Category Archives: Psoriasis

Alwan, W., and F.O. Nestle. "Pathogenesis and Treatment of Psoriasis: Exploiting Pathophysiological Pathways for Precision Medicine." Clin Exp Rheumatol 33 (Suppl. 93): S2-S6.

Arndt, Kenneth A., eds., et al. "Topical Therapies for Psoriasis." Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 35.2S Mar. 2016: S35-S46.

Benhadou, Fairda, Dillon Mintoff, and Vronique del Marmol. "Psoriasis: Keratinocytes or Immune Cells -- Which Is the Trigger?" Dermatology Dec. 19, 2018.

Conrad, Curdin, Michel Gilliet. "Psoriasis: From Pathogenesis to Targeted Therapies." Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology Jan. 18, 2015.

Dowlatshahi, E.A., E.A.M van der Voort, L.R. Arends, and T. Nijsten. "Markers of Systemic Inflammation in Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." British Journal of Dermatology 169.2 Aug. 2013: 266-282.

Georgescu, Simona-Roxana, et al. "Advances in Understanding the Immunological Pathways in Psoriasis." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 20.739 Feb. 10, 2019: 2-17.

Greb, Jacqueline E., et al. "Psoriasis." Nature Reviews Disease Primers 2 (2016): 1-17.

Kaushik, Shivani B., and Mark G. Lebwohl. "Review of Safety and Efficacy of Approved Systemic Psoriasis Therapies." International Journal of Dermatology 2018.

National Psoriasis Foundation. "Systemic Treatments: Biologics and Oral Treatments." 1-25.

Ogawa, Eisaku, Yuki Sato, Akane Minagawa, and Ryuhei Okuyama. "Pathogenesis of Psoriasis and Development of Treatment." The Journal of Dermatology 2017: 1-9.

Stiff, Katherine M., Katelyn R. Glines, Caroline L. Porter, Abigail Cline & StevenR. Feldman. "Current pharmacological treatment guidelines for psoriasis and psoriaticarthritis." Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology (2018).

Villaseor-Park, Jennifer, David Wheeler, and Lisa Grandinetti. "Psoriasis: Evolving Treatment for a Complex Disease." Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine 79.6 June 2012: 413-423.

Woo, Yu Ri, Dae Ho Cho, and Hyun Jeong Park. "Molecular Mechanisms and Management of a Cutaneous Inflammatory Disorder: Psoriasis." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 18 Dec. 11, 2017: 1-26.

See the original post:
Psoriasis: Types, Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, Treatments ...

EXTON, Pa., March 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The past decade has ushered in an array of new treatment options for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, providing dermatologists with more than they bargained for and often times making it difficult to compare efficacy across medications. Thus, it has become crucial for companies to differentiate their assets both within and outside their drug class whether it be through head-to-head clinical trials, patient assistance programs, or building a dermatology portfolio to establish trust and a relationship as a respected partner in the field.

A noteworthy example of a company differentiating themselves from the pack is AbbVie, particularly with the launch of their third-in-class IL-23 inhibitor, Skyrizi, in psoriasis. According to the latest quarterly report included in Spherix's RealTime Dynamix: Plaque Psoriasis (US) service, brand share for fellow IL-23 inhibitor, Janssen's Tremfya, as well as the IL-17 inhibitors, Novartis' Cosentyx and Eli Lilly's Taltz, have remained relatively flat, while AbbVie's newest market entrant has experienced exponential growth since its April 2019 introduction. Impressively, nearly two-thirds of the 101 US dermatologists surveyed selected Skyrizi as their most preferred IL-23 inhibitor if limited to just one for the treatment of psoriasis, despite Tremfya's almost three-year tenure on the market.

