A Review of the Clinical Trial Landscape in Psoriasis: An Update for Clinicians

Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors Increase Pigment Cell Proliferation and Melanization in Cultured Melanocytes and within a 3-Dimensional Skin Equivalent Model

Vitiligo is a common chronic autoimmune disease characterized by white macules and patches of the skin, having a negative impact on patients' life and without any definitive cure at present. Identification of new compounds to reverse depigmentation is therefore a pressing need for this disease. The pharmacologic compounds phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (PDE4is) are small molecules with immunomodulatory properties used for treatment of inflammatory dermatoses. PDE4is have shown repigmentation effects in patients with vitiligo, in some case reports. We characterized the proliferative and melanogenic potential of 2 known PDE4is-crisaborole and roflumilast-and of a more recently designed compound, PF-07038124. We used 2 in vitro model systems-the primary human melanocyte culture and a 3-dimensional cocultured skin model (MelanoDerm)-with an exploratory testing platform composed of complementary assays (spectrophotometry, melanin and proliferation assays, immunostaining, Fontana-Masson staining, RT-qPCR, western blot, and whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing). We identified that treatment with PDE4is was associated with increased melanocyte proliferation and melanization in both in vitro models and with increase in the melanogenic genes and proteins expression in cultured melanocytes. These effects were found to be enhanced by addition of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Our findings support the further evaluation of PDE4is with or without α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone agonists in vitiligo trials.

Emerging Therapeutic Agents and Nanotechnology-Driven Innovations in Psoriasis Management

Psoriasis has been a rising concern for over a decade, imposing significant challenges to individuals and society. Traditional topical therapy is non-targeted and acts systemically, with associated side effects. This increases the global burden both socially and economically. This review covers the evolution of drug molecules and nanotechnology-based approaches for the topical treatment of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with no known etiology. Nanotechnology-based approaches offer promising solutions by reducing side effects, providing targeted delivery, protecting drug molecules from degradation, enhancing skin retention, and providing controlled release. Researchers have investigated the incorporation of various conventional and non-conventional therapeutic agents into nanocarriers for psoriasis treatment. The current understanding of the disease and its treatment using various therapeutic agents combined with novel formulation strategies will reduce the duration of treatment and improve the quality of life in psoriatic disease conditions.

Assessing brodalumab in the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis (SABR-PSC pilot study): protocol for a single-arm, multicentre, pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare immune-mediated hepatobiliary disease, characterised by progressive biliary fibrosis, cirrhosis, and end-stage liver disease. As yet, no licensed pharmacological therapy exists. While significant advancements have been made in our understanding of the pathophysiology, the exact aetiology remains poorly defined. Compelling evidence from basic science and translational studies implicates the role of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and the interleukin 17 (IL-17) pro-inflammatory signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of PSC. However, exploration of the safety and efficacy of inhibiting the IL-17 pathway in PSC is lacking.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a phase 2a, open-label, multicentre pilot study, testing the safety of brodalumab, a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity to interleukin-17RA, in adults with PSC. This study will enrol 20 PSC patients across five large National Health Service tertiary centres in the UK. The primary outcome of the study relates to determining the safety and feasibility of administering brodalumab in early, non-cirrhotic PSC patients. Secondary efficacy outcomes include non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis, changes in alkaline phosphatase values and other liver biochemical readouts, assessment of biliary metrics through quantitative MR cholangiography+, and quality of life evaluation on completion of follow-up (using the 5D-itch tool, the PSC-patient-reported outcome and PSC-specific Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for this study has been obtained from the London Bridge Research Ethics Committee (REC23/LO/0718). Written informed consent will be obtained from all trial participants prior to undertaking any trial-specific examinations or investigations. On completion of the study, results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international hepatology meetings. A summary of the findings will also be shared with participants and PSC communities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN15271834.

