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Targeting the IL-17–TH17 pathway

Nature Reviews Drug Discovery volume 14, pages 11–12 (2015)Cite this article

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Unmet need in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that is characterized by red, itchy patches, and has an overall prevalence of 2–4% in adult populations, with its highest prevalence in individuals of Caucasian descent. Plaque psoriasis is the most common of the five forms of the disease, accounting for 80–90% of all cases. Dysregulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems, including activation of dendritic cells and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributes to the cutaneous inflammation that is characteristic of psoriasis. In recent years, several monoclonal antibody and antibody-based biologic therapies have been approved to treat psoriasis. Ustekinumab and the two TNF-specific agents etanercept (Enbrel; Amgen) and adalimumab (Humira; AbbVie) represent the three best-selling drugs. Oral apremilast (Otezla; Celgene), a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), was also granted approval in the United States in late September 2014. However, more options are needed for refractory psoriasis. As many as one-third of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis fail treatment with existing biologics, owing to a phenomenon known as biologic fatigue2.

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Figure 1: Targeting the IL-17–TH17 pathway.

References

  1. Miossec, P. & Kolls, J. K. Targeting IL-17 and TH17 cells in chronic inflammation. Nature Rev. Drug Discov. 11, 763–776 (2012).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Levin, E. C. et al. Biologic fatigue in psoriasis. J. Dermatolog Treat. 1, 78–82 (2014).

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  1. Trinity Partners at 675 Third Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10017, USA.,

    Hilary S. Bartlett & Ryan P. Million

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  1. Hilary S. Bartlett
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  2. Ryan P. Million
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Correspondence to Hilary S. Bartlett or Ryan P. Million.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Bartlett, H., Million, R. Targeting the IL-17–TH17 pathway. Nat Rev Drug Discov 14, 11–12 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd4518

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