Treating psoriasis with adalimumab

Inflammation and Psoriasis: A Comprehensive Review

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease with a strong genetic component that brings many challenges to sick individuals, such as chronic illness, and which has multiple associated comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and psychological disorders. Understanding the interplay between the innate and adaptative immune system has led to the discovery of specific cytokine circuits (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-23, IL-17), which has allowed scientists to discover new biomarkers that can be used as predictors of treatment response and pave the way for personalized treatments. In this review, we describe the footprint psoriasis leaves on the skin and beyond, key pathophysiological mechanisms, current available therapeutic options, and drawbacks faced by existing therapies, and we anticipate potential future perspectives that may improve the quality of life of affected individuals.

The Current Advancement in Psoriasis

The study on psoriasis disease helps improve the condition and treatment options day by day in dermatology. In the current scenario, research is ongoing to make the best interventions possible for managing the disease. Psoriasis is one of the most common dermatological conditions wherein chronic inflammation of the skin occurs, characterized by the formation of a rash with scaly, itchy patches over the body surface. The condition is mainly related to the immune system wherein epidermal hyperplasia occurs with infiltration of immune cells. Many factors can trigger psoriasis. Environmental, emotional, hereditary, and personal habits are responsible for the conditions. The current research helps to gain a complete understanding, and the basic knowledge of the state with recent advancements in treatment strategies and characteristic features can also be studied. The main aim is to know the disease's primary root cause and management. It involves the main sites of the body. The most commonly affected parts are the scalp, trunks, knees, elbow, and ankle. It is a chronic long-term disease. Sometimes it may be painful. Itching, bleeding, and disturbed sleep patterns are common symptoms. Most commonly involves the upper epidermal surface. The prevalence of the condition has been increased as it is associated with other comorbidities. The main focus of the treatment is to restrict skin cell multiplication and remove scaly surfaces. This review discusses the advancement in the treatment, its initiation, progression, current symptoms, and disease development. The study also includes basic knowledge about the types of psoriatic disease with its specific features and mechanisms.

Biologics and Biosimilars in Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, debilitating, relapsing, inflammatory dermatosis, which affects approximately 2-3% of the population. The burgeoning research on pathogenesis of psoriasis has opened up new directions in management of this common condition. The introduction of biologics has given additional elements to the arsenal of psoriatic disease treatments. TNF-α inhibitors, IL-12/23 inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, CD-6 inhibitor proved highly efficient and have a good safety profile in numerous clinical trials. Biosimilar drugs are structurally almost similar to their reference biologic and are also made from living organism. Long-term follow-up and post-marketing surveillance are required to understand, long-term efficacy, adverse events of these powerful potent molecules.

Potential Therapeutic Value of the STING Inhibitors

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a critical protein in the activation of the immune system in response to DNA. It can participate the inflammatory response process by modulating the inflammation-preferred translation program through the STING-PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)-eIF2α pathway or by inducing the secretion of type I interferons (IFNs) and a variety of proinflammatory factors through the recruitment of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) or the regulation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. Based on the structure, location, function, genotype, and regulatory mechanism of STING, this review summarizes the potential value of STING inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Perspective insights of small molecules, phytoconstituents and biologics in the management of psoriasis: A focus on targeting major inflammatory cytokine pathways

Psoriasis is an enduring, pruritic and papulosquamous skin ailment that poses a significant burden on public health. It is mainly characterized by hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, parakeratosis, scaly and erythematous plaques. Biomarkers like interleukin-17, interleukin-12 and -23 and tumor necrosis factor-α serve as key drivers of psoriatic pathogenesis. Triggered release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from various up-regulated pathways leads to psoriatic inflammation. Several target moieties like biologics, small molecules and herbal moieties play a fundamental role in the repression of pathogenesis of psoriasis. Biologics and small molecules engaged in the management of psoriasis have been emphasized in detail. An insight into nano-carrier interventions on herbal moieties and clinical aspects of psoriasis are also highlighted. This review emphasizes various pathological targets involved in psoriasis.

Keratinocyte-derived S100A9 modulates neutrophil infiltration and affects psoriasis-like skin and joint disease

OBJECTIVES

S100A9, an alarmin that can form calprotectin (CP) heterodimers with S100A8, is mainly produced by keratinocytes and innate immune cells. The contribution of keratinocyte-derived S100A9 to psoriasis (Ps) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) was evaluated using mouse models, and the potential usefulness of S100A9 as a Ps/PsA biomarker was assessed in patient samples.

