2020 psoriasis news includes COVID-19 guidelines, meeting coverage

Healio launched Healio Psoriatic Disease in 2020, a publication dedicated to the coverage of psoriasis and psoriatic disease.

In addition to coverage of meeting news and important clinical studies, the publication includes commentary from some of the top clinicians in the field.

The year’s most-read psoriasis-related article was one such commentary: HPD Chief Medical Editor Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE’s, thoughts on treating psoriasis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and Psoriasis Treatment: The Clinician’s Role in Navigating Uncertainty

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the risk for hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease and premature mortality increases with increasing severity of skin disease. Thus, as a population, patients with psoriasis, particularly those with more severe disease, are at risk for worse outcomes from COVID-19. Second, most of our treatments, aside from perhaps acitretin and phototherapy, are “immunosuppressive” and typically have warnings for infection in FDA prescribing information. Read more.

JAK inhibitors show promise in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis

JAK inhibitors are being studied to treat patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, with many showing promising outcomes, according to a presenter at South Beach Symposium. Read more.

AAD/NPF provide exhaustive recommendations for psoriasis treatment

Experts from the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation teamed up to offer an extensive set of guidelines for the management of psoriasis. Read more.

FDA approves Taltz for pediatric psoriasis

The 80 mg/mL injection is approved for use in patients eligible for systemic therapy or phototherapy who are aged between 6 and 18 years. Read more.

2020 AAD Psoriasis Guidelines: Methotrexate Gets a Makeover

Methotrexate is an old friend of dermatologists that we know well. We use it primarily for psoriasis, but it is also used for myriad skin conditions, ranging from common (atopic dermatitis) to rare conditions such as autoimmune connective tissue or blistering disease (often as a steroid-sparing agent) to unusual forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. For its 2020 makeover, imagine a glossy television commercial, complete with a celebrity endorsement, invoking its selling points. Read more.

Ixekizumab, brodalumab show strongest clinical benefit in psoriasis

Both ixekizumab and brodalumab were associated with better clinical benefit than other biologic therapies over 12 weeks or 16 weeks of treatment for psoriasis. Read more.

Nonliving microbe may be effective, safe oral treatment for psoriasis

A drug comprised of a nonliving single strain commensal microbe showed signs of safe and effective treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis, according to a presentation at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology virtual congress. Read more.

Q&A: Psoriasis Awareness Month a time to educate, learn

Psoriasis and psoriatic disease affect millions of people across the world. Healio spoke with Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, professor and interim chair of dermatology at George Washington University, about the importance of Psoriasis Awareness Month and how patients and physicians can benefit from advanced awareness and action. Read more.

Panelists provide sneak peek at potential new psoriasis treatments

Several different psoriasis treatments, including those that would provide much needed relief for pediatric patients, are currently making their way through the product pipeline, two panelists at Maui Derm for Dermatologists 2020 said. Read more.

Psoriasis linked to increased risk for lymphomas, keratinocyte cancer

Patients with psoriasis carry a slightly increased risk for cancer, particularly keratinocyte cancer and lymphomas, according to data published in JAMA Dermatology. Read more.