Category Archives: Psoriasis

Interleukin (IL)-41, also known as Meteorin-like, is expressed in the synovial tissue of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA), and is present and inducible in the enthesis, according to study results published in Clinical Immunology.

The study included data from patients who were treatment-naive. Researchers extracted synovial fluid and measured IL-41 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; results from the synovial fluid had <10% reproducibility error. Cell cultures and receptor analysis by flow cytometry were performed to achieve appropriate samples. Researchers also obtained patient demographics.

Study results indicated that IL-41 was detectable in synovial fluid samples in patients with PsA, RA and OA, although it was significantly higher in PsA and RA compared with OA (median, 7722 pg/mL; P =.0011 and 8325 pg/mL; P =.0003 vs 5044 pg/mL, respectively). Researchers also obtained levels of IL-41 in synovial fluid from patients with gout; it was higher compared with IL-41 in patients with OA, but statistical significance was not achieved.

Researchers investigated the production of IL-41 in healthy enthesis samples and noted that although minimal IL-41 was produced from enthesis mononuclear cells, entheseal stromal cells produced a significant amount of IL-41 in comparison. Synovial fibroblasts also showed similar levels of IL-41 compared with entheseal stromal cells.

In addition, the researchers assessed whether IL-41 could be induced by disease relevant mediators, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-17A, and IL-17F. Results showed that when used alone, TNF, IL-17A, and IL-17F did not induce an increase in IL-41, but TNF with IL-17A or IL-17F led to a significant increase in IL-41 production. Study investigators observed similar results with synovial fibroblasts.

Overall, IL-41 was significantly elevated in the synovium and was induced from enthesis stromal cells in patients with PsA.

The precise role of IL-41 in PsA immunopathogenesis requires further study, the researchers concluded.

Reference

Bridgewood C, Russell T, Weedon H, et al. The novel cytokine Metrnl/IL-41 is elevated in psoriatic arthritis synovium and inducible from both entheseal and synovial fibroblasts. J Clin Immunol. 2019;208:108253.

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IL-41 Levels Elevated in Synovium of Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis - Rheumatology Advisor

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Novartis data show Cosentyx treatment results in rapid and sustained resolution of signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in patients with and wit...

WhenKim Kardashian Westtold the world about her ongoing problems withpsoriasis, an immune-mediated disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin, it helped raise awareness for the condition. Now, another A-lister is speaking out with the same intention.

Pop icon Cyndi Lauper spoke out onGood Morning Americatoday about her battle with psoriasis and her partnership with Novartis (parent company ofCosentyx, an anti-psoriasis drug), which she hopes will help her reach those who are also suffering from the disease.

You May Also Like:Woman Posts Powerful Photos to Show What Psoriasis Feels Like

"I'm one of the 7.5 million people with it, and I just cant stress enough to not sit in the dark and not sit alone. When you're sick, you feel isolated and powerless, but information is power, so go toSeeMeToKnow.comand you'll hear my story and other people's stories. What everyone continually says is don't give upseek the treatment that's right for you. It's not just arash, it's an inflammatory thing."

Psoriasis, which according to the American Academy of Dermatology typically affects the outside of the elbows, knees or scalp, can begin at any age. "I was covered from head to toe with it (it started on myhead) and I felt badly," says Lauper. "But I didn't give up. I had every kind ofcrazy treatment. But what works for one person isn't going to work for another."

Keep a record of your symptoms and visit a board-certified dermatologist who can properly diagnose and treat you to minimize any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing.

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Cyndi Lauper Speaks Out About Her Ongoing Battle With This Skin Condition - NewBeauty Magazine (blog)

Advances in metabolomics are providing insights into psoriasis beyond what can be gleaned from genetic or immunologic studies.

In one recent development in this emerging field, investigators defined a unique serum profile of psoriasis based on specific metabolites. Building on those results, they developed some advanced statistical models that suggest metabolomics might one day be promising for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of patients with this disease.

Results of the study, which were published recently in the Archives of Dermatological Research,1 show that individuals with psoriasis exhibit significantly different serum concentrations of specific amino acids, urea, acylcarnitines, phosphatidylcholines, phytol, and other metabolites compared with control subjects.

While dermatologists are already doing an excellent job, understanding the metabolomics and biochemical background of psoriasis will definitely improve the treatment of their patients, says investigator Aigar Ottas, M.Sc., chair of medical biochemistry with the Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.

To date, most scientific investigations of psoriasis have been focused on the genetic background or immunologic aspects of the disease. What Mr. Ottas and other researchers like him hope to do is foster a broader understanding of the disease through metabolomics, an emerging field that focuses on the identification and measurement of metabolites such as amino acids, carbohydrates and carbohydrate derivatives, and lipids.

Although the understanding of the genetic background of a disease is very important, it does not allow to monitor the current state of a disease nor its progression, Mr. Ottas tells Dermatology Times. This is something that metabolomics could really contribute in.

Metabolites make up unique psoriasis profile

To help define a metabolomic profile for psoriasis, Mr. Ottas collected fasting blood samples from a total of 55 psoriasis patients and 51 age- and sex-matched controls.

In one portion of the study, they used a targeted approach to analyze concentrations of known metabolites. A total of 19 metabolites were identified that differed significantly between psoriasis patients and controls. For example, serum from psoriasis patients had lower concentrations of acylcarnitines, such as nonaylcarnitine (0.4 +/- 0.01 M vs 0.5 +/- 0.01 M; P = 0.002), and had higher concentrations of amino acids such as glutamate (92.85 +/- 66.43 M vs 49.06 +/- 22.76 M; P = 0.002), phenylalanine (82.91 +/- 18.96 M vs 72.46 +/- 13.51 M; P = 0.026), and ornithine (99.79 +/- 29.44 M vs 82.28 +/- 20.85 M; P = 0.011).

In a second portion of the study, investigators used an untargeted approach to discover other metabolites that might be implicated in psoriasis. They found a total of 22 metabolites with concentrations that varied significantly between serum of psoriasis patients and controls; of these, 12 metabolites could be identified; these included urea, taurine, and phytol, among others.

Many of the metabolites identified in the study are either part of the urea cycle or very closely related. Other metabolites had an exogenous (ie, food) origin.

Since the metabolism of psoriasis patients seems to be altered it might be worth investigating if and how much diet affects the onset and progression of the disease, Mr. Ottas says.

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New psoriasis patient profile - ModernMedicine

Encore Dermatology, formed two years ago as a vehicle for three ex-Valeant products, has picked upa late-stage pipeline drug via a deal with India's Dr. Reddy's Laboratories.

The Malvern, Pennsylvania, company says it has licensed a steroid candidate developed by Dr. Reddy's Promius Pharma subsidiary that has passed phase 3 testing in adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and could claim U.S. approval within weeks.

Encore is paying up to $32.5 million for development, manufacturing and commercialization rights to the drug, a topical corticosteroid called DFD-06 that is administered twice daily as a cream and is also in phase 2 testing for psoriasis in children and adolescents.

If approved, the drug will slot into its portfolio alongside dermatologic creams Hylatopic and Tetrixacquired from Valeant along with acne drug BenzEFoam in 2015as well as low-potency corticosteroid cream Tridesilon (desonide) which was licensed from Perrigo and launched earlier this year for skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis.

Dr. Reddy's has been funneling 40% of its R&D spend into biosimilars and proprietary medicinesprimarily for the U.S. marketas it tries to move beyond its heartlands in generic small-molecule drugs that have been hampered of late by regulatory compliance problems at manufacturing facilities.

So far, that drive has focused on improved formulations of established drug molecules and has resulted in two drug launches in the U.S.Zembrace Symtouch, an injectable form of sumatriptan for migraine and Sernivo, a spray formulation of the steroid drug betamethasone. The company has targeted sales of $500 million for its proprietary business within the next five years.

We believe Encore and its management team are well positioned to realize the full potential of this asset DFD-06," said Anil Namboodiripad, Ph.D., president of Promius Pharma.

"We look forward to obtaining NDA approval this fall, enabling Encore's management team to quickly deliver this product to the providers and their patients," he added.

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Encore makes pipeline play, licensing psoriasis drug from Dr. Reddy's - FierceBiotech

Dive Brief:

Dr Reddy's has completed Phase 3 studies, manufactured registration batches, and made preparations for a New Drug Application (NDA) filing for DFD-06, but has chosen to license the drug out rather than pursue commercialization in house.

"We look forward to obtaining NDA approval this fall, enabling Encores management team to quickly deliver this product to the providers and their patients." says Anil Namboodiripad, SVP, Proprietary Products, and president, Promius Pharma.

Dr. Reddy's has had a challenging year. Shares in the drugmaker began a month-long slide following the announcement of its first quarter 2018 results in July 2017, which recorded a 6% decline in revenues and a 53% fall in profits year-on-year. The lackluster results were due, in part, to price erosion from U.S. customer consolidation and a lower contribution from U.S. product launches.

The Indian drugmaker has also had a tough time with manufacturing, running afoul of stepped-up oversight from the Food and Drug Administration. In April, the regulator completed an audit of the company's Srikakulam-based production site, flagging points where the site fell shortof regulatory standards. This inspection resulted in a Form 483, adding to similar letters issued to the company's Miryalguda and Bachupally sites this year.

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Dr. Reddy's sells off psoriasis candidate in out-licensing deal - BioPharma Dive

Most parents arent afraid to show their children affection in public. But Arizona mom Ashley Nagy says she makes a special point to kiss and cuddle her 19-month-old daughter Charlie when the two are out and about because Charlie suffers from psoriasis , a chronic autoimmune disease that speeds up the growth of skin cellsand Nagy says she wants to make sure people know it isnt contagious .

For the most part, Nagy tells SELF that strangers on the playground have been inquisitive, often simply asking, "What does she have? But some of the "ruder comments are Oh my goshyour daughter is sunburned . I cant believe you have her out in public or I dont want to see that, she says. She's also noticed that other kids or mothers will stare at Charlie, and some parents will even keep their kids away from her daughter for fear of catching psoriasis. When that happens, I just pick her up and kiss her neck or cheeks, or rub her arm, Nagy says. Its my way of not confronting them, but showing that shes not contagious.

Nagy says that shes grateful that Charlie is so young that she doesnt realize whats happening. I just hope that Ive done a good [enough] job that when she starts to realize shes different, she has enough confidence to face people and not take what they say to heart, she says. Youre going to have random people who are mean and cruelyou cant control them, but you can control how you react to them.

About 7.5 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology . The condition is largely caused by genetics, but having genes associated with psoriasis doesnt mean youll actually develop the condition. In fact, at least 10 percent of people inherit one or more of the genes that can eventually lead to psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation , but only 2 to 3 percent of people actually develop the disease.

That's because, in order to actually develop the condition, you need to have a combination of the genes that cause it and to be exposed to particular triggers, such as stress, an injury to the skin (e.g. a sunburn), allergies , diet, an infection, certain medications (including lithium and the heart medication quinidine), and even the weather, the NPF says.

Although people of any age can have the condition, its primarily seen in adults. Charlies symptoms first began soon after she was born, Nagy says, and she was diagnosed with psoriasis when she was 4 months old. People were shocked at how young she was when she was diagnosed, Nagy says.

People who suffer from psoriasis may experience flare-ups in which they have the characteristic red, itchy, scaly skin patches, but in between flare-ups their skin may look normal. Charlie is now on an anti-inflammatory diet that also avoids gluten and dairy to help try to ward off flare-ups. That seems to help a lot, Nagy says. But Charlie still suffers from flare-ups, which cause her to develop red patches all over her body that itch. Shell point to her marks and say, Ouchies, ouchies, Nagy says. When Charlie has a flare-up, shes itchy and uncomfortable all day, and has trouble sleeping at night. But, when shes not suffering from a flare-up, her condition doesnt really impact her, Nagy says.

Psoriasis is caused by inflammation and not an infection, so it's not contagious at all, Gary Goldenberg , M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, tells SELF. Luckily, there are several treatments for psoriasis, and the best one for each patient depends on how severe their symptoms are. Mild psoriasis can be treated with creams and lotions, or over-the-counter medication like steroid creams, Dr. Goldenberg says.

Petrolatum-based moisturizers are often the most helpful because they form a protective seal over the skin to keep it hydrated while also minimizing the appearance of flakes on the skin, Joshua Zeichner , M.D., a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, tells SELF. People can also develop psoriasis on their scalp, which can be treated with over-the-counter medicated shampoos, such as Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo , Dr. Zeichner says.