Skyrizi's early success in psoriasis is likely attributed to a multitude of factors. Dermatologists report frequent contact with Skyrizi representatives, elevated satisfaction with the Skyrizi Complete program, high awareness of AbbVie's head-to-head post-marketing study demonstrating superiority over Cosentyx on skin clearance, and overall greater perceived efficacy compared to other alternate mechanism of action agents. Furthermore, the manufacturer is beginning to build onto their already well-received Humira legacy, expanding their dermatology portfolio an approach many big players in the field are partaking in.

AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, and Novartis all own commercial products for the treatment of psoriasis as well as pipeline assets in atopic dermatitis (AD), with Pfizer holding pipeline assets in both indications. With only one biologic (Regeneron/Sanofi's Dupixent) currently FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to severe AD and a myriad of companies (aside from those listed above) with agents in the pipeline, the future advanced systemic market in AD has the potential to mirror the current psoriasis biologic landscape.

According to the Q1 2020 report included in Spherix's RealTime Dynamix: Atopic Dermatitis (US)service, 85% of surveyed dermatologists foresee the AD market emulating that of the crowded psoriasis market. Respondents also report a biologic/small molecule patient candidacy pool that is substantially larger than those currently treated with Dupixent and one that is comparable to the biologic-treated patient load in psoriasis.

Despite anticipated resemblances between the two markets, AD patients will likely be treated with more small molecule options, specifically JAK inhibitors. With the oral JAK inhibitors' (Lilly's Olumiant/baricitinib, Pfizer's abrocitinib, and AbbVie's Rinvoq/upadacitinib) projected launches around the corner, their location in the AD treatment paradigm will be key to uptake. Currently, one-half of dermatologists report it is unlikely these agents will be used prior to biologics in AD, which is how many prefer to utilize BMS' Otezla for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. Instead, dermatologists will likely follow in the footsteps of rheumatologists, where both Pfizer's Xeljanz and AbbVie's Rinvoq currently play in-line with the injectable biologics in RA.

Dermatologists also await the approval of topical JAK inhibitors for the treatment of AD (specifically Incyte's topical ruxolitinib and LEO's topical delgocitinib) and anticipate using these agents prior to oral JAK inhibitor use, in less severe patients, and for short-term flare management.

With a plethora of pipeline agents with the same mechanism of action and comparable efficacy, it comes down to the strategies these manufacturers are implementing across dermatology to build trust with prescribers around their brands, hence the creation of a dermatology portfolio. Spherix will be closely tracking products in development as well as newly launched brands in both markets through the RealTime Dynamixservices.

About RealTime DynamixRealTime Dynamix: Plaque Psoriasis (US) is an independent service providing strategic guidance through rapid and comprehensive quarterly reports, which include psoriasis market trending, launch tracking, and a fresh infusion of unique content with each wave.

A parallel service, RealTime Dynamix: Atopic Dermatitis (US), tracks the evolution of the US atopic dermatitis market on a quarterly basis.

About Spherix Global InsightsSpherix Global Insights is a hyper-focused market intelligence firm that leverages our own independent data and expertise to provide strategic guidance, so biopharma stakeholders make decisions with confidence. We specialize in select immunology, nephrology, and neurology markets.

All company, brand or product names in this document are trademarks of their respective holders.

For more information contact:Lynn Price, Immunology Franchise HeadEmail:info@spherixglobalinsights.comwww.spherixglobalinsights.com

Go here to read the rest:
US Dermatologists Anticipate the Future of Atopic Dermatitis to Mirror that of the Over-Crowded Psoriasis Market - Daily Local News

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the discriminant capability of the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) according to disease activity, remission/low disease activity indices and quality of life indices in patients withpsoriatic arthritis(PsA).

Consecutive patients with PsA were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. At each visit, the patients underwent a complete physical examination and their clinical/laboratory data were collected. Disease activity was assessed using the Disease Activity Score forPsoriatic Arthritis(DAPSA) and remission/low disease activity using the DAPSA minimal disease activity (MDA) and very low disease activity (VLDA) criteria. ThePsoriatic ArthritisImpact of Disease (PsAID) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index scores were also collected. Finally, PASS was assessed by asking all patients to answer yes or no to a single question.