METHODS

Conditional S100A9 mice were crossed with DKO* mice, an established psoriasis-like mouse model based on inducible epidermal deletion of c-Jun and JunB to achieve additional epidermal deletion of S100A9 (TKO* mice). Psoriatic skin and joint disease were evaluated in DKO* and TKO* by histology, microCT, RNA and proteomic analyses. Furthermore, S100A9 expression was analysed in skin, serum and synovial fluid samples of patients with Ps and PsA.

RESULTS

Compared with DKO* littermates, TKO* mice displayed enhanced skin disease severity, PsA incidence and neutrophil infiltration. Altered epidermal expression of selective pro-inflammatory genes and pathways, increased epidermal phosphorylation of STAT3 and higher circulating TNFα were observed in TKO* mice. In humans, synovial S100A9 levels were higher than the respective serum levels. Importantly, patients with PsA had significantly higher serum concentrations of S100A9, CP, VEGF, IL-6 and TNFα compared with patients with only Ps, but only S100A9 and CP could efficiently discriminate healthy individuals, patients with Ps and patients with PsA.

CONCLUSIONS

Keratinocyte-derived S100A9 plays a regulatory role in psoriatic skin and joint disease. In humans, S100A9/CP is a promising marker that could help in identifying patients with Ps at risk of developing PsA.

Therapeutic Failure In Moderate And Severe Psoriasis Patients In a Health Institution - a Transversal Study of Prevalence And Demographic Determinants

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that seriously impacts quality of life. There are known genetic and environmental factors that influence its onset and progression. Even though there is no cure for it, there are a variety of treatments available today to control its symptoms, although many of them fail to do so substantially.

OBJECTIVE

to identify the association of multiple sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacological factors with therapeutic failure.

METHODS

observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, and analytical study of therapeutic failure in patients with moderate or severe psoriasis between 2020 and 2021 was performed.

RESULTS

In total 1051 patients with moderate or severe psoriasis were evaluated. Gender (ORa: 0.579 CI95%: 0.382 - 0.878), type of therapy (biologic or non-biologic; ORa: 1.939 CI95%: 1.242 - 3.027), age (ORa: 1.018 CI95%: 1.003 - 1.034), days of treatment (ORa: 1 CI95%: 0.999 - 1) and DLQI (ORa: 1.212 CI95%: 1.172 - 1.253) are significantly associated with therapeutic failure.

CONCLUSION

Being male and receiving biologic therapy are associated with a higher incidence of therapeutic failure in the treatment of moderate or severe psoriasis. The increase in DLQI increase in the probability of failure, and mayor age or days of treatment decrease in the probability of failure.

Unconventional Therapy with IgY in a Psoriatic Mouse Model Targeting Gut Microbiome

Psoriasis has a multifactorial pathogenesis and recently it was shown that alterations in the skin and intestinal microbiome are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Therefore, microbiome restoration becomes a promising preventive/therapy strategy in psoriasis. In our pre-clinical study design using a mice model of induced psoriatic dermatitis (Ps) we have tested the proof-of-concept that IgY raised against pathological human bacteria resistant to antibiotics can alleviate psoriatic lesions and restore deregulated immune cell parameters. Besides clinical evaluation of the mice and histology of the developed psoriatic lesions, cellular immune parameters were monitored. Immune cells populations/subpopulations from peripheral blood and spleen cell suspensions that follow the clinical improvement were assessed using flow cytometry. We have quantified T lymphocytes (CD3ε⁺) with T-helper (CD4⁺CD8^-) and T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8a⁺CD4^-) subsets, B lymphocytes (CD3ε^-CD19⁺) and NK cells (CD3ε^-NK1.1⁺). Improved clinical evolution of the induced Ps along with the restoration of immune cells parameters were obtained when orally IgY was administered. We pin-point that IgY specific compound can be used as a possible pre-biotic-like alternative adjuvant in psoriasis.

