Psoriasis care: new and emerging pharmacologic trends.
BACKGROUND
The first Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Plaque Psoriasis were recently published, reflecting an evidence-based analysis of psoriasis therapies available in Canada. The guidelines advocate patient-centered psoriasis care in which physicians explore appropriate options to find safe therapies that patients will adhere to and be satisfied with over the long term.


OBJECTIVE
To update the discussion in the guidelines regarding new and emerging therapies and trends in psoriasis clinical research.


METHODS
Searches of Medline and clinicaltrials.gov were undertaken to identify new and emerging psoriasis therapies as of March 2009.


RESULTS
Since May 2008, when published evidence was evaluated for the guidelines, one new drug, ustekinumab, has been approved for moderate to severe psoriasis. New formulations and combinations of existing drugs are expected to reach the Canadian market shortly. Novel agents continue to move through clinical development.


CONCLUSIONS
With the introduction and removal of antipsoriatic therapies from the Canadian market, the therapeutic landscape continues to shift. An increasing number of head-to-head comparisons and the reporting of ambitious treatment outcomes will simplify physicians' evaluation of treatment options. Recognition of quality of life as a key goal of psoriasis treatment is another hopeful trend, consistent with the principles of patient-centered care.
Papp
Kim A
KA
Probity Medical Research, Waterloo, ON. kapapp@probitymedical.com
Carey
Wayne
W
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000069549:Ustekinumab; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D014807:Vitamin D; C484071:voclosporin; D016572:Cyclosporine; D000069549:Ustekinumab