Patients who answered yes to PASS showed a significantly better overall mean DAPSA score than those who were not in PASS. Furthermore, patients in PASS showed a significantly lower level of systemic inflammation, lower Leeds Enthesitis Index score, a significantly lower impact of disease (PsAID), lower pain and better function than patients who answered no to PASS. A moderate to good agreement was found between PASS, MDA, DAPSA low disease activity and PsAID score 4. Good sensitivity and specificity were found with PASS with respect to DAPSA low disease activity, and although PASS is sensitive in the identification of patients with MDA, DAPSA remission and VLDA it lacks of specificity.

This study showed that PASS might be used as an alternative to determine disease activity in patients with PsA in real clinical practice, mainly in patients with low disease activity according to DAPSA criteria.

Link:
Assessment of the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) in psoriatic arthritis: association with disease activity and quality of life indices -...

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes raised, red, scaly patches of skin that can feel itchy or painful. But if that inflammation can't be kept in check, it can affect a person's entire body.

Psoriasis prompts skin cells to rapidly multiply, causing a buildup of lesions on certain skin surfaces. Many cases are mild, but severe cases can lead to permanent disfigurement and joint disease. About 30% of people with psoriasis willdeveloppsoriatic arthritis,which causes inflammation in the joints and tendons.

The condition's pathology is not really known, according to Dr. Jonathan Wolfe, head of the dermatology division at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery. But the prevailing thought is that it is an immune disorder.

New research suggests that psoriasis is a systemic disease that can affect any part of the body in which inflammation can spread, Wolfe said.

"Triggers of psoriasis include injuries, infection, stress, smoking, heavy alcohol use and certain blood pressure medicines," Wolfe said. "A family history of psoriasis is also a common theme."

Psoriasis increases risk forserious health conditionslike diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune diseases.It also can lead to depression.

Psoriasis comes in various forms, including plaque psoriasis which has telltale thick, silvery scales anderythrodermicpsoriasis, in which most of the body reddens and becomes itchy and painful.

Plaque psoriasis normally develops on the elbows, knees or scalp, but it can appear on any part of the body. It tends to wax and wane at different times. Some people only will develop lesions on just a few skin surfaces while others will have the lesions across their bodies.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common form, but it can result in a medical emergency especially for people with cardiac disease. This severe form of psoriasis can cause swelling from fluid retention and infection, increasing the risk of pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

It can also cause skin on most areas of the body to turn bright red and become itchy and painful. The skin sometimes falls off in sheets. People with unstable plaque psoriasis are most at-risk for developing it.

Other forms include nail psoriasis, which is identifiable by pitting in the nails or abnormal nail discoloration, and guttate psoriasis, which is similar to plaque psoriasis but results in more coin-shaped lesions. The latter form usually appears on the trunk of the body and is triggered by strep or another bacterial infection.

Inverse psoriasis, which occurs in the groin area and underneath the breasts and armpits, often is mistaken for a fungi infection. That can delay a patient from receiving the correct treatment.

Pustular psoriasis develops as white pustules of noninfectious pus that are surrounded by red skin, causing people to feel sick with fever and chills.

Additionally, some patients with psoriasis will develop lesions on areas that are notnormally affected by the condition a development known as the Koebner phenomenon.

Treatment options range from topical medications like corticosteroids, retinoids and vitamin D analogues to oral and injectable medications.

For more severe cases, narrow ultraviolet B phototherapy and photochemotherapy are used. Photochemotherapy requires patients to take light-sensitizing medicine before being exposed to UVB rays.

There also are biologic drugs made from living cells that target specific parts of the immune system, leading to better control of symptoms and better quality of life. They have changed the way psoriasis has been treated in the last 25 years, Wolfe said.

Anyone who develop psoriasis should talk to their doctor as soon as possible. Wolfe said,"If left untreated, psoriasis can make routine things uncomfortable and cause serious complications."

