to ensure that modifying treatments will result in fewer symptoms in the long term.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent your psoriasis from spreading or flaring. Some studies link worsening psoriasis symptoms with a higher-than-average body mass index. One analysis in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery found that increased body mass index resulted in the development of more severe psoriasis.

Losing weight may help psoriasis symptoms in those who are obese or overweight. One study in the British Journal of Dermatology analyzed overweight and obese participants who had psoriasis. The participants exercised and dieted for 20 weeks, resulting in a reduction in the severity of their psoriasis.

Talk to your doctor about weight loss methods if you are obese or overweight. This may include reducing the calories in your diet and exercising more frequently. Losing weight will help your overall health and may reduce other health conditions you have. Exercising itself is considered to be a great way to manage psoriasis symptoms.

Smoking and drinking alcohol can aggravate psoriasis. Smoking can cause psoriasis to develop or become more severe. Drinking alcohol may worsen the condition or interfere with treatments. Eliminate these unhealthy lifestyle habits to reduce psoriasis symptoms.

Stress can negatively affect psoriasis by causing your immune system to overreact. Activities like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness may reduce stress. You should also examine what factors in your life cause stress and work to eliminate these triggers.

You may also find yourself struggling with mental health because of psoriasis. Anxiety and depression are commonly tied to psoriasis and should be treated immediately. Mental health conditions can affect the management of psoriasis as well as increase your risk for suicide.

There are many ways you can manage your psoriasis to prevent flares and reduce the conditions severity. Seeing your doctor should be the first step in getting on top of psoriasis.

Its important to keep in mind that psoriasis isnt curable, and at times symptoms can pop up despite your best efforts to control the condition. You should check in with your doctor regularly to evaluate the condition and to prevent it from getting worse.

Fleming, P., Kraft, J., Gulliver, W. P., & Lynde, C. (2015, May 7). The relationship of obesity with the severity of psoriasis: A systematic review. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 19(5). Retrieved from http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1203475415586332

Mrowietz, U., Steinz, K., & Gerdes, S. (2014, August 2). Psoriasis: To treat or manage? Experimental Dermatology, 23(10), 705-709. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/exd.12437/full

Naldi, L., Conti, A., Cazzaniga, S., Patrizi, A., Pazzaglia, M., Lanzoni, A., The Psoriasis Emilia Romagna Study Group. (2014, March 12). Diet and physical exercise in psoriasis: A randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology, 170(3), 634-642. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjd.12735/full

National Psoriasis Foundation. (n.d.). Psoriasis and mental health issue brief. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/sites/default/files/life-with-psoriasis/PsoriasisandMentalHealthIssueBriefonepager20140225.pdf

National Psoriasis Foundation. (2015, May 6). How cigarettes and alcohol affect psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/how-cigarettes-and-alcohol-affect-psoriasis

National Psoriasis Foundation. (2017, January 1). Your disease is under control now what? Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/disease-under-control-now-what

Psoriasis and smoking. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.papaa.org/further-information/psoriasis-and-smoking

Psoriasis treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments

Radtke, M. A., Reich, K., Sephr, C., & Augustin, M. (2015, July). Treatment goals in psoriasis routine care. Archives of Dermatological Research, 307(5), 445-449. Retrieved from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00403-014-1534-y

Stress and psoriatic disease. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/life-with-psoriasis/stress

Treat 2 target. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/treat-to-target

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Almirall Wins EC Nod for Oral DMF Psoriasis Drug Skilarence – Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (press release)

The European Commission (EC) approved Almiralls oral dimethyl fumarate (DMF) drug Skilarence as first-line induction and maintenance therapy for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The firm said it plans to start marketing the drug in all EU member states, Iceland, and Norway during the third quarter of 2017

Spanish firm Almirall said Skilarence is the first fumaric acid ester (FAE) approved by the EC for treating psoriasis. Regulatory clearance was based on data from the placebo-controlled Phase III BRIDGE study comparing the efficacy and safety of the oral drug Skilarence with the oral FAE drug Fumaderm, which is approved in Germany but not across Europe.

Fumaric acid esters are a recommended oral systemic therapy for psoriasis and recommended in the European guidelines for induction and long-term maintenance therapy. Commenting on approval of Skilarence in Europe, Eduardo Sanchiz, Almirall's CEO, said "The EC's approval is very good news for healthcare professionals and for a large number of European patients, who will have access to a new therapeutic option for the systemic treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Skilarence is the result of Almirall's commitment to innovation, and making it available to doctors and their patients with psoriasis will constitute a very important step in reinforcing the company's position as significant player in the field of dermatology".

Almiralls dermatology portfolio accounted for 51% of its total 764.4 million (approximately $863 million) net sales in 2016. Dermatology sales during 2016 were up 32.1%, at 390 million (approximately $440 million).

Last month the firm established a collaboration with Leo Pharma to develop a painless, minimally invasive skin sampling method to aid biomarker analysis in research and clinical trials.

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Almirall Wins EC Nod for Oral DMF Psoriasis Drug Skilarence - Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (press release)

Adalimumab Safe and Effective Therapy for Pediatric Psoriasis – Medical News Bulletin

As an inhibitor of an inflammatory protein associated with the development of psoriasis, adalimumab shows promise as a therapy for pediatric patients with severe plaque psoriasis. Adalimumab treatment for 16 weeks in children and adolescents with severe plaque psoriasis provides significant improvements compared to methotrexate.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by scales and red patches that are typically found on the scalp, elbows, and knees. This buildup of extra skin cells on the surface of the epidermis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease, which is currently incurable. Immune system T-cells and an abundance of inflammatory protein tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) play major roles in the development of psoriasis. Though there are many types of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis is the most common condition which involves the build-up of plaque on the surface of the skin. Itching, burning, soreness, or cracked skin are some of the symptoms associated with the disease and its severity can be classified as mild, affecting less than 5% of the skins surface area, moderate, affecting 5 to 10% of the skin, or severe, with more than 10% of the skins surface affected. Affecting 2% of the general population, a third of psoriasis diagnoses made by physicians include those who are 20 years of age and younger.

Management of pediatric psoriasis can decrease the risk of psychosocial issues and comorbidities such as, hypertension and diabetes. Initial treatment for patients with limited disease includes topical therapies, while severe pediatric psoriasis is treated using ultraviolet B phototherapy, or systemic treatments, such as methotrexate, ciclosporin, or retinoids. However, though TNF- inhibitor, methotrexate, has been prescribed to treat children and adolescents, it has not been approved by the European Medicine Agency, thus making it a good candidate for clinical research assessment. Due to the lack of standardized guidelines and approved systemic therapies, managing psoriasis by the blockage of TNF-, has been challenging. However, in 2015, TNF- inhibitor, adalimumab, was approved in the United States to treat severe cases in patients who were 4 years of age and older, and who did not respond adequately to topical therapy or phototherapies. Therefore, it is important to compare both inhibitors for their safety and efficacy in treating severe pediatric plaque psoriasis.

