title: Patented small molecules against psoriasis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is hypothesized that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. The most recent therapeutic approach that proved to be more effective than earlier methods of treatment is the use of mAb/fusion proteins. Efforts nowadays are focused on investigating the antipsoriatic affect of small molecules that can be administered orally, some of which are capable of entering cells, and being selective in targeting intracellular pathways.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Preclinical patented small molecules that are recommended for the treatment of psoriasis are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on their mechanism of action.
  
  
  METHODS
  http://ep.espacenet.com/ , Pubmed, Scopus and Google websites were the main sources used for the patented small molecule search. A number of patents were poorly described and difficulties were faced in trying to figure out the patentee(s) explanation. Moreover, most patents were recommended for the treatment of a number of autoimmune diseases and cancer, and not only for psoriasis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Small molecules that inhibit the activation of T lymphocytes, leukocyte trafficking, leukotriene activity/production and angiogenesis, and promote apoptosis have been patented. Small molecules that have been patented for the treatment of other autoimmune diseases and could be used for treating psoriasis are described. Moreover, other possible mechanistic approaches using small molecules are discussed.
authors: American University of Beirut, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Riad el-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon. aanoor@aub.edu.lb
authors: Alexander M
authors: AM
authors: Abdelnoor
mesh_terms: D000678:Amygdalin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D010330:Patents as Topic; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D019409:Interleukin-15; D000678:Amygdalin