See the article here:
The effects of psoriasis can be more than skin deep - PhillyVoice.com

It's not uncommon to head into winter dreading the itchy, flaky skin that often accompanies cold, dry weather. However, for over 31 million Americans living with eczema, 8 million Americans living with psoriasis, and 50 million Americans with seborrheic dermatitis, that itch continues year round. These ailments are undoubtedly commonwhich is why it makes sense that you might wonder if you're battling one. But how can you tell which one? Since they all make you itch, differentiating their symptoms can be a challenge. Luckily, Dr. Vivian Shi, dermatologist and speaker for the National Eczema Association, outlines the symptoms of each.

Getty / PeopleImages

Related: Do You Have Rosacea or Adult Acne?

Commonly known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is "the itch that rashes," says Dr. Shi, meaning that an itching sensation often occurs first followed by a visible rash that develops after scratching. Eczema lesions are typically pink and scaly on pale skin tones, or a purple-to-brown color on darker skin tones, with accentuated skin lines. These patches get infected easily. Common eczema locations are the eyelids, neck, front of the elbows, and back of the knees. Eczema patients tend to have a higher risk of getting other allergic conditions, such as food allergies, asthma, and hay fever.

Psoriasis lesions are well-demarcated circular or oval-shaped thick plaques, with thick, silvery scales. Psoriasis can occasionally be itchy. A phenomenon commonly seen with psoriasis is koebnerization, explains Dr. Shi, where previously normal skin can develop psoriasis after trauma, such as scratching, site of surgery, or a cut. Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, but most commonly affects skin over the elbows and kneesand can be accompanied by nail psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (a type of inflammation that can cause permanent joint destruction and disability).

Commonly known as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis can be accompanied by varying degrees of skin inflammation and itching. This condition presents as a pink, scaly rash with a greasy-looking scale, explains Dr. Shi. It tends to develop in areas with high density of oil glands, such as the scalp, face, ears, and center of the chest and can occur on the scalp of infants (this is commonly known as cradle cap). Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be due to yeast overgrowth on the skin, which ultimately causes the inflammation.

As with any medical condition, seeking a proper diagnosis is critical to developing the right treatment plan. "The first and the most important part of caring for your skin condition is to get the right diagnosis," says Dr. Shi. "Various skin rashes can often look similar and have very different treatment approaches. For example, some over-the-counter psoriasis treatments work by reducing skin thickness and scaling, and if used incorrectly on eczema skin, can actually cause an eczema flare."

Dr. Shi says, "More often than not, people with these conditions may require a prescription strength medication. Therefore, it's better to see a dermatologist to confirm the correct diagnosis and get an individualized treatment plan." As each of the three conditions will fluctuate in severity over time, a treatment plan may require different approaches.

Continue reading here:
Eczema, Psoriasis, and Seborrheic Dermatitis: What Are Their Differences, and Which One Do You Have? - Yahoo Lifestyle

Alopecia left Tayshan too anxious to leave the house (Picture: Earth Elixir)

A woman who suffered for years with psoriasis on her scalp and significant hair loss has created her own all-natural haircare brand because the prescribed treatments for these conditions didnt work for Afro hair.

Tayshan, from Streatham, south London, had painful psoriasis on her scalp that caused hair loss and, eventually, alopecia. She also struggled with hair growth, with her hair never reaching past her shoulders.

I would go to the doctors and they would recommend another shampoo telling me to wash my hair three times a day, or suggest another steroid cream, Tayshan tells Metro.co.uk. They had no understanding of Afro hair at all and the damage that would be caused with these products.

Hair was always really important for Tayshan, and she says her experience with psoriasis and alopecia gave her such bad anxiety that she didnt even want to leave the house.

I felt so embarrassed that people could either see flakes from the psoriasis or bald patches from the alopecia, she says.

As women of colour we grow up with such emphasis put on our hair and are told that it is intricately tied to our beauty. I really suffered with that growing up, being mixed-race and not having the typical loose curls that people associate with being mixed-race I had grown up really fixating on my hair.