From Manifestations to Innovations: A Deep Dive into Psoriasis, its Clinical Diversity, Conventional Treatments, and Emerging Therapeutic Paradigms

Psoriasis, a persistent inflammatory dermatological illness, places a significant load on those affected, requiring ongoing investigation into innovative therapies. This review examines the significance of pre-clinical models in defining our comprehension of psoriasis, as well as the valuable insights obtained from clinical trials that aid in developing treatment approaches. The evaluation includes existing established medicines such as topicals, phototherapy, and traditional systemic drugs targeting different pathological mediators of psoriasis. Further, emerging frontiers in the treatment of psoriasis are examined, including personalized medicine, novel biologics, small molecule inhibitors, and advanced delivery methods. The objective is to identify potential advancements that can be applied in clinical practice to the patients. In light of current knowledge, this review delineates what are perceived as critical future research directions and noteworthy therapeutic and clinical developments in the domain of psoriasis.

Advances in psoriasis research: From pathogenesis to therapeutics

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting approximately 2 % to 3 % of the global population. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is complex, involving immune dysregulation, hyperproliferation and angiogenesis. It is a multifactorial disease which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The development of various therapeutic agents, such as JAK inhibitors, small molecules, and biologics with potential anti-psoriatic properties was possible with the vast understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Various signalling pathways, including NF-κB, JAK-STAT, S1P, PDE-4, and A3AR that are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis as well as the preclinical models utilised in the research of psoriasis have been highlighted in this review. The review also focuses on technological advancements that have contributed to a better understanding of psoriasis. Then, the molecules targeting the respective signalling pathways that are still under clinical trials or recently approved as well as the latest breakthroughs in therapeutic and drug delivery approaches that can contribute to the improvement in the management of psoriasis are highlighted in this review. This review provides an extensive understanding of the current state of research in psoriasis, giving rise to opportunities for researchers to discover future therapeutic breakthroughs and personalised interventions. Efficient treatment options for individuals with psoriasis can be achieved by an extensive understanding of pathogenesis, therapeutic agents, and novel drug delivery strategies.

Nano-based formulations of thymoquinone are new approaches for psoriasis treatment: a literature review

Psoriasis, a persistent immune-mediated inflammatory skin condition, affects approximately 2-3% of the global population. Current treatments for psoriasis are fraught with limitations, including adverse effects, high costs, and diminishing efficacy over time. Thymoquinone (TQ), derived from Nigella sativa seeds, exhibits promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties that could prove beneficial in managing psoriasis. However, TQ's hydrophobic nature and poor bioavailability have hindered its usefulness as a therapeutic agent. Recent research has strategically addressed these challenges by developing nano-thymoquinone (nano-TQ) formulations to enhance delivery and efficacy in treating psoriasis. Preclinical studies employing mouse models have demonstrated that nano-TQ effectively mitigates inflammation, erythema, scaling, epidermal thickness, and cytokine levels in psoriatic lesions. Various nano-TQ formulations, including nanoemulsions, lipid vesicles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and ethosomes, have been explored to improve solubility, facilitate skin penetration, ensure sustained release, and achieve site-specific targeting. Although clinical trials are currently scarce, the outcomes from in vitro and animal models are promising. The potential co-delivery of nano-TQ with other anti-psoriatic agents also presents avenues for further investigation.

Targeted therapy for immune mediated skin diseases. What should a dermatologist know?

BACKGROUND

Molecularly targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKis), have emerged as essential tools in the treatment of dermatological diseases. These therapies modulate the immune system through specific signaling pathways, providing effective alternatives to traditional systemic immunosuppressive agents. This review aims to provide an updated summary of targeted immune therapies for inflammatory skin diseases, considering their pathophysiology, efficacy, dosage, and safety profiles.

METHODS

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed over the past 10 years, focusing on randomized clinical trials, case reports, and case series related to targeted immune therapies in dermatology. Eligibility criteria were applied, and data were extracted from each study, including citation data, study design, and results.

