Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease affecting over 7.5 million adults in the United States (US) and more than 100 million people globally, with a high burden of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. Despite the availability of systemic therapies, a significant proportion of patients with moderate-to-severe PsO remain undertreated or untreated, often due to dissatisfaction with treatment and poor adherence driven by factors like side effects, inconvenience, and lack of alignment with patient preferences. Targeted therapies that address key inflammatory factors and pathways, such as interleukin (IL) 23, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, phosphodiesterase (PDE)4, and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, particularly tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), offer promising efficacy with potentially improved tolerability. Novel oral small molecule therapies have also recently emerged as attractive options for patients who prefer non-injectable treatments, especially given their convenience and ease of use. As newer targeted oral agents are introduced, it is essential for dermatologists and allied clinicians to understand their mechanisms, efficacy, safety, and optimal place in therapy in order to effectively tailor treatment plans. Education is needed to enhance clinicians' ability to match therapeutic choices with disease characteristics, comorbidities, and individual patient goals to optimize outcomes in moderate-to-severe PsO.
After participating in this activity, learners should be able to:
• Assess current unmet needs in managing moderate-to-severe PsO, including the implications of under-treatment, nonadherence, comorbid conditions, and the need for more effective and tolerable therapies
• Describe the pathophysiology of PsO, with a focus on the role of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and the relevance of targeting JAKs and TYK2 for disease management
• Evaluate the clinical evidence supporting current and emerging oral therapies for moderate-to-severe PsO, including head-to-head comparisons and long-term efficacy and safety data
• Identify appropriate candidates for oral therapies and create individualized treatment strategies that reflect patient preferences, therapeutic efficacy, and safety considerations
Supported by an educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb.