Highlights From Psoriasis Awareness Month

Psoriasis Awareness Month is celebrated every August to highlight new research, reduce stigmas associated with psoriasis, educate patients about treatment opportunities, and advocate for future enhancements. With more than 125 million patients worldwide affected by psoriasis, clinicians have the opportunity to educate their patients about their skin condition and provide information about new treatments or upcoming clinical trials.¹

Throughout the month of August, Dermatology Times covered psoriasis news related to Alumis Inc’s phase 3 trial of ESK-001 for plaque psoriasis; AbbVie’s Science of Skin event; apremilast’s availability for pediatric psoriasis in the US; and more. Continue reading below for a comprehensive look at psoriasis news in August.

Additionally, stay up-to-date with future awareness months and all news by subscribing to receive our eNewsletters.

Q&A: Alumis Inc. Initiates Phase 3 Clinical Program for ESK-001 in Plaque Psoriasis

Alumis Inc. recently announced that it has commenced patient dosing in its ONWARD phase 3 clinical program evaluating ESK-001, an oral allosteric TYK2 inhibitor, for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

The program includes 2 24-week trials, ONWARD1 and ONWARD2, which will assess the drug's efficacy and safety, along with a long-term extension trial, ONWARD3, for evaluating durability and long-term safety. The program aims to confirm positive phase 2 findings and support global regulatory approvals.

Martin Babler, CEO of Alumis, recently spoke with Dermatology Times to discuss the significance of this clinical program and the potential of ESK-001 in the psoriasis treatment landscape.

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Extended Guselkumab Dosing Proven Effective for Psoriasis

Guselkumab, an antibody targeting interleukin (IL)-23, is used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, typically administered every 8 weeks after initial doses.1 The GUIDE clinical trial, a phase 3b study, investigated whether extending the dosing interval of guselkumab from every 8 weeks to every 16 weeks would be effective for patients who achieve early and complete skin clearance (super responders (SRes)). The trial aimed to show that this extended interval is noninferior to the shorter one for maintaining disease control, as well as investigate long-term effects, including clinical and immunologic responses.

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Study Solidifies Link Between Environment and Psoriasis Risk

Besides its initial impact, psoriasis is often associated with increased risks of comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular diseases. While the exact causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, genetic and environmental factors are increasingly determined to play a role.

Research has highlighted the positive health impacts of green and blue spaces—areas with vegetation or water—on various health outcomes. However, the link between these environmental factors and psoriasis remains largely unexplored. Some studies suggest that green spaces might be beneficial by reducing inflammation and affecting skin microbiota, which is notable when associated with psoriasis.

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Chesahna Kindred, MD, MBA, FAAD: Expert Insights on Enhancing Dermatological Care for Patients with Skin of Color

AbbVie recently hosed its fourth annual "Science of Skin" event on August 8, spotlighting both personal and professional insights into managing chronic skin conditions. The annual event aims to empower and educate the millions of Americans affected by skin diseases through discussions on patient control, supportive networks, and the unique needs of patients with skin of color.

This year's event, "Science of Skin: Empowering Conversations to Take Control of Chronic Skin Disease," featured 3 expert-led sessions, including a session led by Chesahna Kindred, ​MD, MBA, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Kindred Hair & Skin, and Brenda Kong-Tunac, a psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patient and advocate.

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Increasing Levels of Physical Activity Led to Improvements in Wellbeing, Psychological Health in Patients With Psoriasis

Increased physical activity led to improvements in overall wellbeing and psychological health of patients with psoriasis, according to a study published in Skin Health and Disease. Following the completion of an exercise regimen, researchers reported that individuals had reduced Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, improved Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores, and more.

Previous studies have outlined the important role of physical activity with psoriatic disease, such as one from Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. Researchers reported a significant relationship between levels of physical activity and likelihood of future cardiovasular disease, noting that greater levels of activity lowered risk.

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Apremilast Now Available for Pediatric Use in the US

Amgen announced in a news release today that apremilast (Otezla; Amgen) is now available in the US for pediatric use. Earlier this year, the FDA approved apremilast for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents aged 6 years and older, who weigh at least 20 kg (44 pounds) and are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. This marks a significant development for young patients with psoriasis as there are currently no other FDA-approved oral medications for the condition.

"Children living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis often experience uncomfortable and highly visible symptoms, such as itchy, dry lesions that may bleed or cause pain. However, treatment options for this chronic immune-mediated disease are limited," said Leah M. Howard, JD, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation.

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Higher Risankizumab Adherence with New Injection Device

Trypanophobia, or fear of needles, affects 20% to 50% of adolescents and 20% to 30% of adults. While it often decreases with age, it can interfere with medical treatments, especially those requiring injections. This issue is particularly relevant for chronic conditions like psoriasis, where injectable biologic drugs are used for management. Researchers behind a recent study noted needle fear can lead to noncompliance with treatment regimens, impacting drug effectiveness and health outcomes.

Biologic treatments vary in administration frequency: anti-TNF therapies require bi-weekly or weekly injections, anti-IL-17 every 4 weeks, and anti-IL-23 every 8 to 12 weeks. Prefilled syringes or pens with concealed needles can help mitigate this fear.

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Patients With Psoriasis Demonstrate Higher Rates of Helicobacter Pylori Infection Versus Controls

Patients with psoriasis have significantly higher rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection versus controls without psoriatic disease, according to a study published in Skin Research and Technology. However, researchers reported no observed correlation between the presence of H. pylori and overall disease severity.

Previous studies have explored the relationship between H. pylori infection and psoriasis, though results have not been entirely conclusive. Infection with H. pylori, a gram-negative bacteria, may be present in as many as half the world's population. A 2015 study published in Problems of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases reported the presence of H. pylori antibodies in 64% of patients with psoriasis, and in 33.3% of patients in the control groups.

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