So, suddenly having bald patches everywhere I really felt like I had lost part of my identity.

At the time, Tayshan was also pregnant with her second child and was conscious that the products that she was putting on her scalp could be absorbed into her body and she didnt want that for her baby.

I decided enough was enough and started exploring the natural path of hair care, says Tayshan. Through a lot of research, trials, tribulations and testing I decided I was going to make my own natural products, as everything on the market includes ingredients that arent actually good for our hair or skin.

Tayshan, who has a degree in forensic science, also took inspiration from her daughter when creating her products.

I really wanted her to enjoy her curls, coils and kinks and embrace her hair, explains Tayshan. I didnt want her to spend her whole childhood not enjoying her hair and wishing it was like other peoples. I also wanted to have products that I knew I could use on her that was completely natural.

Tayshan has now been making her own products for two years, and she says the change in the quality, health and length of her hair has been unbelievable.

Not only is the growth astounding but it has never felt so healthy, shiny, strong, thick and my bald patches have completely gone! she says.

After sharing some products with family and friends I was encouraged to sell my products so everyone can try them. So I launched my brand Earth Elixir a range of homemade hair care products made using natural ingredients from the earth, primarily Ayurvedic herbs, which I created three weeks after my third child was born.

Tayshans products are natural, organic and entirely vegan, they include an Ayurvedic hair oil, a shea, mango and chebe whip, and a leave-in hair tea set

I also want woman to know that they can follow their dreams and nothing should stop them, says Tayshan. Many said that I wouldnt be able to do it with a seven-year-old, a 14-month-old and a newborn baby, but I have done it, customers are loving it and feedback has been amazing.

Tayshan hopes her products can give other black and mixed-race women healthier curls, kinks and coils and help to improve their confidence.

Have you created your own business or achieved something against the odds?

Get in touch: metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.

MORE: How to deal with coronavirus panic when youre experiencing health anxiety

MORE: Racism and damaging stereotypes prevent east Asian women from taking part in sport

MORE: BAME millennials much more likely to be in unstable jobs than white workers

See the original post:
Woman creates Afro hair care brand to help with her scalp psoriasis - Metro.co.uk

Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE MKT: CANF) (TASE:CFBI), a biotechnology company with a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address inflammatory, cancer and liver diseases, announced today that data from the interim analysis of Piclidenoson in its Phase III clinical study is expected to be released during Q4 2020. Moreover and in line with the reports that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drugs have been introduced for the treatment of the Coronavirus, the Company is now exploring a collaboration to look at the effect of Piclidenoson against Coronavirus. Can Fite drug candidates possess anti-viral effect protected by a US patent US7589075.

Recently, two pharmaceutical companies announced the introduction of RA drugs for the treatment of patients with Coronavirus. Gilead is conducting a clinical study in China which combines its anti-viral drug candidate Remdisivir with the old RA drug chloroquine (http://www.natap.org/2020/newsUpdates/s41422-020-0282-0.pdf). In addition, Roche has donated its Actemra anti-RA drug for the treatment of patients in China (https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma-asia/china-turns-roche-arthritis-drug-actemra-against-covid-19-new-treatment-guidelines?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTVdVeU5XUmpOMlUyWkRSaCIsInQiOiJxRUtpQjhUU2U5NkJGMkxlaEdiZDhoRVFTQkkxbjJzQUV6d1hacVV3T3gzNmRZN3R5d0JWd0ZBeXhQZUo5RTN1XC91QTFIemVBekpzNHdwaGFHZGo1TmYweVgzeUdudHc1Z0R4alFYaUYyMXpVeEN1WlVTa2dSVkhqZlkxbWpkT0oifQ%3D%3D&mrkid=685430).

Can Fite is now exploring the possibility to collaborate with leading virology labs to explore the anti-viral effect of its drugs against the Coronavirus based on the known anti-viral and anti-rheumatic effects of the company drugs.