Complete clearance and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index response for brodalumab and ustekinumab by previous treatment history in AMAGINE-2 and AMAGINE-3

BACKGROUND

The pathway for treatment of psoriasis is partly dependent upon disease severity, and patients may experience inadequate response at any point along the treatment pathway. Patients who repeatedly fail therapy represent a population in whom effective and well-tolerated treatment options are limited.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate and describe patients achieving Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 100 and cumulative treatment benefit over time in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis receiving brodalumab or ustekinumab by prior treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a post hoc analysis of data from two phase 3, randomized, controlled, 52-week AMAGINE trials of brodalumab to describe patients who achieved complete clearance as measured by PASI 100 by prior treatment subgroup (naïve to systemic and biologic treatment, systemic-treated but biologic-naïve, biologic-treated without failure, and biologic-treated with failure). A competing risk model was used to assess cumulative incidence over a 52-week period with outcomes of PASI 100 or inadequate response. Cumulative clinical benefit of treatment was determined with an area under the curve analysis.

RESULTS

The 52-week cumulative incidence of patients achieving PASI 100 was consistently higher for brodalumab vs. ustekinumab across treatment pathway subgroups (76% vs. 58% in systemic/biologic-naïve patients, 78% vs. 55% in systemic-treated/biologic-naïve patients, 75% vs. 41% in biologic-treated patients without failure, and 70% vs. 30% in biologic-treated patients with failure). Rates of inadequate response were lower with brodalumab compared with ustekinumab across all subgroups. Cumulative treatment benefit was also higher for all subgroups treated with brodalumab compared with those treated with ustekinumab.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with brodalumab was associated with higher levels of complete clearance and greater cumulative benefit over time compared with ustekinumab, in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, regardless of prior treatment experience.

Psoriasis: From Pathogenesis to Pharmacological and Nano-Technological-Based Therapeutics

Research in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases, such as skin dermatitis and psoriasis, has experienced some relevant breakthroughs in recent years. The understanding of age-related factors, gender, and genetic predisposition of these multifactorial diseases has been instrumental for the development of new pharmacological and technological treatment approaches. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms behind the pathological features of psoriasis, also addressing the currently available treatments and novel therapies that are under clinical trials. Innovative therapies developed over the last 10 years have been researched. In this area, advantages of nanotechnological approaches to provide an effective drug concentration in the disease site are highlighted, together with microneedles as innovative candidates for drug delivery systems in psoriasis and other inflammatory chronic skin diseases.

New Treatment Addressing the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune cell-mediated inflammatory skin disease. The interleukin (IL)23/IL17 axis plays an important role in the development of psoriasis. The effectiveness of biologic treatments such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α inhibitors (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol), IL23 inhibitors (ustekinumab, guselkumab, tildrakizumab, risankizumab), and IL17 inhibitors (secukinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab) have verified these findings. Immune-related cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, in addition to Toll-like receptors and cytokines such as interferon (IFN)α, TNFα, IFNɤ, IL12, IL22, IL23, and IL17, are related to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Here, we first review new insights regarding the pathogenesis of psoriasis, as it relates to DCs, Langerhans cells, macrophages, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor in cutaneous vascular endothelial cells. Based on these findings, we summarize currently available oral treatments and biologics. Furthermore, we describe a new treatment option including Janus kinase inhibitor, tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, modulator of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1, and Rho-associated kinase 2 inhibitor.

Skin tissue sample collection, sample homogenization, and analyte extraction strategies for liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry quantification of pharmaceutical compounds

Quantification of pharmaceutical compounds in skin tissue is challenging because of low expected concentrations, small typical sample volumes, and the hard nature of the skin structure itself. This review provides a comprehensive overview of sample collection, sample homogenization and analyte extraction methods that have been used to quantify pharmaceutical compounds in skin tissue, obtained from animals and humans, using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. For each step in the process of sample collection to sample extraction, methods are compared to discuss challenges and provide practical guidance. Furthermore, liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometry considerations regarding the quality and complexity of skin tissue sample measurements are discussed, with emphasis on analyte recovery and matrix effects. Given that the true recovery of analytes from skin tissue is difficult to assess, the extent of homogenization plays a crucial role in the accuracy of quantification. Chemical or enzymatic solubilization of skin tissue samples would therefore be preferable as homogenization method.

Complete clearance and psoriasis area and severity index response for brodalumab and ustekinumab in AMAGINE-2 and -3

BACKGROUND

Modern biologics achieve complete skin clearance [100% improvement in psoriasis area and severity index (PASI 100)] in 30-45% of psoriasis patients. Cumulative benefit considering rapidity, frequency and sustainability of response has not been thoroughly investigated.

OBJECTIVES

Compare the frequency, rapidity and sustainability of PASI 90 and 100 response in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis treated with brodalumab or ustekinumab.

