Psoriasis Drug Development

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder in which several factors and cells are involved. It includes both innate and adaptive immune systems, involving several cytokines, chemokines, and inflammation-causing antigens. The intricate disease pathophysiology makes it difficult to develop fully effective treatments. As an industry-leading CRO company, Creative Biolabs has been focusing on the drug development of psoriasis for years and has comprehensive technologies as well as advanced facilities. We are confident in providing global researchers with reliable therapeutic antibody development and cell-based therapy development services.

Introduction to Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the skin characterized by erythematous and scaly plaques with a predisposition for the scalp, extensors of the limbs, lumbosacral area, and genitalia. It affects ~125 million (2-3%) of the world’s population. Although it can occur in any age group, psoriasis mostly affects the 15- to 25-year-old and can lead to psoriasis arthritis in the 30- to 50-year-old. It is more common in higher latitudes and Caucasians compared with other ethnic groups. Although it is considered as an autoimmune disorder, there is no evidence for the autoantigens that might be responsible; however, there is evidence for a genetic predisposition for the disease.

Fig.1 Overview of psoriasis pathogenesis.¹

Current Treatment of Psoriasis

Treatment varies for the management of psoriasis depending on its severity. Psoriasis treatment comprises topical therapy, systemic therapy, phototherapy, and biological agents. Although multiple strategies are available, topical therapy is the preferred first-line therapy in mild to moderate psoriasis. The large surface area and localized action of the drugs avoid unwanted systemic effects and, thus, this treatment is preferred by patients. Such topical treatment includes corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogs, calcineurin inhibitors, retinoids, and over-the-counter therapies. In moderate to severe psoriasis conditions, systemic therapies are preferred. Until 2000, drugs approved for systemic therapy were methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin. Since then, newer therapies, such as PDE4 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and mAbs, have been developed and utilized for effective systemic therapy.

Monoclonal Antibodies as Advanced Therapies to Treat Psoriasis

mAbs specifically target TNF-α-signaling and IL-23/Th17 axis pathways, which are crucial for the progression of psoriasis. TNF-α-signaling inhibitors as psoriasis treatment. Between 2008 and 2017, a series of mAbs were approved, including IL-12/23 inhibitors and IL-17 receptor inhibitors.

There is an FDA-approved human monoclonal IgG1 antibody directed against the p40 subunit of IL-12/23 cytokines, blocks activation of Th1 and Th17 cells. There is also a TNF-α inhibitor, a PEGylated humanized mAb, lacks an Fc domain and, thus, is not delivered across the placenta. Therefore, it has been approved to treat patients throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In addition, a new class of mAbs targeting the p19 subunit of IL-23 cytokines are undergoing clinical trials to investigate their efficacy against psoriasis. Recurrent adverse effects with these mAbs are nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache. However, no dose-related increase in adverse effects was observed with these IL-23 inhibitors.

Custom Services of Psoriasis Drug Development 

With over 10 years of experience fighting in the fields of therapeutic antibody and cell-based therapy development, Creative Biolabs has accumulated comprehensive technologies, a number of professional experts, and irreplaceable experience. With all these advantages, we are capable of providing reliable services including but not limited to:

• Monoclonal Antibody Development for Psoriasis
• Bispecific Antibody Development for Psoriasis
• Cell-based Therapy for Psoriasis

mAbs are regarded as important advanced therapies to treat psoriasis in the near future. With rich experience in therapeutic antibody and cell-based therapy development, Creative Biolabs aspires to promote novel treatment strategy development through our reliable services. If you are interested in our services or have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

Reference

1. Tokuyama, Michio, and Tomotaka Mabuchi. "New treatment addressing the pathogenesis of psoriasis." International journal of molecular sciences 21.20 (2020): 7488. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.

For Research Use Only | Not For Clinical Use