Can Fite completed the enrolment of 50% of the 525 patients planned for its Phase III ACRobat trial to evaluate its drug candidate Piclidenoson as a first-line treatment for RA. An interim analysis is being implemented, and will be managed and monitored by an independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) that will have un-blinded access to the data which are expected during Q3 2020.

About Piclidenoson

Piclidenoson is a novel, first-in-class, A3 adenosine receptor agonist (A3AR) small molecule, orally bioavailable drug with a favorable therapeutic index demonstrated in Phase II clinical studies. Piclidenoson is currently under development for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases. It is being evaluated in a Phase III study as a first line treatment, to replace methotrexate, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and a Phase III study in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

About Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd.

Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CFBI) is an advanced clinical stage drug development Company with a platform technology that is designed to address multi-billion dollar markets in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disease and sexual dysfunction. The Company's lead drug candidate, Piclidenoson, is currently in Phase III trials for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Can-Fite's liver cancer drug, Namodenoson, recently completed a Phase II trial for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, and is in a Phase II trial for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Namodenoson has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and Europe and Fast Track Designation as a second line treatment for HCC by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Namodenoson has also shown proof of concept to potentially treat other cancers including colon, prostate, and melanoma. CF602, the Company's third drug candidate, has shown efficacy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in preclinical studies and the Company is investigating additional compounds, targeting A3AR, for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. These drugs have an excellent safety profile with experience in over 1,000 patients in clinical studies to date. For more information please visit: http://www.can-fite.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, about Can-Fites expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding, among other things, market risks and uncertainties, its product development efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects. In addition, from time to time, Can-Fite or its representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "may," "should" or "anticipate" or their negatives or other variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. These forward-looking statements may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made by Can-Fite with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases or oral statements made by or with the approval of one of Can-Fites authorized executive officers. Forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause Can-Fites actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Many factors could cause Can-Fites actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: our history of losses and needs for additional capital to fund our operations and our inability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all; uncertainties of cash flows and inability to meet working capital needs; the initiation, timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies, clinical trials and other product candidate development efforts; our ability to advance our product candidates into clinical trials or to successfully complete our preclinical studies or clinical trials; our receipt of regulatory approvals for our product candidates, and the timing of other regulatory filings and approvals; the clinical development, commercialization and market acceptance of our product candidates; our ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships and other corporate collaborations; the implementation of our business model and strategic plans for our business and product candidates; the scope of protection we are able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering our product candidates and our ability to operate our business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; competitive companies, technologies and our industry; statements as to the impact of the political and security situation in Israel on our business; and risks and other risk factors detailed in Can-Fites filings with the SEC and in its periodic filings with the TASE. In addition, Can-Fite operates in an industry sector where securities values are highly volatile and may be influenced by economic and other factors beyond its control. Can-Fite does not undertake any obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200305005410/en/

Contacts

Can-Fite BioPharmaMotti Farbsteininfo@canfite.com

The rest is here:
Can-Fite Updates on Clinical Milestone for its Phase III Rheumatoid Arthritis Study with Piclidenoson; Drugs Combating Rheumatoid Arthritis are...

New topical treatments for psoriasis increasingly prove that vehicles matter, says an expert who spoke at the South Beach Symposium. Additional noteworthy developments include new fixed combinations and new molecules under development.

RELATED:IL-23 inhibitors may offer psoriasis patients longer-lasting results

The polyaphron dispersion (PAD) vehicle platform (MC2 Biotek) includes 10 to 30 times less surfactants than other emulsions, which makes it less irritating, says Leon Kircik, M.D. He is clinical professor of dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; associate clinical professor of dermatology, Indiana University Medical Center; and Medical Director, Physicians Skin Care, PLLC, and Skin Sciences, PLLC, in Louisville, KY.

PAD technology also uses a robust lipid shell that allows high stability in aqueous environments.

"So now you have a less irritating, more durable vehicle," he adds.

