An update on topical therapies for psoriasis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmacology
• Immunology

Background:

• Topical therapies are fundamental for managing mild psoriasis.
• They serve as valuable additions to systemic treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
• Current treatments include topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in topical psoriasis treatments.
• To summarize currently available topical therapeutic options for psoriasis.

Main Methods:

• Review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for topical psoriasis agents.
• Analysis of FDA-approved and investigational topical therapies.
• Consideration of treatment accessibility and cost.

Main Results:

• Topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulators (tapinarof) and topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (roflumilast) demonstrated efficacy in RCTs.
• Topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been investigated but are not yet approved for psoriasis.
• Topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues remain standard treatments.

Conclusions:

• Tapinarof and roflumilast are FDA-approved for psoriasis in the US.
• European regulatory status and cost implications for novel agents are pending.
• Cost remains a potential barrier to the utilization of new topical psoriasis treatments.