Treatment options for psoriasis via injections: Exploring variances, advantages, and disadvantages
In the ongoing quest to manage psoriasis, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved several new treatments, including a biosimilar for the widely-used drug ustekinumab (Stelara) specifically for pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years who weigh under 60 kg. This new formulation, named Steqeyma, is set to offer a more targeted approach for those suffering from moderate to severe psoriasis.
Steqeyma, a biosimilar to ustekinumab, works by blocking interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23, key cytokines involved in inflammatory pathways driving psoriasis. This approval marks an important step in expanding treatment options for children with psoriasis, complementing the existing IL-17 antagonist ixekizumab available for adults.
Another noteworthy advancement is the recognition of ixekizumab as having a strong balance of efficacy and cost-effectiveness for chronic plaque psoriasis. Ixekizumab is an IL-17A inhibitor that disrupts the inflammatory cascade central to psoriasis pathogenesis.
In addition to these biologic treatments, Roflumilast Foam 0.3% (Zoryve) has been approved as a non-steroidal topical treatment for plaque psoriasis on the scalp and body in patients aged 12 years and older. While not a biologic, it is a novel PDE4 inhibitor that modulates inflammatory signalling pathways in psoriasis lesions.
These advances reflect the ongoing strategy of targeting specific immune cytokines involved in psoriasis inflammation for improved and tailored treatment outcomes.
While biologics offer promising results, it's essential to consider their potential risks. These treatments can increase the risk of infections, have side effects, and their effects on pregnancy remain unclear. The frequency of injections can vary from twice a week to once every three months.
Methotrexate, a systemic drug used to treat psoriasis, is not a biologic but has its own set of risks, including nausea, appetite loss, fatigue, liver damage, and changes to red and white blood cell production.
Topical corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids can improve symptoms, but they can have adverse effects, such as rebound psoriasis or the triggering of a flare. Retinoids (Soriatine, acitretin) can help some people with psoriasis, but it may take several months to see the effects.
Alcohol may affect how well psoriasis medications work, so cutting out alcohol may help some people. Home remedies such as bathing with lukewarm water, using unscented bath oil, colloidal oatmeal, Dead Sea salts, or Epsom salts, and applying moisturizers to the skin after taking a bath may help relieve psoriasis symptoms.
In conclusion, the latest FDA approvals mark a significant stride in expanding treatment options for psoriasis, particularly for pediatric patients. As always, it's crucial to discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action based on individual needs and circumstances.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established Steqeyma, a biosimilar for ustekinumab, as a targeted treatment approach for children aged 6 to 17 years with moderate to severe psoriasis.
- Ixekizumab, an IL-17A inhibitor, has been recognized for its strong balance of efficacy and cost-effectiveness in managing chronic plaque psoriasis.
- Roflumilast Foam 0.3% (Zoryve) has been approved as a non-biologic, topical treatment for plaque psoriasis on the scalp and body in patients aged 12 years and older.
- Science continues to advance in the health-and-wellness sector, with a focus on targeting specific immune cytokines involved in psoriasis inflammation for improved and tailored treatment outcomes.
- While ixekizumab and Steqeyma offer promising results, it's essential to consider their potential risks, such as increased infection risks, side effects, and unclear effects on pregnancy.
- Methotrexate, a systemic drug used to treat psoriasis, carries its own set of risks, including nausea, appetite loss, fatigue, liver damage, and changes to red and white blood cell production.
- Topical corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids can improve psoriasis symptoms but may have adverse effects, such as rebound psoriasis or triggering a flare.
- Retinoids like Soriatine and acitretin may help some people with psoriasis, but the effects might take several months to notice.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, lifestyle factors such as avoiding alcohol and employing home remedies like bathing with lukewarm water, using unscented bath oil, or applying moisturizers can help relieve psoriasis symptoms.