A double-blind randomized controlled study was performed to compare the safety and efficacy of adalimumab and methotrexate in children with severe psoriasis. Treatment groups consisted of a total of 114 patients who were randomly assigned to receive either 0.8 mg/kg of adalimumab, 0.4 mg/kg of adalimumab, or 0.1-0.4 mg/kg of methotrexate. Adalimumab was given subcutaneously every other week, whereas, methotrexate was taken orally once weekly. The study consisted of four periods; identified as the 16-week primary treatment, up to 36-week withdrawal, 16-week re-treatment, and 52-week long-term follow-up. Measurements based on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) assessed the percentage of skin affected and 75% improvement, PASI75, was a study endpoint. The Physician Global Assessment (PGA), which measures psoriasis activity, was used to identify clear or minimal areas. At week 16, PASI75 was achieved in 58% of the patients receiving 0.8mg/kg of adalimumab, in 44% of patients receiving 0.4 mg/kg of adalimumab, and in 32% of patients taking methotrexate. Results from the PGA showed 61% of patients receiving 0.8mg/kg of adalimumab, 41% of patients receiving 0.4 mg/kg adalimumab, and 41% of patients taking methotrexate had a clear or minimal PGA score. Initial treatments resulted in adverse events, such as infections for 45% of the patients receiving 0.8 mg/kg of adalimumab, in 56% of the patients receiving 0.4 mg/kg of adalimumab, and in 51% of those taking methotrexate. Compared to methotrexate, treatment with adalimumab in children and adolescents with severe plaque psoriasis provided significant improvements in PASI75. Although there was an increase in the number of patients with a clear or minimal PGA score in the adalimumab group compared to methotrexate, these results did not reach statistical significance. Overall, adalimumab was found to be more effective than methotrexate, with a rapid response and similar safety profile after 16 weeks.

This study is one of few investigations that characterize the long-term safety of treatment of severe psoriasis in children. Though a limitation of the study was a lack of methotrexate control data to compare to the investigated population, the safety and efficacy profile of adalimumab was successfully evaluated for comparison to methotrexate. In conclusion, treatment with 0.8 mg/kg of adalimumab for 16 weeks in children and adolescents with severe plaque psoriasis provided significant improvements in PASI75 and a non-significant increase in patients who achieved clear or minimal PGA compared with methotrexate. These findings provide new insight and an additional option for safe and effective therapy of severe plaque psoriasis in a young population.

Written By:Viola Lanier, Ph. D., M. Sc.

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Local Clinical research could give more options for patients suffering from psoriasis – WTSP 10 News

Local research study could help psoriasis patients

Shannon Valladolid, WTSP 11:32 PM. EDT June 25, 2017

Imagine living with a skin condition that leaves severe rashes all over your body.

We're talking about Psoriasis.

For years, people suffering from the condition had only one option to get rid of it, painful weekly injections.

For the past 8 years, Olga Clark has given herself two injections every week to treat her Psoriasis.

I couldn't take a bath because the water burned my skin. My scalp was really severe to where I would scratch and I felt like I was bleeding, says Clark.

She no longer has rashes on her skin, now but Olgas says at its peak, psoriasis took over her body.

There was not a spot on me that was clear. my legs were covered, everything was covered, says Clark.

In 2014, the first pill finally hit the market called Otezla.

In an effort to challenge the only that pill, Dr.Seth Forman, who is the Principal Investigator with Forward Clinical Trials, is conducting a local research study to put a new pill in the hands of patients like Olga.

Olga is one of hundreds of patients that I have on these injectable medications. I can tell you most, if not all would rather take a pill like they do for their cholesterol or their blood pressure, says Dr.Forman, MD.

Dr. Forman says the downside to only having one pill option is some patients could have an allergic reaction, then it's back to injections. That's why he says clinical research is so important.

In order for us to get there for other skin conditions like Psoriasis, eczema. The only way we can do that is by having these what I call heroes participate in clinical research, he says.

Giving people living with severe skin conditions, an option to possibly not feel the pain of a needle.

If it didn't have to take a shot I would be happy. For them just to get on a pill, I think that's going to be great for them, says Clark.

Otezla has mixed reviews. Some complain they have severe side effects. But others say its really helped them deal with their condition.

Forward Clinical Trials is also working on research studies for treating the following:

To learn more regarding these studies or how you can get involved click here.

2017 WTSP-TV

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Local Clinical research could give more options for patients suffering from psoriasis - WTSP 10 News

‘Scandal’ actress Katie Lowes opens up about psoriasis – WATE 6 On Your Side

KNOXVILLE (WATE) Quinn Perkins, played by Actress Katie Lowes is one tough cookie on the show Scandal, but she is also tough in real life.

Lowes has lived with a chronic autoimmune disease known as psoriasis for the past eight years. She says she was diagnosed with psoriasis eight years ago but finally decided to go public with her experiences in the hopes of helping others.

When I was first diagnosed I was so embarrassed and ashamed. You know, being an actress in Hollywood, there is such a pressure to look a certain way and after living with it for eight years, says Lowes, Im really living my best life and I thought there are 7.5 million other Americans living with this disease and if I can help even one of them feel inspired to be there own best advocate to get to a place where they are living their fullest life and theyre not limiting themselves because of psoriasis, then that would just be a huge win.

The actress is partnering with Jansen and the National Psoriasis Foundation on a campaign called Inside Story. She shares her story about living with psoriasis and encourages others to do the same.

While on the set of Scandal, Lowes said there were times when she had flare-ups. She said there were times when she couldnt wear a certain red carpet look or wear a bathing suit on vacation.

There are all these limitations placed on your life and I know from personal experience it can be so upsetting and you can feel so alone, but with 7.5 million people living with this disease, you are not, said Lowes. This site is a wonderful tool that people struggling with psoriasis can use to their benefit because I want people to feel, you know, that we are a large community that we support each other. I want to encourage people to find a doctor they can trust, to find a treatment that works for them and I just want people to know that it is possible to get to a place where youre not limiting fashion and style and being with our family and things like that.

Lowes appears on the final season of Scandal which airs Thursdays on WATE 6 On Your Side. When asked if she knows how the show will end, Lowes said she is under lock-and-key.

We are not allowed to say anything, but I can assure you that this will be the final season of Scandal and the writers are leaving it all on the dance floor and it is going to be a wild and crazy ride for sure.

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'Scandal' actress Katie Lowes opens up about psoriasis - WATE 6 On Your Side

Dara Torres Is ‘Ready to Talk’ to Her Daughter About Body Confidence After Managing Psoriasis and an Eating Disorder – PEOPLE.com

Between overcoming an eating disorder in college and managing her psoriasis for the last 25 years, swimmer Dara Torres is fully prepared for any body image conversations her 11-year-old daughter Tessathrows her way.