RESULTS

We identified 1360 non-duplicate articles with the initial search strategy. Title and abstract review excluded 1150, while a full-text review excluded an additional 50 articles. The review included 143 studies published between 2012 and 2022, highlighting 39 drugs currently under investigation or in use for managing inflammatory skin diseases.

STUDY LIMITATIONS

The heterogeneity of summarized information limits this review. Some recommendations originated from data from clinical trials, while others relied on retrospective analyses and small case series. Recommendations will likely be updated as new results emerge.

CONCLUSION

Targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of chronic skin diseases, offering new options for patients unresponsive to standard treatments. Paradoxical reactions are rarely observed. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms and nature of these therapies. Overall, targeted immune therapies in dermatology represent a promising development, significantly improving the quality of life for patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases.

IL-17 and IL-21: Their Immunobiology and Therapeutic Potentials

Studies over the last 2 decades have identified IL-17 and IL-21 as key cytokines in the modulation of a wide range of immune responses. IL-17 serves as a critical defender against bacterial and fungal pathogens, while maintaining symbiotic relationships with commensal microbiota. However, alterations in its levels can lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. IL-21, on the other hand, bridges the adaptive and innate immune responses, and its imbalance is implicated in autoimmune diseases and cancer, highlighting its important role in both health and disease. Delving into the intricacies of these cytokines not only opens new avenues for understanding the immune system, but also promises innovative advances in the development of therapeutic strategies for numerous diseases. In this review, we will discuss an updated view of the immunobiology and therapeutic potential of IL-17 and IL-21.

Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibition in the Management of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic immune-mediated disease with many comorbidities and impacts on quality of life. Among the treatments for psoriasis, phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors are emerging with expanding options. PDE4 inhibitors play a pivotal role in the inflammatory cascade by degrading cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), contributing to pro-inflammatory mediator production. Apremilast, an oral PDE4 inhibitor, is approved for psoriasis. While effective, its adverse effects can limit its utility. Roflumilast, a topical PDE4 inhibitor, was also recently approved for psoriasis and shows promise in clinical trials. Crisaborole, a PDE4 inhibitor approved for atopic dermatitis, has also been studied in psoriasis. This review summarizes evidence from randomized clinical trials regarding the efficacy and safety of PDE4 inhibitors in psoriasis treatment. By highlighting their potential benefits and limitations, this review provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers aiming to optimize psoriasis management.

Tapinarof cream 1% once daily for the treatment of adults with mild to severe plaque psoriasis: A novel topical therapy targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic, immunemediated skin disease characterized by scaly, erythematous, pruritic plaques. The effects of psoriasis are often debilitating and stigmatizing, significantly impacting patients' physical and psychological well-being and quality of life. Current guideline-recommended psoriasis therapies (topicals, oral systemics, and biologics) have substantial limitations that include overall efficacy, safety, tolerability, sites of application, disease severity, and duration and extent of body surface area treated. Due to these limitations, psoriasis treatment regimens often require combination therapy, especially for moderate to severe disease, leading to increased treatment burden. Psoriasis is also associated with increased indirect costs (eg, reduced work productivity), leading to greater total costs expenditures. Thus, more effective, safe, well-tolerated, and cost-effective therapeutic options are needed. Tapinarof cream 1% once daily is a first-in-class, nonsteroidal, topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2022 for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. Tapinarof cream has been evaluated in plaque psoriasis, including 2 pivotal phase 3 trials (NCT03956355 and NCT03983980) and a long-term extension trial (NCT04053387). These trials demonstrated high rates of complete skin clearance with tapinarof cream, durable effects while on treatment (a lack of tachyphylaxis for up to 52 weeks), an approximately 4-month remittive effect off therapy after achieving complete clearance and stopping treatment (ie, duration during which psoriasis does not recur off therapy), and no rebound effects after cessation of therapy. According to the US Food and Drug Administration-approved prescribing information, tapinarof may be used to treat plaque psoriasis of any severity and in any location, has no restrictions on duration of use or extent of total body surface area treated, and has no contraindications, warnings, precautions, or drug-drug interactions. Tapinarof cream is thus an efficacious, well-tolerated, steroid-free topical option that addresses many of the limitations of current recommended therapies. Here we review current knowledge on the physical, psychological, and financial burdens of plaque psoriasis and identify how the clinical profile of tapinarof cream can address key treatment gaps important in the management of plaque psoriasis and patient quality of life. In this article, we aim to assist pharmacists and other managed care practitioners by providing an evidence-based overview of tapinarof cream to support patient-centric decision-making.

