Psoriasis

Biologic treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis was linked with reduced coronary inflammation as determined by a new imaging biomarker, according to a study published in JAMA Cardiology.

In a study presented at the British Association of Dermatologists’ 99th Annual Meeting in Liverpool, United Kingdom, July 2-4, 2019, researchers from the University of Manchester and the Salford Royal National Health Service Foundation Trust reported on an effort to assess evidence on the risk of cancer in patients with psoriasis. They found that there are a number of site-specific cancers for which patients with psoriasis are at elevated risk.

Therapeutic drug monitoring that includes the measurement of trough concentrations and anti-drug antibodies, along with clinical response, is a tool for clinical decision making.

Given that psoriatic arthritis is associated with increased fracture risk, neutralizing the key proinflammatory and bone-destructive mediators of the disease, wrote the authors, appears to be important to restoring bone health.

While obesity is frequently observed in patients with psoriatic disease, it is even more common in those who have only psoriasis alone, researchers said.

The use of biologics to treat psoriasis has increased over time, and a recent study has demonstrated that these drugs may have benefits that extend well beyond clearing patients’ skin. The study, published in Cardiovascular Research, found that biologic therapy for psoriasis was associated with a reduction in coronary artery disease.

Patients with psoriasis frequently use complementary and alternative medicines to treat their symptoms.

A recent study used Mendelian randomization, which uses genetic variants to randomly allocate individuals to groups based on genotype, to further investigate the causal relationship between body mass index (BMI) and psoriasis. It found that as BMI rises, so too does the risk for developing psoriasis.

A recent study examined prescription claims databases to determine treatment patterns of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who started therapy with 1 of 5 drugs by later status of whether they had psoriatic arthritis or not.

Psoriasis might increase the risk of migraine, according to a recently published study, which theorized that the link involves inflammatory processes.

A review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences highlights existing knowledge gaps in understanding the safety and impact of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α inhibitors in pregnant women suffering from inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and rhaumatoid arthritis.

A systematic review of biologics used in to treat palmoplantar psoriasis and palmoplantar pustulosis, 2 diseases that affect the palms and the soles of feet, found several available biologics are at least 80% effective in 1 form of the disease, but that there is less data on how well these drugs work on other forms of the disease.

New vaccine demonstrated positive results in treating psoriasis and cat allergy models, and may have potential to protect against Alzheimer disease.

Individuals with psoriasis face a greater risk of dying because of an alcohol-related death compared with people in the general population, according to recent research.

Psoriasis has a significant presence, affecting about 125 million people globally, but current estimates are fragmented because of a lack of a global standard. A new report suggested that global data will need a standardized approach of collection and analysis in order for more accurate estimates of psoriasis’ presence.

Psoriasis severity has been linked to increased risk of death in a new study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Researchers found that the risk of death increased for patients who had more surface area covered by psoriasis.

Psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease, is often linked to many comorbidities that affect treatment decisions and the overall management of the disorder, according to new research.

Patients with psoriasis often have lower success treatments with biologic agents in clinical practice than clinical trials, leading to higher doses and therefore higher annual treatment costs.

Pfizer's biosimilar to Remicade is expected to be available in pharmacies by the end of November.

The 4-part lecture, “Practical Application of Novel Targeted Strategies in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis” covered the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), new insights into the pathophysiology in AD, considerations for change in the treatment of AD, and the latest developments in treatment.

Over the past several years, an increased understanding of the pathophysiology of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has led to the development of several new biologic therapies.

This case study from the National Psoriasis Foundation describes its aim to eliminate access barriers-including cost-through legislative and regulatory advocacy, direct patient assistance programs, and engagement with health insurers.

A few weeks ago, Novo Nordisk ($NVO) said it had lost Express Scripts' business on two of its top drugs, Victoza and NovoLog. Well, that was just part of the action at the pharmacy benefits manager.