METHODS

Integrated analyses of the brodalumab Phase III AMAGINE-2 (NCT01708603) and -3 (NCT01708629) trials were performed to determine proportion of patients achieving PASI response per visit; corresponding odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Cumulative clinical benefit of treatment was determined with area-under-the-curve (AUC) analysis. Cumulative incidence of response was analysed using a competing risk model of PASI response or rescue. Sustained response was evaluated by time to inadequate response using Kaplan-Meier methods. Proportion of time spent in different response states was descriptively analysed. Association between PASI response and health-related quality of life [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)] was assessed using data from all treatment groups from AMAGINE-1, -2 and -3.

RESULTS

A significantly higher proportion of patients treated with brodalumab achieved PASI 100 vs. ustekinumab (Week 52: 51% vs. 28%; OR [95% CI] 2.8 [2.1, 3.7]; P < 0.0001), with significant differences observed from Week 4. Cumulative benefit through 52 weeks was 69% higher with brodalumab (AUC ratio: 1.69; P < 0.001). Brodalumab patients were also significantly more likely to achieve a PASI 100 at least once over 52 weeks vs. ustekinumab (76% vs. 52%; P < 0.0001). Once response was achieved, brodalumab patients had a low likelihood of failure or need for rescue. There was significant positive association between PASI response level and DLQI0/1 achievement (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Brodalumab treatment resulted in significantly higher levels of skin clearance, longer sustained response and greater cumulative treatment benefit vs. ustekinumab.

Real-life Efficacy and Safety of Biosimilar Adalimumab (ZRC-3197) in Patients with Plaque Psoriasis: A Tertiary Care Center Experience

Background

Adalimumab is proven to be safe and effective in treating plaque psoriasis. A biosimilar adalimumab (ZRC-3197; Exemptia™) - approved by Indian Regulators in 2014 - is a 'fingerprint match' of the reference adalimumab in terms of purity, potency, safety, and clinical efficacy. While reference adalimumab remains unavailable, this biosimilar adalimumab (bADA) serves as an accessible, cost-effective option for Indian patients. This is a first-hand, prospective, real-life data on the clinical use of bADA in Indian patients with plaque psoriasis.

Materials and Methods

Patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were prospectively treated with bADA therapy for 16 weeks-80 mg subcutaneously initially, followed by 40 mg every other week from week 1 in real-life setting. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) responses, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) outcomes, and Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) for psoriasis were analyzed. Safety and tolerability evaluations included reported adverse events.

Results

A total of 29 patients (15 males) with median age of 38 (25-56) years were included. After 16 weeks of bADA treatment, 93% patients achieved ≥75% reduction in their baseline PASI scores including PASI75, PASI90, and PASI100 responses in 24%, 14%, and 55% patients, respectively. About 52% patients had a DLQI score of 0/1 and 93% patients had a PGA score of 'clear or minimal' at 16 weeks. Treatment was well tolerated with no severe or serious adverse reactions requiring therapy discontinuation.

Conclusions

This report serves as a real-life evidence for the efficacy and tolerability of biosimilar adalimumab administered for 16 weeks in patients with plaque psoriasis.

A multinational, prospective, observational study to estimate complete skin clearance in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque PSOriasis treated with BIOlogics in a REAL world setting (PSO-BIO-REAL)

Background

Anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and anti‐interleukin (IL)‐12/23 biologics revolutionized plaque psoriasis treatment by enabling ≥75% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) in clinical trials. Modern biologics are now reported to achieve PASI 100 (complete skin clearance) in clinical trials. However, real‐world evidence of skin clearance rates with biologics is limited. PSO‐BIO‐REAL was conducted to understand the real‐world burden of plaque psoriasis.

Objective

The primary objective of this observational study was to estimate the proportion of patients who achieved complete skin clearance at 6 months. Secondary objectives included maintenance of response and evaluation of complete skin clearance at 12 months.

Methods

PSO‐BIO‐REAL was a multinational, prospective, real‐world, non‐interventional study of skin clearance and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) with biologics. A total of 846 patients from the United States (32%), France (28%), Italy (22%), the United Kingdom (11%) and Germany (8%) were enrolled and followed for one year. Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis who had initiated a biologic for plaque psoriasis. Patients could be biologic‐naïve or switching biologics (biologic‐experienced). Assessments were made at baseline and at months 6 and 12.