In phase 3, the combination of calcipotriene and betamethasone diproprionate in the PAD vehicle (Enstilar foam, LEO Pharma) proved superior to a calcipotriene-betamethasone topical suspension ointment (Taclonex, LEO Pharma). The proportions of patients who were clear or nearly clear with at least a two-point improvement over baseline were 40% for the foam versus 22% for ointment.

Disclosures:

Dr. Kircik has served as an investigator, speaker, advisor or consultant for Amgen, Celgene, Clarify, Dermavant, LEO and MC2 Biotek.

References:

Leon Kircik, M.D. "Topical Therapies for Psoriasis," South Beach Symposium. February 8, 2020.

View original post here:
Psoriasis: An update on topical therapies - Dermatology Times

Last year, shares of the big pharma company Johnson & Johnson(NYSE:JNJ) rose by 13%, a performance that trailed that of the pharmaceuticals industry, which was up by 24.7% as measured by the SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals Index. The S&P 500 -- which was up by about 29% in 2019 -- also outpaced Johnson & Johnson last year.

There are several reasons why Johnson & Johnson did not perform as well as the broader market in 2019. First, some of its key products within its pharmaceuticals segment -- by far its largest segment by revenue -- have been recording declining sales. For instance, the company's rheumatoid arthritis drug Remicade reported $4.4 billion in sales for the full fiscal year 2019, down 17.8% year over year.Second, Johnson & Johnson is currently drowning in a sea of lawsuits. A California court recently ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $344 million for "deceptively marketing" its pelvic mesh products, which are surgical implants aimed at treating pelvic organ prolapse.Johnson & Jonhson plans to appeal this decision, but there are more lawsuits the company has to worry about.

Amid all these troubles, investors might be inclined to avoid shares of the pharma giant altogether. However, a lot can happen in just one year, and despite its issues, Johnson & Johnson's trajectory within the next 12 months may not be that catastrophic. Here's why.

Image source: Getty Images.

While some of Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical products are losing steam, others are on the rise. The company's drug Stelara, which treats plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, recorded $6.4 billion in sales during fiscal year 2019, a 23.4% year-over-year increase. Tremfya, which is a treatment for severe plaque psoriasis, reported $1 billion in sales, up 85.9% compared with the previous fiscal year. Further, Johnson & Johnson's cancer drug Imbruvica recorded $3.4 billion in sales, up 30.4% year over year, and Darzalex -- which treats multiple myeloma-- recorded about $3 billion in sales, 48% higher than in fiscal year 2018.

In other words, Johnson & Johnson has enough products with sales on the rise -- and will likely continue delivering growing sales -- to keep revenue from its pharmaceuticals segment afloat. Some of the company's current products are also seeking additional indications.For instance, Imbruvica is currently in phase 3 testing for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma, and Tremfya is in phase 3 testing for the treatment of pediatric psoriasis.

Also, Johnson & Johnson recently submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Darzalex as a treatment for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (that is, multiple myeloma that does not respond to treatment or resurfaces after a period of remission). According to estimates, about 32,270 people will be diagnosed with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in 2020, and approximately 12,830 will die from it. Lastly, with the novel coronavirus outbreak worsening by the day, Johnson & Johnson is partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, the deadly disease caused by the virus.

While Johnson & Johson boast a strong product lineup, the company has to contend with some competitors in these markets. For instance, AbbVie's (NYSE:ABBV) Humira is a treatment for plaque psoriasis. And although Humira is experiencing declining sales due to generic competition in Europe, it remains a blockbuster drug. Humira recorded $19.2 billion in sales in 2019.AbbVie's Skyrizi -- which also treats plaque psoriasis -- has been recording growing sales. Skyrizi was approved by the FDA for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in April 2019, and the drug generated $355 million in sales last year.

Novartis (NYSE:NVS) is another pharma company with footprints in this market. The company's top-selling product Cosentyx, which treats moderate to severe plaque psoriasis -- generated $3.6 billion in sales last year.

In the market for multiple myeloma, Johnson & Johnson competes with Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY). Thanks to its acquisition of Celgene in a cash and stock transaction valued at $74 billion, Bristol-Myers acquired such products as Revlimid. Sales of Revlimid -- from the time of the closing of the acquisition on Nov. 20, to the end Bristol-Myers' third quarter, on Dec. 31 -- were $1.3 billion.Bristol-Myers should also submit ide-cel -- a potential treatment for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma -- to the FDA sometime this year for approval.

Also,it isn't clear whether the company will benefit from its current efforts to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. While the epidemic continues to get worse -- with cases outside of China and in countries such as Italy and Iran growing --several companies are currently working on that project, and some of Johnson & Jonhson's peers could beat the company to the punch.

Even given these competitors, Johnson & Johnson's pipeline, as well as its current lineup should allow the company's sales to remain afloat.

One of Johnson & Johnson's biggest attractions is its dividend history. The company -- which ranks as one of the prestigious dividend aristocrats -- has more than 50 years of consecutive dividend increases under its belt,and Johnson & Johnson still affirms the importance of rewarding shareholders by way of dividend increases.

Chief Financial Officer Joseph J. Wolk said:

As investors in Johnson & Johnson know, delivering a competitive and increasing dividend is a capital allocation priority for us. In 2019, we returned almost $10 billion to investors, which is approximately 50% of our free cash flow, increasing the quarterly dividend by 5.6%.

The company's current dividend yield is 2.56%, and its payout ratio is 66.6%.Investors can count on Johnson & Johnson to keep increasing its quarterly dividend payout within the next year.

What should investors make of Johnson & Johnson's current legal troubles? On the one hand, the company has faced scores of lawsuits before. The pharma giant has always managed to come out of these relatively unscathed. The recent verdict mentioned above cost Johnson & Johnson $344 million. For context, this merely represents about 1.7% of the company's net sales during the fourth quarter.

On the other hand, these ongoing (and numerous lawsuits) represents a risk for Johnson & Jonhson. The company itself mentions risks, including "declining sales and reputational damage," that could ensue as a result of these lawsuits. Johnson & Jonhson continually monitors these legal troubles and the company records provisions for losses for those lawsuits for"which a loss is probable or reasonably possible."Investors should keep a close eye on the lawsuits that are currently plaguing Johnson & Johnson.

Johnson & Johnson didn't outperform the S&P 500 last year, and it is unlikely to do so this year. Also, there are other pharma giants that are likely to outperform the company over the next year. For instance, Bristol-Myers is still riding the wave from its Celgene acquisition and the company performed well during the fourth quarter. Further, Bristol-Myers currently provides better value. The company is trading at 8.44 times future earnings and its price to earnings growth (PEG) is 0.76. By contrast, Johnson & Johnson forward P/E is 14.9 while its PEG is 2.93. While I think both of these companies deserve consideration, I believe Bristol-Myers is a better pick given the 12 months time horizon.

Read this article:
Where Will Johnson & Johnson Be in 1 Year? - Motley Fool

's () Stuart Ashman caught up with Proactive London's Andrew Scott following the news they've agreed a deal with Dutch firm Winclove Probiotics to develop a food supplement to combat psoriasis.

The pair plan to carry out a human study on mild to moderate sufferers of the skin condition, which will take between 12 and 18 months ahead of commercialisation and launch of the probiotic.

Add related topics to MyProactive

Create your account: sign up and get ahead on news and events

The Company is a publisher. You understand and agree that no content published on the Site constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is...

In exchange for publishing services rendered by the Company on behalf of SkinBioTherapeutics PLC named herein, including the promotion by the Company of SkinBioTherapeutics PLC in any Content on the Site, the Company...

Go here to see the original:
SkinBioTherapeutics teams up with Winclove Probiotics for psoriasis supplement - Proactive Investors UK