The 12-time Olympic medalist says the questionshave already started.

She has talked to me actually a few weeks ago about body confidence, because she had to go to an end of the year school party and it was a pool party, and she wanted to talk to me about her body and what swimsuits to wear and having confidence, Torres, 50, tells PEOPLE. And it was the first time she ever really approached me about that on her own. So I was proud of her for being open about that.

Torres says her own background made it easier to relate.

I think the fact that I had an eating disorder in college, and then developing plaque psoriasis, I definitely had some confidence issues and self-esteem issues, she says. So I definitely am completely educated and ready to talk to her about any body image questions she has.

RELATED VIDEO:9 Celebrities Who Struggle with Psoriasis

Dealing with her plaque psoriasis as a young swimmer Torres first noticed the itchy, red rashes as a 25-year-old during the run up to the 1992 Barcelona Games was tough at first.

I was really embarrassed by it, because my business suit is a swimsuit. I needed to be on the pool deck in a little Speedo with these red patches all over me, Torres says.

But gaining the confidence to ignore her psoriasis was key to managing it, particularly because Torres is triggered by stress. Now she works to share that strength with other psoriasis sufferers by working withOtezla and Celgene on their Show More of You campaign.

I want to get the word out that you can have confidence and you can follow your dreams, Torres says. You can be yourself and not worry about what other people think.

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Dara Torres Is 'Ready to Talk' to Her Daughter About Body Confidence After Managing Psoriasis and an Eating Disorder - PEOPLE.com

Oasis fan mistook Liam Gallagher’s psoriasis for cocaine at … – Metro – Metro

Liam Gallagher (Picture: Rex)

Bad boy rocker Liam Gallagher has many a vivid tale of debauchery to proudly share with the world but this particular story makes even him scratch his head in disbelief.

The former Oasis frontman recalled upon his first experiences of Glastonbury, when the band first played the festival in 1994 and told a backstage story in which a fan mistook hispsoriasis a flaky and itchy skin condition for cocaine.

I remember coming off stage and I got my clothes robbed, told Liam in a recent interview with Noisey.

I remember meeting someone, some very strange kid, who come up to me and thought I had cocaine in my hair, he said.

I got psoriasis so I had obviously been scratching it during the day and that, and there were little white bits and shit, the singer eloquently put.

They were takingit out of my hair and putting it on their gums and putting it up their fucking nose. I went like, Okay

I think we were a bit too laddy or English for them the Morning Glory singer added.

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Meanwhile, Liam was also confirmed to appear at Worthy Farm on the Pyramid Stage this year, as well as showing that he also has the chops for spitting grime bars.

Speaking to Christian OConnell on Absolute Radio, he told how his second son Gene really likes the Skepta stuff prompting the host to encouraging the Wonderwall hitmaker to have a go at so-called Skepta stuff.

It was a little inaudible at first but on a second listen we could tell that he rapped: You aint road! The only road you sweep are paved with gold.

Liam has reportedly finished work on his solo album As You Were, and will release it in the autumn only a month before brother Noels new album.

We wonder how much of his sons grime influence will have on his new record.

MORE: Liam Gallaghers had a pop at Liam Payne, just for a change

MORE: Skepta ave it mate: You need watch Liam Gallagher spit some grime

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Oasis fan mistook Liam Gallagher's psoriasis for cocaine at ... - Metro - Metro

Liam Gallagher says that Oasis fans tried to snort his psoriasis at … – NME.com

Liam Gallagher has recalled Oasis first Glastonbury appearance, revealing how fans of the band tried to snort hispsoriasis backstage.

The Britpop groupfirst played Glasto in 1994 and Gallagher remembered a story from that years festival in a recent interview with Noisey.

I remember coming off stage and I got my clothes robbed, Gallagher said. I [also] remember meeting someone, some very strange kid, who come up to me and thought I had cocaine in my hair.

Liam explained: I got psoriasis [skin condition that causes itchy, scaly rashes] so I had obviously been scratching it during the day and that, and there were little white bits and shit. They were takingit out of my hair and putting it on their gums and putting it up their fucking nose. I went like, Okay'.

Watch in the video below at the 2.04 mark.

Earlier today, bookies announced 12/1 odds that Liam and Noel would reunite at Glastonbury 2017.Liamis set to play The Other Stage on Saturday afternoonwhereas his brother is also due to appeartointroduce a special screening of Oasis movie Supersonic.

Elsewhere in the interview, Gallaghershared an anecdote about hanging out with Steve Cooganand gavehis take on why Oasis never fully broke America.

Liam said: I think we were a bit too laddy or English for themIm quite happy with the way it went down in America to be honest. I think if we got big in America id be a proper c*nt.

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Liam Gallagher says that Oasis fans tried to snort his psoriasis at ... - NME.com

Psoriasis – NHS Choices

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.

These patches normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on your body.Most people are only affected with small patches. In some cases, the patches can be itchy or sore.

Psoriasis affects around 2% of people in the UK. It can start at any age, but most often develops in adults under 35 years old. The condition affects men and women equally.

The severity of psoriasis varies greatly from person to person. For some people it's just a minor irritation, but for others it can havea major impact on their quality of life.

Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) disease that usually involves periods when you have no symptoms ormild symptoms, followed by periods when symptoms are more severe.

Read more about the symptoms of psoriasis.

People with psoriasis have anincreased production of skin cells.

Skin cells are normallymade and replaced every three to four weeks, but in psoriasis this process only lasts about three to seven days. The resulting build-up of skin cells is what creates the patches associated with psoriasis.

Although the process isn't fully understood, it's thoughtto be related to a problem with the immune system. The immune systemis your body's defence against disease and infection, but for people with psoriasis, it attacks healthy skin cells by mistake.

Psoriasis can run in families,although the exact role that genetics plays in causing psoriasis is unclear.

Many people's psoriasis symptoms start or become worse because of a certain event, known as a "trigger". Possible triggers of psoriasis includean injury to your skin, throat infections and using certain medicines.

The condition isn't contagious, so it can't be spread from person to person.

Read more about thecauses of psoriasis.

A GP canoften diagnose psoriasis based on the appearance of your skin.

In rare cases, a small sample of skin, called a biopsy, will be sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope. This determines the exact type of psoriasis and rules out other skin disorders, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, lichen planus, lichen simplex and pityriasis rosea.

You may be referred to a dermatologist (a specialist in diagnosing and treating skin conditions) if your doctor is uncertain about your diagnosis, or if your condition is severe.

If your doctor suspects you have psoriatic arthritis, which is sometimes a complication of psoriasis, you may be referred to a rheumatologist (a doctor who specialises in arthritis). You may have blood tests to rule out other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and X-rays of the affected joints may be taken.

There's no cure for psoriasis, but a range of treatments can improve symptoms and the appearance of skin patches.