Tapinarof cream 1% once daily for the treatment of adults with mild to severe plaque psoriasis: A novel topical therapy targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic, immunemediated skin disease characterized by scaly, erythematous, pruritic plaques. The effects of psoriasis are often debilitating and stigmatizing, significantly impacting patients' physical and psychological well-being and quality of life. Current guideline-recommended psoriasis therapies (topicals, oral systemics, and biologics) have substantial limitations that include overall efficacy, safety, tolerability, sites of application, disease severity, and duration and extent of body surface area treated. Due to these limitations, psoriasis treatment regimens often require combination therapy, especially for moderate to severe disease, leading to increased treatment burden. Psoriasis is also associated with increased indirect costs (eg, reduced work productivity), leading to greater total costs expenditures. Thus, more effective, safe, well-tolerated, and cost-effective therapeutic options are needed. Tapinarof cream 1% once daily is a first-in-class, nonsteroidal, topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2022 for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. Tapinarof cream has been evaluated in plaque psoriasis, including 2 pivotal phase 3 trials (NCT03956355 and NCT03983980) and a long-term extension trial (NCT04053387). These trials demonstrated high rates of complete skin clearance with tapinarof cream, durable effects while on treatment (a lack of tachyphylaxis for up to 52 weeks), an approximately 4-month remittive effect off therapy after achieving complete clearance and stopping treatment (ie, duration during which psoriasis does not recur off therapy), and no rebound effects after cessation of therapy. According to the US Food and Drug Administration-approved prescribing information, tapinarof may be used to treat plaque psoriasis of any severity and in any location, has no restrictions on duration of use or extent of total body surface area treated, and has no contraindications, warnings, precautions, or drug-drug interactions. Tapinarof cream is thus an efficacious, well-tolerated, steroid-free topical option that addresses many of the limitations of current recommended therapies. Here we review current knowledge on the physical, psychological, and financial burdens of plaque psoriasis and identify how the clinical profile of tapinarof cream can address key treatment gaps important in the management of plaque psoriasis and patient quality of life. In this article, we aim to assist pharmacists and other managed care practitioners by providing an evidence-based overview of tapinarof cream to support patient-centric decision-making.

Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison of the Long-Term Efficacy of Deucravacitinib Versus Adalimumab for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

Deucravacitinib, an oral tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, is approved in the United States to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO). This study compared the long-term efficacy of deucravacitinib and adalimumab using results from long-term extension (LTE) trials.

METHODS

Open-label LTE trials were identified for an indirect treatment comparison (deucravacitinib: POETYK PSO-LTE [NCT04036435]; adalimumab: REVEAL extension [NCT00195676]). To ensure study design comparability, patients initially randomized to placebo and switched to deucravacitinib or adalimumab after week 16 were compared. The primary outcome was  an ≥ 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75) at week 112 postrandomization. Secondary outcomes were PASI 75 at week 52 and an ≥ 90% reduction in PASI score (PASI 90) at weeks 52 and 112. Missing PASI data were imputed. A matching-adjusted indirect comparison was conducted; individual patient-level data from POETYK PSO-LTE were reweighted to balance baseline characteristics with those from the REVEAL extension.