For people with more severe cases, there are biologic immune-modifying medications that alter the immune system reactions that lead to psoriasis, Cynthia Bailey, M.D., a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and president and CEO of Advanced Skin Care and Dermatology Inc. , tells SELF. That includes infliximab, for instance, which reduces the effects of substances in the body that can cause inflammation.

While it can be treated, it cannot be cured, Dr. Goldenberg says. Some patients can experience a remission of their disease that can last years, but this is unpredictable and rare. In most cases, patients need to keep treating their psoriasis for the rest of their lives to avoid flare-ups. We can help reduce signs of the disease on the skin, however the rash often reappears if you stop treating it, Dr. Zeichner says.

If psoriasis runs in your family, you can develop it at any point in your life, Dr. Bailey says, and its more likely to show up as you age. Although we don't know exactly why, it "probably has something to do with the process of aging and how it impacts the immune system, Dr. Bailey says. If psoriasis runs in your family, she recommends limiting your alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise to lower your odds of developing the condition.

Charlie used to have to see her doctor every two weeks to have her blood drawn for testing and monitoring purposes, Nagy says, but now she goes to the doctor every four months for her condition. Weve been keeping it at bay with her diet and bath regimen, she says. Nagy has started a GoFundMe to help pay for her daughters medical bills. A lot of people see ads on TV for psoriasis medications, but they dont actually know what psoriasis is, Nagy says. I want them to see what it looks like firsthandand to show that its not contagious.

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This Mom Always Kisses Her Daughter in Public to Show That Psoriasis Isn't Contagious - SELF

For years, psoriasis suffers have battled patches of rough, reddened, and intensely itchy skin that can cause pain as well embarrassment, with little hope of relief.

But major breakthroughs have been logged in the treatment of this potentially debilitating disorder that affects almost 10 million Americans, including small children. And if you are suffering from the disease, its time to take action.

To spotlight the treatments that have emerged in recent years, the National Psoriasis Foundation is observing National Psoriasis Action month in August.

The NPF Foundation wants to spread the word that there have been tremendous advancements in the number of treatment options for people living with the condition. The NPF has even launched a website to educate patients, caregivers and health care professionals about the resources to treat psoriatic disease.

Throughout August, people impacted by psoriasis can participate in interactive quizzes that will help them better understand and manage their disease, Dr. Michael Siegel, Ph.D, vice president of Research Programs at the NPF tells Newsmax Health.

Psoriasis often develops between the ages of 15 and 35, but it can develop at any age. While scientists do not know exactly what causes psoriasis, it is known that the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development.

Usually, something triggers the condition to flare. The skin cells in people with psoriasis grow at an abnormally fast rate, which leads to painful lesions on the body.

The genetic link is clear, says Siegal.

If one parent has psoriasis, there is about a 10 percent chance of a child contracting it. If both parents have psoriasis, the chance increases to 50 percent, he notes.

Dr. Kenneth Beer, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Miami, tells Newsmax Health that the No. 1 myth about psoriasis is that it is just dry skin.

Its far more than that, he says. Psoriasis is an immune disease in which the body stimulates growth of skin cells in an abnormal way. It is largely genetic and may be associated with stress, infection medication or a range of other issues. In addition to affecting the skin, it can frequently affect the joints of the body.

Another myth is that the condition is contagious. Not so, says Beer. And while it is not curable at this point in time, it is manageable and treatable. But if you dont take care of your psoriasis, it can lead to serious medical conditions.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people with psoriasis are at a great risk for Type 2 diabetes as well as vision problems and heart disease. About 30 percent of people who have psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the NPF.

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian revealed that she suffers from the condition and that stress plays a key role in her flare-ups of psoriasis. Two-time Grammy winning songstress LeAnn Rimes kept her struggle hidden until 2008 when she decided to open up about her experience as part of the Stop Hiding, Start Living awareness campaign sponsored by Abbott, which makes the psoriasis drug, Humira.

Other celebs with psoriasis include comedian Jon Lovitz and Leave it to Beaver star Jerry Mathers, who admits that the condition is no laughing matter.

Siegel says that treating psoriasis involves good disease management and paying attention overall health.