In most cases, the first treatment used will be a topical treatment, such as vitamin D analogues or topical corticosteroids. Topical treatments are creams and ointments applied to the skin.

If these aren't effective, or your condition is more severe, a treatment called phototherapy may be used. Phototherapy involves exposing your skin to certain types of ultraviolet light.

In severe cases, where the above treatments are ineffective, systemic treatments may be used. These are oral or injected medicines that work throughout the whole body.

Read more about treating psoriasis.

Although psoriasis is just a minor irritation for some people, it can have a significant impact on quality of life for those more severely affected.

For example,some people with psoriasis have low self-esteem because of the effect the condition has on their appearance. It's also quitecommonto developtenderness, pain and swelling in the joints and connective tissue. This is known as psoriatic arthritis.

Speak to your GP or healthcare team if you have psoriasis and youhave any concerns about your physical and mental wellbeing. Theycan offer advice and further treatment if necessary. There are also support groups for people with psoriasis, such as The Psoriasis Association, where you can speak to other people with the condition.

Read more about living with psoriasis.

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Page last reviewed: 27/05/2015

Next review due: 27/05/2018

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Psoriasis - NHS Choices

Novartis’ Cosentyx and Eli Lilly’s Taltz Bring Disruption to the Psoriasis Market as IL-17 Share Increases Dramatically – PR Newswire (press release)

So, what does this mean for other biologics in PsO? According to the report, Humira has seen a 16% offset to share over the past year and Enbrel has given up more than 20%. Although future projections show this erosion curve to continue, actual offsets may come at a slower pace, particularly for Humira, which is extremely well-entrenched as a first line biologic, as well as the preferred biologic for certain PsO patient types. Furthermore, AbbVie dominates when it comes to perceptions about manufacturer support for patients, providers, and the dermatology community.

Janssen's Stelara has carved out a solid position as the leading alternative mechanism biologic; however, the IL-17s are expected to catch up in the next six months, essentially flattening Stelara's growth. Indeed, among those expecting to increase their use of IL-17s, close to a third expect a corresponding decrease in the use of Stelara.

Lastly, Celgene's Otezla has maintained a solid position as a psoriasis treatment and dermatologists do project gains in patients with mild and moderate disease. However, only half of the current Otezla patients are classified as "well-managed" compared to 71% of biologic-treated patients. Furthermore, dermatologists identified multiple barriers to increased use of Otezla, including market access challenges, issues with GI tolerability, and sustained efficacy. Until additional oral small molecule products enter the psoriasis market, Otezla has the corner on a market very much in demand by patients.

The next wave of this study, RealTime Dynamix, will field in August and further drivers behind the evolution of this market will be explored next month in RealWorld Dynamix: Psoriasis, a large scale syndicated chart analysis of over 1,000 biologic/apremilast treated patients that have recently switched brands.

All company, brand or product names in this document are trademarks of their respective holders

About Spherix Global Insights Spherix Global Insights is a business intelligence and market research company, specializing in renal, autoimmune, neurologic and rare disease markets. Our aim is to apply our commercial experience and unique relationships within core specialty markets to translate data into insight, enabling our clients to make smarter business decisions.

For more information contact: Lynn Price, Immunology Franchise Head Email: info@spherixglobalinsights.com http://www.spherixglobalinsights.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novartis-cosentyx-and-eli-lillys-taltz-bring-disruption-to-the-psoriasis-market-as-il-17-share-increases-dramatically-300477250.html

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Novartis' Cosentyx and Eli Lilly's Taltz Bring Disruption to the Psoriasis Market as IL-17 Share Increases Dramatically - PR Newswire (press release)

Lancashire ANP named ‘psoriasis nurse of the year’ – Nursing Times

The award was presented to her in front of over 200 other nursing professionals at the British Dermatological Nursing Groups annual conference in Belfast last week.

Being involved with psoriatic patients is part of my role that I thoroughly enjoy and feel passionate about

Zahira Koreja

She was nominated by her patients and stood out to the judges, they said, due to her dedication, compassion, and the support she provided to those in her care.

Hudson Parsons, who nominated Ms Koreja for the award, praised her ability to always find a solution, saying: I have lived with psoriasis for approximately 20 years and have had many dermatologists and nurses within this time.

I can safely say that the care that I have received from Zahira is the best I have ever had, he said. Zahira has been instrumental in helping me finally live a normal life by keeping my psoriasis under control.

Lancashire ANP named psoriasis nurse of the year

Lynne Skrine and Zahira Koreja

On winning the award, Ms Koreja said: I was honoured to receive the award for psoriasis nurse of the year.

Being involved with psoriatic patients is part of my role as an advanced nurse practitioner that I thoroughly enjoy and feel passionate about, she said. Our aim is to deliver safe, personal and effective care to all our patients.

It is important to empower patients by giving them the tools needed to manage their long term condition and support them through their journey, she said.

Therefore, receiving this award is a privilege not just for myself but is a reflection of the dedication of the whole of the East Lancashire NHS dermatology department, she added.

As reported by Nursing Times, the dermatology outpatients team at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust was named team of the year at the same event.

Now in its second year, the Psoriasis Nurse of the Year Award recognises the work of psoriasis nurses delivering exceptional support and care to their patients.

The award was judged by both members of the British Dermatological Nursing Groups executive committee and representatives from the charity the Psoriasis Association.

Lynne Skrine, president at British Dermatological Nursing Group, said: Nurses have a vital role to play in the ongoing care of people with psoriasis, providing both clinical and practical support to help those affected cope with their day to day lives.

We were therefore delighted that the award is happening for a second time running and to receive such heartfelt nominations for nurses from all corners of the UK and Ireland, reinforcing just how much their support is appreciated by patients, she added.

Ms Koreja was presented with a bespoke trophy, created by a graffiti artist, that depicts the support given by nurses to people with psoriasis.

The Psoriasis Nurse of the Year award is fully funded by the biopharmaceutical company Celgene UK & Ireland.

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Lancashire ANP named 'psoriasis nurse of the year' - Nursing Times

Marijuana May Be The Hero Psoriasis Patients Need – The Fresh Toast

Psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes itchy, red scale to appear on the skin, is no stranger to the three million people who suffer from it. While itchiness is the most common symptom, in many cases patients also experience painfully inflamed tendons as well joint stiffness.

Unfortunately, the condition remains incurable, but scientists are pointing to a likely remedy to make the disease less insufferable. Thats right, cannabis has some pretty awesome effects on psoriasis.

In a 2007 study researchers concluded that cannabinoids can inhibit the buildup of dead skin cells and other symptoms of psoriasis. The study, which was published in the Journal of Dermatological Science, used different types of cannabinoids including, THC (cannabis most psychoactive component), CBD (one of cannabis least active ingredients) and cannabinol and cannabigerol (other cannabis compounds) all of which were used to examine cannabis anti-inflammatory effects.

Researchers concluded, The cannabinoids tested all inhibited keratinocyte proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. In other words, the four different cannabinoids they tested were all able to block the buildup of dead skin.

Why does this matter? Well, psoriasis is, essentially, the rapid accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of the epidermis. So cannabis ability to stop that accumulation is a win, for people battling the inherited disease.

In a not so formal study, researchers at Gwynedd Cannabis Club in Wales, conducted a 9 day experiment in which they treated one subject with acute psoriasis, using cannabis oil. Prior to the experiment, the subject had been using a chemotherapy drug called Methotrexate, known to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

However, the side effects of the drug included fever, diarrhea and increased the chance of infection.

During the 9 day study, the subject was given three doses of topical daily, for nine. Following the treatment, the subject reported no adverse side effects and even noted how she was able to go swimming with her family, which is something she had been limited in doing, due to her psoriasis.

Now, while this study is majority anecdotal, it still serves as another example of cannabis healing powers for people with psoriasis especially in cases where conventional pharmaceuticals cant seem to get it right.

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Marijuana May Be The Hero Psoriasis Patients Need - The Fresh Toast

Novartis (NVS) Announced Positive Data on Psoriasis Cosentyx – Zacks.com

Novartis AG (NVS - Free Report) announced positive data on arthritis drug Cosentyx from two phase III studies at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2017), in Madrid.

Cosentyx, fully human monoclonal antibody, is already approved in the U.S. and EU for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The drug is also approved in the EU for the treatment of adults with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who have responded inadequately to conventional therapy, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drug is also instrumental for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults when the response to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy is unsatisfactory.

In Jan 2016, Cosentyx obtained the FDA approval for the treatment of adults with active ankylosing spondylitis and for the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis.

The data shows sustained improvement in the signs and symptoms for active AS at three years. The new data also revealed that Cosentyx provides rapid and sustained pain relief in patients with PsA out to 2 years.

Data from the phase III study, MEASURE 1 extension study, showed 80% of AS patients consistently achieved an ASAS 20 response at 3 years, in tandem with previous findings from the FUTURE 1 study on Cosentyx for active PsA. Additionally, a 2-year post-hoc analysis of the FUTURE 2 study evaluated Cosentyx in PsA, where 99% patients reported moderate-to-extreme pain or discomfort before initiating treatment. At week 3, half of the treated with Cosentyx reported clinically meaningful improvements in pain of over 20%, as measured by Visual Analogue Scale.

Meanwhile, patient recruitment is underway for the new head-to-head clinical trial, EXCEED, to evaluate the superiority of Cosentyx versus AbbVies (ABBV - Free Report) Humira in PsA.

Novartis has outperformed the Zacks classified industry over the last six months. The stock has rallied 12.2% compared with the Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industrys gain of 4.5%.

The uptake of Cosentyx has been strong and the company has grabbed market shares from rivals, Humira and Amgens (AMGN - Free Report) Enbrel. Cosentyx achieved blockbuster status in 2016 recording over $1 billion of sales.

Novartis expects the next growth phase to begin in 2018 driven by Cosentyx (in all three indications psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) Entresto, and Kisqali and a deep pipeline with candidates like CTL019, BAF312, AMG 334, RTH258. Going forward, we expect that the approval of new drugs and label expansion of existing ones will bode well for Novartis.

Zacks Rank & Key Pick

Novartis currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

A better-ranked stock in healthcare sector include VIVUS, Inc. (VVUS - Free Report) which sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can seethe complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

VIVUSs loss per share estimates lessened from 50 cents to 39 cents for 2017 in the last 30 days. The company posted positive earnings surprises in all four trailing quarters with average beat of 233.69%.

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Novartis (NVS) Announced Positive Data on Psoriasis Cosentyx - Zacks.com

Single-center, noninterventional clinical trial to assess the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of a dimeticone … – Dove Medical Press

Back to Browse Journals Psoriasis: Targets and Therapy Volume 7

Ulrich R Hengge,1 Kristina Rschmann,2 Henning Candler3

1Skin Center, Dsseldorf, 2Department of Clinical Research, 3Department of Medical Affairs, G.PohlBoskamp GmbH & Co. KG,Hohenlockstedt, Germany

Introduction: Psoriasis is a frequent inflammatory skin disease affecting ~2%3% of the population in western countries. Scaling of the psoriatic lesions is the most impairing symptom in patients with psoriasis. In contrast to conventional keratolytic treatment concepts containing salicylic acid or urea, a dimeticone-based medical device (Loyon) removes scales in a physical way without any pharmacological effect. Objective: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of a dimeticone-based medical device in removal of scales in patients with psoriasis corporis/capitis under real-life conditions. Methods: Forty patients with psoriasis capitis or corporis were included and received once-daily treatments for 7 days. Clinical assessment of the psoriasis area severity index score (psoriasis corporis) and the psoriasis scalp severity index score (psoriasis capitis) was performed and evaluated at baseline, after 3 and 7 days of treatment. Baseline scaling scores and redness scores were calculated for two target lesions of the scalp or the body on a 5-point scale each. Results: For the primary efficacy variable scaling score, a statistically significant decrease was observed after treatment, with a relative reduction in scaling of 36.8% after 7 days of treatment within patients affected by psoriasis capitis. Treatment success was achieved in 76.8% of patients with psoriasis capitis, and time to treatment success was evaluated to be 4.14 days for these patients and 4.33 days for patients suffering from psoriasis corporis. Conclusion: In conclusion, this trial demonstrated that the dimeticone-based medical device is a safe, well-tolerated, practicable, and efficient keratolytic compound, which can be well implemented in and recommended for standard therapy of psoriasis.

Keywords: psoriasis, keratolysis, scaling, PSSI, PASI

This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License. By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.

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Single-center, noninterventional clinical trial to assess the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of a dimeticone ... - Dove Medical Press

Tofacitinib may be an effective treatment for nail psoriasis – 2 Minute Medicine

1. In a posthoc analysis of 2, phase 3 randomized controlled trials of over 1000 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, tofacitinib (an oral Janus kinase inhibitor) treatment demonstrated significantly improved clinical nail psoriasis severity scores at 16 weeks compared to placebo.

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

Study Rundown: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease associated with clinical manifestations of the nail that include pitting, onycholysis, subungual hyperkeratosis, and discoloration. Nail psoriasis may severely impair function and is associated with significantly greater disease severity and impact on patient quality of life than psoriasis without nail involvement. Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor that has previously demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in phase 3 clinical trials of moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of tofacitinib on nail psoriasis.

This study is a post-hoc pooled analysis of two phase 3 clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of tofacitinib in 1196 patients with nail psoriasis. At the conclusion of the study, both the 5mg and 10mg twice-daily administrations of tofacitinb demonstrated clinically significant improvement in nail psoriasis compared to placebo at 16 weeks with effects maintained at 52 weeks. The results of this study support the use of tofacitinib as a potential treatment modality for nail psoriasis. This study is strengthened by its large sample size, multiple trial sites, randomization, double blinding, and comparison to placebo. The interpretation of study results is limited by the use of only objective measures to assess severity without incorporating subjective patient-reported outcomes. Moreover, non-responders were discontinued from the study at 28 weeks and not included in analysis. Multi-center prospective trials that include patient-reported outcome measures to assess improvements in severity may help improve the validity and of the study.

Click to read the study in JAAD

Relevant Reading: Tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis: results from two randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III trials

In-Depth [randomized controlled trial]: This study conducted a pooled posthoc analysis of two identical 52-week multi-site phase 3 randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of tofacitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis with nail involvement. Patients in both trials were randomized 2:2:1 to receive tofacitinib 5mg or 10mg, or placebo twice daily. Overall, this study identified 1196 patients with nail involvement of the original 1859 patients with psoriasis recruited in the initial studies. Patients were determined to be moderate-to-severe via a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score 12, Physicians Global Assessment of moderate or severe, and affected body surface area 10%. Improvements in severity were assessed using the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI). The proportion of patients that demonstrated a 50%, 75% or 100% reduction from baseline in NAPSI score (NAPSI50, NAPSI75 and NAPSI100) were calculated and compared between treatment arms. Patients treated with tofacitinib demonstrated improvement in pitting, onycholysis, subungual hyperkeratosis, and discoloration. Moreover, treatment with tofacitinib demonstrated significantly greater proportions of patients that achieved NAPSI50, NAPSI75 and NAPSI100 compared to placebo at 16 weeks (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean number of affected nails decreased from 7.3 at baseline to 3.5 and 2.7 at 52-weeks for the 5mg and 10mg doses, respectively.

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20172 Minute Medicine, Inc. All rights reserved. No works may be reproduced without expressed written consent from 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. Inquire about licensing here. No article should be construed as medical advice and is not intended as such by the authors or by 2 Minute Medicine, Inc.

2 Minute Medicines The Classics in Medicine: Summaries of the Landmark Trials is available now in paperback and e-book editions.

This text summarizes the key trials in:General Medicine and Chronic Disease, Cardiology, Critical and Emergent Care, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Hematology and Oncology, Imaging, Infectious Disease, Nephrology, Neurology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Pulmonology, and Surgery.

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Tofacitinib may be an effective treatment for nail psoriasis - 2 Minute Medicine

Exploring high cholesterol’s link with psoriasis – Medical Xpress

June 12, 2017 by Kevin Mccullough Space-filling model of the Cholesterol molecule. Credit: RedAndr/Wikipedia

A new Northwestern Medicine study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has demonstrated how a specific class of immune cells represent a previously unknown link between high cholesterol and the development of symptoms characteristic of psoriasis.

Scientists have long known that patients with psoriasisan inflammatory disease that causes itchy, dry and red skinoften have high cholesterol levels, also known as hyperlipidemia. Up until now, however, the cause of this association has been poorly understood.

In the current study, Chyung-Ru Wang, PhD, professor of Microbiology-Immunology, and her colleagues created a strain of mice that contain a category of immune cells called self-lipid reactive T-cells, and also have higher-than-normal amounts of cholesterol in the blood.

"To our surprise, these mice spontaneously developed skin lesions, which were caused by the activation of self-lipid reactive T-cells only under conditions of hyperlipidemia. The skin disease closely matched the symptoms and progression of psoriasis in humans," Wang said.

The findings, according to the authors, may represent an important link between the presence of high cholesterol and the development of psoriasis, a connection that has not previously been explained.

In a separate experiment, Wang and her team examined blood samples from human patients with a psoriasis diagnosis, and found that the levels of those same self-lipid reactive T-cells were elevated in those patients, compared to those without psoriasis.

Taken together, the scientists say the findings of the study are important because they may point to why hyperlipidemia might be linked to the onset of some autoimmune diseases, like psoriasis. Identifying and targeting the antigens that provoke the T-cells in question may represent a future avenue for developing treatments for psoriasis and other hyperlipidemia-associated inflammatory diseases.

Explore further: Psoriasis may up risk of melanoma, hematologic cancer

More information: Sreya Bagchi et al. CD1b-autoreactive T cells contribute to hyperlipidemia-induced skin inflammation in mice, Journal of Clinical Investigation (2017). DOI: 10.1172/JCI92217

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Exploring high cholesterol's link with psoriasis - Medical Xpress

New systemic psoriasis treatments keep raising bar – ModernMedicine

Dr. LeonardiThe ongoing rush of safe, highly effective systemic agents for psoriasis has created a new era in which substantial numbers of patients may achieve complete clearance, said an expert at the American Academy of Dermatology 75th Annual Meeting, held here.

In the year 2000, said Craig Leonardi, M.D., two authors called complete skin clearance an unrealistic expectation for patients with psoriasis.1

The fact is that right now, we have many drugs that are so far different from what we used to use even five years ago that complete clearance is a realistic possibility in many of our patients, says Dr. Leonardi. He is adjunct professor of dermatology at St. Louis University and a St. Louis, Missouri-based dermatologist in private practice.

As a reference point, he says, Finally, we have numbers for how methotrexate performs in modern measurement systems. In a well-designed 120-patient trial with modest dose escalation, 41% of patients achieved psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) 75, and 66% achieved PASI 50 at week 16.2 This settles the issue of how well methotrexate indeed performs, Dr. Leonardi says. Although no study patients developed pancytopenia, Its always an issue in the back of my mind. At any one time Ill have hundreds of patients on methotrexate. Based on research in rheumatoid arthritis, he says, risk factors include renal disease, hypoalbuminemia, infection, age and concomitant medication use.

New targets

Since the demise of T-cell inhibitors such as alefacept and efalizumab, Dr. Leonardi says, Weve been concentrating on cytokines and cytokine inhibitors. And its been a very busy time in the pharmaceutical industry and for those of us who do this research.

Among tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) inhibitors that dermatologists may not have heard much about, Certolizumab is one you should definitely remember. It is a pegylated TNF-alpha inhibitor, not a monoclonal antibody. In trials, it is a high-performance skin-clearing drug. In phase 3 testing, 81% and 82% in separate cohorts achieved PASI 75.3 Thats functionally equivalent to infliximab. This is a drug you might be able to reach for. You can prescribe it currently for psoriatic arthritis its approved. And based on phase 3 results in psoriasis, We expect it to sail through the approval process.

Recent approvals in the TNF inhibitor category include biosimilar versions of infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab. And there are others in the pipeline.

New indications for existing drugs include hidradenitis suppurativa and uveitis (adalimumab) and pediatric psoriasis (etanercept). Physicians use golimumab mainly for psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, he says. It offers very modest results in psoriasis.

We know that psoriasis is a significant cardiovascular risk factor. Patients with severe psoriasis have a marked increased relative risk of myocardial infarction (MI) compared to mild psoriasis4 and, in another analysis, control subjects.

More recently, research analyzing cardiovascular risk in various treatment groups has shown that TNF inhibitors and methotrexate reduce risk of MI around 50%.5 This is the first time we are seeing evidence that treatments can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, Dr. Leonardi says.

Additionally, an analysis of cardiovascular risk in patients on TNF inhibitors showed a statistically significant, marked decrease of MI risk, starting at around month 12 and lasting several months thereafter, versus patients on methotrexate.6 Even more amazing, cumulative use of TNF antagonists serially reduced the risk of myocardial infarction. Predicted hazard rate reductions at one, two and three years were 21%, 38% and 51%. And theres probably more to be gained beyond three years. What a wonderful story. Were treating their skin and joints and giving them an increased benefit from a cardiovascular risk perspective, he says.

Among interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitors, he says, a straightforward phase 3 study of tildrakizumab (two doses, versus placebo or etanercept) showed that the higher dose outperforms the lower dose 66% versus 61% in terms of both PASI 75 and physician assessments, without noteworthy safety issues.7 With regard to severe infections, malignancies, major adverse cardiovascular events and drug hypersensitivity reactions, all of these issues are comparable to placebo or to etanercept. This drug appears to be safe and well tolerated.

The phase 3 study of guselkumab did not even consider PASI 75 a primary endpoint, Dr. Leonardi says. Rather, 73% of patients reached PASI 90 at 16 weeks, versus 2.9% of placebo-treated patients.8 This is a significant drug. It distinguishes itself quite clearly from adalimumab in terms of efficacy, with comparable safety findings.

In phase 2 testing, a single dose of risankizumab allowed 87% of patients to reach PASI 75, and 58% to reach PASI 90, at 12 weeks.9 And one-third of these patients remained clear for more than 66 weeks. James Krueger, M.D., Ph.D., has called the drug and immunologic disruptor, says Dr. Leonardi, because its pharmacodynamic effect far exceeds its pharmacokinetic effect. Dr. Krueger is D. Martin Carter Professor in Clinical Investigation at Rockefeller University.

IL-17 inhibitors

In secukinumab four-year data, Efficacy whether its PASI 75 (88.5%), PASI 90 (66.4%) or PASI 100 (43.5%) seems to be maintained.10 The caveat is that this is an as-observed analysis. In other words, the denominator is dropping over time as patients achieving lesser efficacy and tolerability drop out. For most patients, Its not surprising that the efficacy should seem stable over time. It would have been a real problem if we saw efficacy dropping off. Regarding serious adverse events, he adds, There are a lot of zeros in the table, including for Crohns disease. There were two cases of ulcerative colitis. This issue of ulcerative colitis and its association with IL-17 antagonists is ongoing, and were going to have to see how that plays out. Its a rare event less than one in 1000 patients in the secukinumab data.

Unpublished five-year data for ixekizumab, in an analysis which accounted for dropouts over time, shows stable PASI 75, 90 and 100 results (approximately 80%, 70% and 47%, respectively), he says. As for AEs that led to drug discontinuation (13), There were many one-off events that dont seem to have any pattern. All adverse events also appear uncommon and stable over time, he added.

The IL-17 receptor antagonist brodalimumab showed efficacy similar to that of ixekizumab in phase 3 trials (86%/85% PASI75, and 37%/44% PASI 100).11 But early in these trials, he says, concerns for depression, suicidal ideation and behavior appeared. There were six suicides in these trials four in the skin trials and two in psoriatic arthritis trials. The FDA remarked that this was an unprecedented collection of serious issues for any psoriasis trial to date. I would take that to heart.

Amgen abandoned the products development in 2015, and Valeant took it to an FDA hearing in July 2016, at which all 18 FDA reviewers recommended approval although 14 advised implementing a strong risk management program. So this drug has a boxed warning for depression and suicide coming out of the gate, and a risk-management system reminiscent of iPLEDGE, he said.

We must wait and see how our specialty reacts to this, how onerous this will be in our offices and whether or not this drug will gain any traction given that equally efficacious drugs with fewer hassles already exist. Moreover, Dr. Leonardi noted that patients with psoriasis have elevated baseline levels of suicidal ideation and depression versus the general population.12

Development of tofacitinib in dermatology has stopped, said Dr. Leonardi. The FDA has returned the application to Pfizer. The problem with this drug is that patients needed a big dose 15 mg twice a day to have outstanding efficacy. But there was a hard safety signal that occurred much earlier at lower doses. FDA officials noted that in rheumatoid arthritis trials, 14 of the 15 patients who died were on tofacitinib. And there were 34 opportunistic infections, he added, all in tofacitinib-treated patients. In the psoriasis trials, there were more than 1,000 cases of herpes zoster.

However, he said, tofacitinib can be useful off-label for indications including alopecia areata, alopecia-associated nail dystrophy, vitiligo and severe atopic dermatitis. When he prescribed 5 mg of tofacitinib twice-daily for a patient with a 15-year history of alopecia universalis and steroid induced adrenal suppression, One year later, she had more hair than I did.

Disclosures: Dr. Leonardi has been a consultant, researcher and/or speaker for Abbvie, Amgen, Celgene, Coherus, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Leo, Merck, Merck-Serono, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz and Vitae. He also provides phototherapy and has an infusion center.

References

1. Al-Suwaidan SN, Feldman SR. Clearance is not a realistic expectation of psoriasis treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000;42(5 Pt 1):796-802.

2. Warren RB, Mrowietz U, von Kiedrowski R, et al. An intensified dosing schedule of subcutaneous methotrexate in patients with moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis (METOP): a 52 week, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2017; 389(10068):528-537.

3. http://www.ucb.com/stories-media/press-releases/article/CIMZIA-certolizu... http://www.ucb.com/stories-media/press-releases/article/CIMZIA-certolizu.... Published October 3, 2016. Accessed April 7, 2017.

4. Gelfand JM, Neimann AL, Shin DB, Wang X, Margolis DJ, Troxel AB. Risk of myocardial infarction in patients with psoriasis. JAMA. 2006;296(14):1735-41.

5. Wu JJ, Poon KY, Channual JC, Shen AY. Association between tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy and myocardial infarction risk in patients with psoriasis. Arch Dermatol. 2012;148(11):1244-50.

6. Wu JJ, Gurin A, Sundaram M, Dea K, Cloutier M, Mulani P. Cardiovascular event risk assessment in psoriasis patients treated with tumor necrosis factor- inhibitors versus methotrexate. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(1):81-90.

7. Reich K, et al. Tildrakizumab, selective IL-23p19 antibody, in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis: results from two randomized, controlled, Phase 3 trials (reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2) [abstract]. Presented as a late breaking abstract at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2016. October 1, 2016.

