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LoginBig Changes Are On The Horizon For Dermatologists Treating Psoriasis.
“I really do believe that we are on the threshold of a great leap forward.”
Alan Menter, M.D.
“Biologicals will make current therapy look like the Stone Age.”
Craig Leonardi, M.D.
The good news is that advances in the new targeted biological drugs are creating safer, more effective ways to treat psoriasis. To date, late stage clinical trial data is so promising that the old standby therapies such as PUVA and methotrexate and even topical therapy may be replaced as the treatment of choice.
“Absolutely the most promising advance in my career of treating psoriasis.”
Nick Lowe, M.D.
We now know that psoriasis is a T-cell mediated disease. We know that it responds well to immune system suppressing drugs such as cyclosporine and methotrexate. However, we also know that though these drugs are highly effective in controlling the disease, they may cause liver and kidney damage if used long term. The new targeted immunomodulators have been developed to inhibit T-cell activity. They appear to be a safer and possibly an even more effective treatment for psoriasis.
“We finally have attractive alternatives to offer patients.”
Alice Gottlieb, M.D, Ph.D.
That news is creating excitement in the scientific community. But it is not the only community to sit up and take notice. At the recent 2nd Joint International Psoriasis Symposium and European Congress on Psoriasis held in San Francisco, the new biologicals were all the buzz not only for dermatologists from across the world, but for the investor community as well. National financial media such as the Wall Street Journal covered the event and significant interest was expressed in what this “new therapy” could mean for the fortunes of its’ developers. Can the mainstream media be far behind? Soon psoriasis patients will be in their dermatologists’ offices asking about the “new therapy”.
For today’s dermatologist, this is an exciting and stimulating time with big changes emerging. There is much to learn about the potential these complex targeted biological drugs hold for the patient and the sizeable impact they bring to the dermatologists’ practice as well. Some of the drugs have already been approved for other indications. Most will probably be approved by 2003. In clinical trials, the new biological drugs are sometimes administered through intravenous infusion or by subcutaneous injection – both are most likely non-traditional methods for the dermatologist, the staff and the psoriasis patient.
Clearly in the next 2-3 years the need for education will be very important for both doctor and patient alike as this “new era in therapy” materializes. That is why Skin Disease Education Foundation is planning a special educational effort designed to deliver focused, up-to-date, high quality scientific and practical information to the national and international dermatology community. Presently that effort would include a full-day’s presentation devoted to “Psoriasis Therapy – A New Era” as a part of the 3-day SDEF symposia and seminars or attached to our week long Hawaii Dermatology Seminar. We look forward to your input and participation.
AussieGuy