With advances in the number of treatment options available today for people living with psoriasis its easier than ever to treat the condition, he says. The biggest breakthrough came 10 years ago with the introduction of injectable biologics which changed the lives of patients and their providers.

By targeting specific pathways in the immune system, these biologics have demonstrated remarkable outcomes in clinical trials. Moving forward, scientists are likely to reveal even more effective treatments and will be able to harness the same targeted therapy for oral and topical treatments as well.

Some examples of biologic drugs to treat psoriasis include Humira, Enbrel, and Remicade.

Siegel says that some people believe that eliminating certain foods from their diet, such as gluten, dairy, sugar, or red meat can reduce inflammation and therefore lower their chances of a psoriatic flare.

Others believe that consuming certain vitamins, herbs and supplements, such as fish oil or turmeric, can do the same, he says. The truth is that there is not enough scientific evidence to substantiate these claims, and the medical community doesnt know for sure how diet impacts psoriatic disease.

What the medical community does agree on, however, is that people with psoriatic disease should maintain a healthy weight, and thats where diet and exercise can play and important role. Research has found that maintaining a healthy weight lowers the risk of developing co-morbidities or related health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Siegel says that another big myth about psoriasis is that there isnt a treatment available for patients to achieve clear or nearly clear skin.

This is simply not true, he says. There have been tremendous advancements and there are currently a number of safe, effective and affordable options. The first step people living with psoriasis should take is to work with their health care provider to discuss a treatment strategy. By following a goal-oriented, trackable treatment strategy, people living with psoriasis should expect to begin seeing results in three to six months.

Adds Beer: Psoriasis is now one of the most researched skin diseases and each year we get better and better treatments. See your dermatologist to get more information.

2017 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.

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Psoriasis: New Treatments Help Millions Manage Common Skin Condition - Newsmax

PSORIASIS is a common skin condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly and build up, leaving thick, red, silvery, or scaly patches (plaques) on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis is not contagious so you cant get it from touching someone who has it. Its an accepted fact, but not proven, that men are more prone to suffering from psoriasis than women.

Symptoms

Skin patches with raised edges that are red with silvery-white scales (called plaques), rashes on genitals, scalp, or in skin folds (such as the folds you have on your knees and elbows), itching, pain, dry, cracked skin that may bleed, thickened, pitted, or discoloured nails, swollen, painful joints (psoriatic arthritis).

For most people, psoriasis patches vary in size. They can range from small spots with dandruff-like flakes to wide patches that cover large areas of skin. Mild psoriasis can be annoying, but severe cases can be disfiguring, painful, and sometimes disabling. Flares (when psoriasis gets worse) occur in cycles, with symptoms that last for weeks to months and may then lessen for some time before coming back.

Causes

Medical researchers believe that psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease; however, it has also been linked to genetic and environmental factors.

There are certain things that can trigger a psoriasis flare-up (when the psoriasis becomes worse). Such as: Certain infections (such as strep throat), certain medicines (for high blood pressure), stress, smoking, cold, dry weather, alcohol and injury to skin (insect bites/cuts/burns, etc.)

There isnt a cure for psoriasis, but there are many good ways to keep the symptoms under control with the most important being general cleanliness of the skin.

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Psoriasis symptoms and causes - RTN Newspaper

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories announces the out-licensing of DFD-06 to Encore Dermatology.

Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., through its wholly owned subsidiary Promius Pharma, LLC, announced today that it has out-licensed the future development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights of DFD-06, a topical high potency steroid, to Encore Dermatology Inc. The drug is intended to be used for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Under the terms of the agreement, Encore will be responsible for the commercialization of DFD-06 in the United States. Promius Pharma is eligible to receive certain pre- and post- commercialization milestone payments of up to $32.5 million, followed by fixed royalty payments on net sales.

We believe Encore and its management team are well positioned to realize the full potential of this asset DFD-06. We look forward to obtaining NDA approval this fall, enabling Encores management team to quickly deliver this product to the providers and their patients, says Anil Namboodiripad, Ph.D., senior vice president, proprietary products, and president, Promius Pharma.

(Source: Business Wire)

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Dr. Reddy's Out-Licenses Plaque Psoriasis Drug to Encore Dermatology - Pharmaceutical Processing