Psoriasis: A Model Disease for Therapeutic Targeting

In a reflective presentation, a dermatologist chronicles the evolution of psoriasis treatments paralleling their own career. They express optimism about future therapies, highlighting how the understanding of psoriasis has shifted from a keratinocyte disorder to an immunological one, primarily targeting cytokines. Initially reliant on older drugs with significant side effects, recent developments have brought forth biologics that effectively target key cytokines like TNF, IL-12, IL-23, and IL-17, offering patients safer and more effective treatment options with less frequent dosing. Notable advancements include ustekinumab, an IL-12/23 inhibitor, and newer IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors that provide better efficacy and convenience for patients. The discussion also touches on the promise of oral therapies, such as a novel oral peptide targeting IL-23, which shows excellent efficacy and safety. The speaker emphasizes the long-term effectiveness of certain IL-23 inhibitors compared to others and introduces emerging treatments like tick inhibitors that target specific pathways. Additionally, they highlight the need for continued innovation in dermatology therapies for conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, ultimately expressing excitement for the future of psoriasis treatment.