An experimental drug is showing promise in treating the rough, flaky skin typically associated with psoriasis. The new medication, Briakinumab, is being touted as a breakthrough for those battling this skin condition.
The reactions
“This drug has had, in this trial, the highest efficacy we have ever seen with any biologic in psoriasis before,” says study researcher Kristian Reich, MD. Biologics are genetically engineered proteins derived from human genes.
The study, done in Germany, showed 60 percent of psoriasis patients saw a dramatic improvement in their skin condition with all lesions clearing. This group was compared to a patients taking the most common treatment for psoriasis, methotrexate. In that group, just 10 to 15 percent had lesions clear.
“This is unheard of,” Reich tells WebMD. “We in dermatology have never spoken about remission before. But with this drug, the word ‘remission’ is on the table.”
The downside
While the drug could help thousands dealing with this frustrating condition, it does come with more serious side effects, including a higher risk of some forms of cancer.
Abbott, the drug’s makers, are not pursing approval from the FDA because of some of these side effects and have said they will “evaluate their next step” before getting federal approval.
Psoriasis, not just a skin condition
While psoriasis is characterized by itchy, flaky skin the condition does come with other risks.
“Psoriasis is a systemic disease,” Dermatologist Kenneth Gordon says. People with psoriasis also have higher risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and alcoholism,” he says. “So when people think of psoriasis as limited to the skin it really isn’t laying credence to the severity of the disease and the overall health of the individual. It’s very debilitating as well.”
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, as many as 7.5 million people have psoriasis.
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