RESULTS

Before reweighting, on average, patients in the POETYK PSO-LTE (N = 329) versus the REVEAL (N = 345) extension were older, had a lower body weight, received more prior systemic treatments, and had higher baseline PASI scores and week 16 placebo PASI 75 and PASI 90 response rates. Following reweighting, adjusted week 112 PASI 75 response rates were significantly higher for deucravacitinib versus adalimumab (67.2% vs. 54.0%; mean difference [95% CI], 13.2 [4.0-22.5] percentage points). Deucravacitinib had a numerically higher adjusted week 112 PASI 90 response rate (41.3% vs. 34.0%; mean difference [95% CI], 7.3 [-2.0 to 16.7] percentage points). The treatments had similar week 52 adjusted PASI 75 and PASI 90 response rates.

CONCLUSION

In this interim analysis, adults with moderate to severe PsO had higher long-term response rates at 2 years when treated with deucravacitinib versus adalimumab. Deucravacitinib response rates remained stable whereas adalimumab response rates declined in year 2.

Psoriasis: Striving for Potential Biomarkers

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that is caused by multiple factors and is identified by itchiness, unpleasant, red, or white scaly patches on the skin, particularly on regularly chafed body regions such as the lateral areas of the limbs. Reports suggest that globally around 2%-3% of the population suffers from psoriasis. In this review, we have discussed the clinical classification of psoriasis and also the ideal characteristics of the biomarkers. An overview regarding the discovery of the biomarker and method for validating the study has been discussed. A growing body of research suggests a link to certain other systemic symptoms such as cardiovascular disorder, metabolic syndrome, and few other comorbidities such as hypertension and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocyte cells that concentrate on the destruction of virally infected and malignant cells; these tend to produce a wide range of inflammatory cytokines, some of which are associated with the etiology of psoriasis. Detailed information on the molecular pathogenesis of psoriasis in which interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and CCL20 play a very significant role in the development of psoriasis. In this review, we have discussed an overview of the recent state of the biomarkers available for the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis by emphasizing on the available biomarkers such as epigenomic, transcriptomic, glycomic, and metabolomic. The most recent advancements in molecular-targeted therapy utilizing biologics and oral systemic therapy (methotrexate, apremilast) enable to adequately treat the most serious psoriatic symptoms and also the studies have validated the efficacy of biologic therapy such as TNF-α antagonist (infliximab, adalimumab), IL-23 antagonist (guselkumab, risankizumab), and IL-17 antagonist (secukinumab, ixekizumab). Finally, an overview about the technological opportunities as well as various challenges has been discussed.

The therapeutic potential of arctigenin against multiple human diseases: A mechanistic review

BACKGROUND

Arctigenin (ATG), a dibenzyl butyrolactone lignan compound, is one of the major bioactive components from the medicinal plant Arctium lappa. ATG possesses remarkable therapeutic potential against a wide range of human diseases, such as cancers, immune disorders and chronical diseases. The molecular mechanisms behind the biological effects of ATG have been intensively studied.

PURPOSE

This review aims to systematically summarize the updated knowledge of the proteins and signaling pathways behind the curative property of ATG, and further analyze the potential connections between them.

METHOD

SciFinder, Pubmed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were queried for publications reporting the therapeutic properties of ATG. "Arctigenin", "disease", "cancer", "inflammation", "organ damage", "infection", "toxicity" and "pharmacokinetics" were used as the searching titles.

RESULT

625 publications were identified and 95 met the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. 42 studies described the molecular mechanisms implicated in ATG treatments. Several proteins including phosphodiesterase subtype 4D (PDE4D), estrogen receptor (ER) β, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A) are targeted by ATG in different settings. The frequently described signaling pathways are TLR4/NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) signalings.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway and activation of AMPK signaling play the pivotal roles in the therapeutic effects of ATG. PI3K/AKT and AMPK signaling widely link to other signaling pathways, modulating various biological processes such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-fibrosis, anti-ER stress, anti-steatosis and pro-apoptosis, which constitute the curative mechanisms of ATG against multiple human diseases.