8. Blauvelt A, Papp KA, Griffiths CE, et al. Efficacy and safety of guselkumab, an anti-interleukin-23 monoclonal antibody, compared with adalimumab for the continuous treatment of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: Results from the phase III, double-blinded, placebo- and active comparator-controlled VOYAGE 1 trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(3):405-417.

9. Krueger JG, Ferris LK, Menter A, et al. Anti-IL-23A mAb BI 655066 for treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis: safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and biomarker results of a single-rising-dose, randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2015;136(1):116124; e117. 29.

10. Bissonnette R, et al. Secukinumab maintains high levels of efficacy through 4 years of treatments: Results from an extension to a phase 3 study (SCULPTURE). Paper presented at: European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Annual Meeting.; October 01, 2016; Vienna, Austria.

11. Lebwohl M, Strober B, Menter A, et al. Phase 3 studies comparing brodalumab with ustekinumab in psoriasis. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(14):1318-28.

12. Gupta MA, Schork NJ, Gupta AK, Kirkby S, Ellis CN. Suicidal ideation in psoriasis. Int J Dermatol. 1993;32(3):188-90.

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New systemic psoriasis treatments keep raising bar - ModernMedicine

What Is Psoriasis? Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears And Other Celebrities Suffering From The Skin Disease – International Business Times

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which results in the person developing red, scaly patches all over their body. Some of the common areas of the body affected the most by the disease are scalp, knees and elbows.

It is a noncontagious disease that has become fairly common among people of all ages and is triggered by inflammatory chemicals produced by white blood cells called lymphocytes, Medicine Netreported.

Although its symptoms may range from small rashes to the entire body covered with thick, red plagues, depending on the level of the disease, it is the incurable nature of the disease that makes it one of the most intimidating skin diseases.

Read: Drug For Psoriasis Shows Results After 4 Weeks: Study

While it cannot be passed from one person to the next via direct contact or transfer of body fluids, it has been known to affect more than one member of the same family, indicating the hereditary nature of the disease, Web MD reported.

Many eminent personalities have previously opened up about suffering from the disease, eroding the social stigma attached to it.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian West attends the NBCUniversal 2017 Upfront in New York City, May 15, 2017. Photo: Getty Images/Angela Weiss

Reality star and fashionista Kim Kardashian has been perhaps the most vocal when it comes to addressing the struggles of psoriasis. She repeatedly spread awareness regarding the problem on her family reality show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians. However, Kardashian wasnt always as accepting of her chronic skin disease initially, according toHealthline.

She first realized she had psoriasis at the age of 30, incidentally the same age her motherKris Jenner discovered she suffered from the same skin disease. The socialite had almost given up on her career at that point.

Read:Biocon Launches Psoriasis Drug In India; To File IND Application With US FDA This Fiscal

"People don't understand the pressure on me to look perfect," she lamented on the show, Everyday Health reported. "When I gain a pound, it's in the headlines. Imagine what the tabloids would do to me if they saw all these spots?"

But all of that is in the past as the reality star, married to Kanye West, has now embraced her skin abnormality and is even seen advising step-sisterKylie Jenneron how best to tackle the problem as she too has inherited psoriasis.

Kardashian also posts pictures of her skin spots on Twitter.

Art Garfunkel

Grammy Award-winning American singer Art Garfunkel performs on stage at the Bloomfield Stadium in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, Israel, June 10, 2015. Photo: Getty Images/Gil Cohen Magen

The singer who was one half of Simon & Garfunkel, bringing to the world 60s classics such as "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Sound of Silence,"Art Grfunkel also famously suffered from psoriasis and left no stones unturned when it came to treating the same. He had incorrectly learned water from the Dead Sea could help heal the disease. So he decided to try it out, but to no avail.

Ive been told that if you float in the salty, buoyant water, its very good for the skin. Its not so much therapeutic as beautiful, he wrote onhis website.

Britney Spears

Singer Britney Spears performs onstage at the iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 24, 2016. Photo: Getty Images/Kevin Winter

Although the former teenage popstar secretly suffered from psoriasis for a long time, it was only in 2012 the skin condition of the Toxic singer hit the public eye.

Spears was booked as a judge on X Factor, a job which came with unprecedented stress, causing her skin to breakout in angry red rashes, which were clearly visible when she stepped out on the red carpet at the X Factor premiere party in Los Angeles.

"Britney has had the skin condition for a long time, but it only flares up when she's under extreme pressure, a source told National Enquirer, News reported. Now she can't seem to stop scratching and picking at the sores. She has a psoriasis skin cream, but she says it burns, so she stopped using it."

Dara Torres

Olympian Dara Torres waits for the start of the practice session for the 42nd Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Press Day in Long Beach, California, on April 5, 2016. Photo: Getty Images/Frederick M. Brown

Swimmer Dara Torres is one of the very few people who braved the chlorine-filled waters of the swimming pools while most others would remain wary of the same if they were diagnosed with psoriasis. The 12-time Olympic winner instead claimed the water actually soothedthe red spots on her skin, according to Health.

Torres has also been vocal against the stigma attached to the disease, saying athletes who suffer from psoriasis should not be self-conscious of their skin condition, especially when they are out in front of the world, competing to win.

"Psoriasis isn't contagious and it isn't just cosmetic," she says in a public service announcement. "It's a serious disease."

Jon Lovitz

Comedian/actor Jon Lovitz performs during the kickoff of his 20-show residency 'Reunited' with Dana Carvey at The Foundry at SLS Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jan. 6, 2017. Photo: Getty Images/Ethan Miller

Comedian Jon Lovitz is another celebrity who battled psoriasis for years now. The body of the Saturday Night Live and Rat Race star had 75 percentof his body covered in psoriasis spots at one point. However, he refused to give up and worked with a number of dermatologists to find a cure for his condition.

"Don't be embarrassed," he said in an interview with the National Psoriasis Foundation, according to the Health report. "See a dermatologist. A lot of people with psoriasis give up, but don't. Find out what works best for you.

LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes attends Luli Fama fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2015 at Cabana Grande at The Raleigh in Miami, Florida, July 20, 2014. Photo: Getty Images/Aaron Davidson

LeAnn Rimes, the country singer, was diagnosed with psoriasis at the age of two, and she proceeded to hide the condition from the world most of her life. At the age of six, 80 percent of her body was covered in red spots, and people around her started referring her as the scaly girl.

She would refrain from wearing short dresses which showed skin on red carpets. However, healthy lifestyle choices and medication prescribed by her dermatologist helped her recover from the problem.

By finally getting control over it instead of it having control over me, I wanted to speak out and let people know that there is hope, Rimes told Shape.

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What Is Psoriasis? Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears And Other Celebrities Suffering From The Skin Disease - International Business Times