A Host of Novel Agents for Treating Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis Stir Interest

Abstract

SAN FRANCISCO—A host of novel medications that have been developed with recombinant DNA techniques are offering physicians new options for treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that cannot be well controlled by standard therapies. An estimated 30% of the 5.5 million people of all ages with psoriasis in the United States experience the moderate-to-severe form of the illness that these new agents are designed to treat. Termed immune modulators, biological response modifiers, or simply “biologics,” the new medications selectively block and reduce either abnormal T-lymphocyte activity or the inflammatory response that scientists believe play a key role in triggering these two disorders. Research to date suggests the new agents provide clearing of psoriatic skin and reduction of joint pain and swelling without broad suppression of the immune system. It is hoped that they therefore also will impart greater longterm safety than some of the agents currently used to treat patients with the disease, although concerns remain about their potential for immunosuppression, and their high cost—up to $26000 per year for some patients—may limit their use.