Psoriasis Treatment Research Roundup: July to September 2024 Pt.1

Psoriasis Treatment Research Update: July to September 2024 Pt.1

Written By: Adam Best

Reviewed by: Ramin Eshtiagi, MD.

If you’re wondering about the latest treatment research for psoriasis, you’re in the right place. In this article, we simplify the most important updates from recent treatment studies so you can stay informed. Whether you’re living with psoriasis or a healthcare provider treating patients, we’ve broken down the latest findings into two sections:

• Research insights that improve our understanding of psoriasis.
• Drug and treatment advances that show promise for managing the condition.

It was a great period for psoriasis research, with a lot of exciting news. Drug costs could be going down, several unique treatments are making waves, and many new options are approved or close to approval.

We will start focused on drug approvals, and then move to clinical trial news. As a forward looking organization, we find those the most exciting, so stay tuned until the end.

Pyzchiva Approved in U.S.

A lower cost option for psoriasis treatment just hit the U.S. market. Ustekinumab-ttwe (Pyzchiva) is a biosimilar (meaning almost the same thing) to Stelara. Stelara is already approved by the FDA for pediatric plaque psoriasis, severe psoriasis, and active psoriatic arthritis. Pzychiva was approved by the FDA July 1st, 2024 for the same conditions as Stelara.

Developed by Samsung Bioepis Co. the biosimilar was also called provisionally interchangeable as Stelara. This means that although the FDA thinks they are practically the same, they can’t be marketed as such because there is an exclusive right that another biosimilar already has. Until that exclusivity expires marketing for Pyzchiva can’t claim that it is interchangeable.

Canadian Stelera Biosimilar Approved.

Another Stelera biosimilar, this time in Canada. Health Canada has approved a biosimilar known as Steqeyma. Made for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the drug was found equal in strength and safety as the original Stelara in a Phase III clinical trial. It can be given by intravenous infusion, or by injection, and as with all biosimilars aims to bring new options to psoriasis patients that cost less.

Otezla Approved in USA for plaque psoriasis in children.

Otezla (Apremilast) received FDA approval for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children aged 6-17. This makes it the first oral option available for younger patients who may want to avoid injections.

In clinical trials, about 33% of kids on Otezla reached “clear” or “almost clear” skin by Week 16, compared to 11% on placebo.
This is a welcome edition for younger psoriasis patients, especially as a pill. It brings a moderate improvement over other options. Its main selling point is its considerable safety profile.

UCB’s Bimzelx approved for psoriatic arthritis.

Following positive Phase III trials that showed significant symptom reduction Bimzelx has been approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Approved in 2023 for moderate-severe psoriasis, Bimzelx will now be available for those dealing with PsA.
On a related note Bimzelx was studied in head-to-head clinical trials against three other common biologics and demonstrated superior symptom management. It will face another challenger “Skyrizi” soon, for the title of most effective biologic for psoriasis.

Zoryve under review for scalp and body psoriasis.

Zoryve is one of the most efficacious non-steroidal topicals on the market and is a big step forward for psoriasis (and other skin disease) patients everywhere.

FDA approval has been requested to market Zoryve for scalp and body psoriasis in patients 12 and up.

The PDE-4 inhibiting foam has already been approved for other inflammatory conditions, but following positive trial data may be approved for treating psoriasis as well. In trials, 66.4% of patients saw full scalp clearance compared to 27.8% with the placebo. 45.5% saw body clearance, and 65.3% reported significant itch reduction.

Summary

While this is great news, we’re really just getting started. Read on to discover trial reports on even more exciting and recent drugs that haven’t finished their studies yet.

Join a Clinical Trial for Psoriasis in Barrie

We are recruiting patients for psoriasis clinical trials. If your psoriasis has resisted normal treatment you may be eligible to participate in a study of a potential new treatment. You could find a treatment that works for you and you could help develop better options for others who have psoriasis.

View our listings here, or call us at #289-763-8666 to discuss if our trials are right for you.

SimcoDerm is a full service, comprehensive dermatology clinic located in Barrie. We provide our services to all the patients in Simcoe County and beyond.

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