Results

At 6 and 12 months, 23% and 26% of patients achieved complete skin clearance, respectively. Prior to study entry, 60% were biologic‐naïve. The proportion of patients achieving complete skin clearance was lower among biologic‐experienced patients (20% at both months 6 and 12) compared with biologic‐naïve patients (25% at month 6, 30% at month 12). The rate of complete skin clearance decreased as the number of prior biologics and baseline comorbidities increased.

Conclusion

Only one in four patients achieved complete skin clearance after 6 months of treatment with biologics. The study indicates there still is an unmet need for more efficacious biologics for patients with psoriasis.

Granuloma Annulare, a Possible Paradoxical Reaction of the Adalimumab Treatment in a Severe Case of Psoriasis Vulgaris

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign chronic inflammatory dermatosis, self-limited, slightly pruritic or asymptomatic in the majority of the cases, with specific clinically and histologically features, that occurs in all age groups, but it is rare in infancy. GA is associated to five clinical variants: localized, generalized, perforating, subcutaneous and arcuate dermal erythema. The etiology of GA is usually unknown, but in 60-75% of the cases it is associated with metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia), thyroid disorders, neoplasms, infections or drug induced. We present a psoriasis case treated with anti TNFα agents, Adalimumab, that after three and a half years of treatment developed GA.

Positioning of old and new biologicals and small molecules in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

The past decade has brought substantial advances in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The introduction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, evidence for the value of combination therapy, the recognition of targeting lymphocyte trafficking and activation as a viable treatment, and the need for early treatment of high-risk patients are all fundamental concepts for current modern IBD treatment algorithms. In this article, authors review the existing data on approved biologicals and small molecules as well as provide insight on the current positioning of approved therapies. Patient stratification for the selection of specific therapies, therapeutic targets and patient monitoring will be discussed as well. The therapeutic armamentarium for IBD is expanding as novel and more targeted therapies become available. In the absence of comparative trials, positioning these agents is becoming difficult. Emerging concepts for the future will include an emphasis on the development of algorithms which will facilitate a greater understanding of the positioning of novel biological drugs and small molecules in order to best tailor therapy to the patient. In the interim, anti-TNF therapy remains an important component of IBD therapy with the most real-life evidence and should be considered as first-line therapy in patients with complicated Crohn’s disease and in acute-severe ulcerative colitis. The safety and efficacy of these ‘older’ anti-TNF therapies can be optimized by adhering to therapeutic algorithms which combine clinical and objective markers of disease severity and response to therapy.

Decreased A-to-I RNA editing as a source of keratinocytes' dsRNA in psoriasis

Recognition of dsRNA molecules activates the MDA5-MAVS pathway and plays a critical role in stimulating type-I interferon responses in psoriasis. However, the source of the dsRNA accumulation in psoriatic keratinocytes remains largely unknown. A-to-I RNA editing is a common co- or post-transcriptional modification that diversifies adenosine in dsRNA, and leads to unwinding of dsRNA structures. Thus, impaired RNA editing activity can result in an increased load of endogenous dsRNAs. Here we provide a transcriptome-wide analysis of RNA editing across dozens of psoriasis patients, and we demonstrate a global editing reduction in psoriatic lesions. In addition to the global alteration, we also detect editing changes in functional recoding sites located in the IGFBP7, COPA, and FLNA genes. Accretion of dsRNA activates autoimmune responses, and therefore the results presented here, linking for the first time an autoimmune disease to reduction in global editing level, are relevant to a wide range of autoimmune diseases.

The rescue effect of adalimumab in the treatment of refractory pediatric panuveitis complicated with steroid-induced glaucoma

We report the rescue effects of adalimumab (HUMIRA^®) therapy in a case of refractory pediatric panuveitis complicated with steroid-induced glaucoma. A 13-year-old girl had suffered from blurred vision since January 2013. Bilateral idiopathic panuveitis with macular edema (ME) was diagnosed. She had previously been treated with systemic steroids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate. All treatments had failed to suppress the ocular inflammation and ME persisted. Intravitreal dexamethasone implant injections were given to both eyes and ME subsided; however, complications with steroid-induced glaucoma and cataract occurred. ME also recurred following absorbance of the dexamethasone implant. After administration of subcutaneous adalimumab injections every 2 weeks, inflammatory activity was well controlled and ME subsided. Phacoemulsification and posterior intraocular lens implantation were performed in both eyes. Menorrhagia and anemia were noted 9 months after adalimumab treatment. Thereafter, adalimumab was reduced and her anemia improved. Her vision had remained 20/20 for 33 months. Refractory pediatric uveitis usually requires more aggressive treatment. Intraocular glucocorticoid releasing implant could be used to lessen the possible systemic side effects in children. Intravitreal dexamethasone implant was effective in treating the inflammatory ME but could be complicated with steroid glaucoma and cataract. Tumor necrosis factor-blocking agents have been used to treat chronic, refractory uveitis in adults as well as children. Adalimumab was a favorable biological agent in steroid-responding pediatric patient of refractory noninfectious uveitis but could be complicated with menorrhagia. Long-term follow-up and more cases are mandatory.

Modulation of Toll-like receptors in psoriatic patients during therapy with adalimumab

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a key part of the innate immune system that detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of microorganisms and their stimulation results in the activation of signaling pathways leading to the modulation of inflammatory and immune responses. Since psoriasis is a complex, inflammatory and immune skin disease, characterized by an abnormal immune response and increased proliferation of keratinocytes, with an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, TLRs could play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. We propose to assess the modulation of TLR expression on psoriatic skin of patients treated with Adalimumab and systemic conventional therapies. We therefore recruited fifteen patients: ten were treated with adalimumab and five with systemic conventional therapies; their clinical conditions were analyzed by PASI index and skin biopsies were evaluated for TLR1 and TLR2 expression by immunohistochemistry assays. Our data suggest adalimumab is not only able to improve the clinical condition of psoriatic patients, but also to modulate TLR1 and TLR2 expression involved in psoriasis, as in healthy skin. Adalimumab is a most promising biological drug able to orchestrate immune and inflammatory responses in psoriatic lesions, recovering TLR expression on basal keratinocytes and improving clinical conditions of psoriatic patients, with no evident side effects.

Long-term use of adalimumab in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: a review of the literature

Psoriasis is a chronic T-cell-mediated inflammatory disease that primarily affects the skin and joints. Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis constitute about 30% of the psoriasis population. Treatment of this group is challenging due to the long-term side effects, toxicities and inconvenience of conventional treatments such as phototherapy, methotrexate and cyclosporine. However, recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis have led to the popular use of biologics, which offer a safer, more convenient and effective targeted therapy. Adalimumab was originally approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Currently, adalimumab is also approved for treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy or when other systemic therapies are medically less appropriate. Since the onset of the use of biologics, there have been concerns over safety and efficacy when used as long-term therapy. This paper reviews all publications, posters and abstracts reporting original data on the efficacy and/or safety of adalimumab in patients treated for chronic plaque psoriasis for more than 1 year.

Patented small molecules against psoriasis

BACKGROUND

It is hypothesized that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. The most recent therapeutic approach that proved to be more effective than earlier methods of treatment is the use of mAb/fusion proteins. Efforts nowadays are focused on investigating the antipsoriatic affect of small molecules that can be administered orally, some of which are capable of entering cells, and being selective in targeting intracellular pathways.

OBJECTIVE

Preclinical patented small molecules that are recommended for the treatment of psoriasis are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on their mechanism of action.

METHODS

http://ep.espacenet.com/ , Pubmed, Scopus and Google websites were the main sources used for the patented small molecule search. A number of patents were poorly described and difficulties were faced in trying to figure out the patentee(s) explanation. Moreover, most patents were recommended for the treatment of a number of autoimmune diseases and cancer, and not only for psoriasis.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Small molecules that inhibit the activation of T lymphocytes, leukocyte trafficking, leukotriene activity/production and angiogenesis, and promote apoptosis have been patented. Small molecules that have been patented for the treatment of other autoimmune diseases and could be used for treating psoriasis are described. Moreover, other possible mechanistic approaches using small molecules are discussed.

Biologics in dermatologic therapy - an update

Biologics are protein molecules which are used in various diseases to target the specific points in the immunopathogenesis of the diseases. The molecules are produced by recombinant DNA technology. The molecules bind to the specific targets without interfering wtih rest of the pathogenetic pathways. Therefore the so called 'immunosuppressives' have, although, a broader broader spectrum of action on immune system, their side-effects are also equally more. The biologics, because of their spefic action on the immune system, have very little side effects. The biologics which have revolutionized the treatment of various dermatologic diseases have been discussed here.