The recent FDA approval of Bimzelx® marks a promising advancement, offering an exceptional possibility for completely clear skin in adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. How does Bimzelx® treatment works Bimzelx® targets interleukin-17 (IL-17), one of the key chemical hormones that are elevated in people who have psoriasis. We now know that psoriasis is driven by underlying and excessive inflammation, and IL-17 is one of the critical entities involved in this process. Outstanding results for psoriasis patients In clinical trials, an astounding 7 out of 10 subjects achieved 100% clearance of their psoriasis within 16 weeks. Clear or … Continue reading »
Those suffering from psoriasis have a new reason to rejoice! The FDA has recently approved a novel medication called Sotyktu® (deucravacitinib). Unlike biologics, which are administered by injection, Sotyktu® is a pill taken once a day. Astonishingly, there hasn’t been a new oral medication available for psoriasis in almost 10 years! Sotyktu® is the first therapy in a new category of medications called selective TYK-2 inhibitors. The excitement surrounding this pill is how precisely it targets the excessive inflammation associated with psoriasis. It is believed that this explains the high clinical benefit and favorable safety profile observed in patients while … Continue reading »
August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, also known as Psoriasis Action Month. The recognition of this event is especially sweet this year as two novel non-steroidal topical medications for psoriasis, Zoryve® and Vtama®, have just received FDA approval, which had not happened in over twenty years! Dr. Jeffrey Sobell, a Boston-based renowned expert in the field of psoriasis, shares the basics on these two novel creams. What’s exciting about Zoryve® and Vtama® Both creams appear much more effective than the 2 long-standing steroid-free psoriasis creams, calcipotriene (Dovonex) and tazarotene (Tazorac). It is also exciting that thinning of the skin, a potential … Continue reading »
There are three highly anticipated new topical creams for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema moving through the FDA clearance process as we write this blog. Two new unique creams for psoriasis For psoriasis, there has not been a novel non-steroidal topical medication approved in over twenty years. Thus, it is exciting that two unique creams have completed late-stage testing and are being reviewed by the FDA for potential authorization to prescribe within the next year. Roflumilast cream 0.3% targets inflammation by inhibiting PDE-4*. In two large pivotal** studies, roughly 40% of patients were clear or almost clear of psoriasis … Continue reading »
Itch can be a persistent, annoying problem for many patients. Itchy scalp can be particularly troublesome and is sometimes accompanied with dandruff, a rash or even open sores. By understanding the most common causes of itchy scalp and possible treatments, you will be able to determine if you might start relieving your itch with over-the-counter products or if you should see your doctor for a consultation. What makes my scalp itchy? If you think about it, scalp skin is very different from skin on other parts of the body. It holds many thick hair follicles and where hair follicles grow, … Continue reading »
Over the last 2 decades, SkinCare Physicians’ Dr. Jeff Sobell has experienced a progression in innovative therapies for psoriasis. Now, with the recent approval of Skyrizi (rizankizumab-rkaa), a biologic indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, this progress continues. Skyrizi belongs to an exciting new class of medications called IL-23 inhibitors. These medications, given by subcutaneous injection, have gained in popularity as they offer patients the chance for high efficacy with favorable tolerability. In clinical trials with Skyrizi, the average patient’s psoriasis improved by over 50% after 1 dose, and over 90% after 2 doses. At one year after … Continue reading »
Psoriasis is a common and incurable skin disorder that is characterized by red raised scaly lesions that can occur anywhere on the body. One of the most frequent, and often distressing, locations is on the scalp. Common symptoms include intractable itch, burning, pain and excessive shedding of flaky skin. Historically, addressing scalp psoriasis has been very challenging, as it seems to be more treatment resistant than psoriasis affecting other areas of the body. But fortunately, recent research has identified a number of more successful therapeutic options. A majority of patients benefit from prescription topical solutions, oils or gels, but success … Continue reading »
Otezla® is the first pill FDA approved to treat psoriasis in over 15 years. Unlike previous oral medication options, Otezla® specifically reduces the inflammation associated with the disease process without affecting any internal organs such as the liver, kidneys or bone marrow. The safety of this therapy has been greatly celebrated; in fact, no routine blood testing is required. Otezla® is indicated for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis as well as for psoriatic arthritis. At the Psoriasis Treatment Center at SkinCare Physicians, our providers have found Otezla® particularly helpful and attractive in a number of clinical scenarios. 8 clinical … Continue reading »
While there is no cure for psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease, the science of psoriasis therapies is evolving at a very rapid pace. The recent Cosentyx® approval heralds a new era for psoriasis treatment at SkinCare Physicians’ Psoriasis Treatment Center near Boston. Cosentyx® (secukinumab), a biologic therapy developed specifically for psoriasis, is now available for adults suffering from moderate-to-severe psoriasis. This is the first of several highly anticipated “second generation” biologics to complete rigorous testing and become available to treat this significant life-impacting disease. Cosentyx® targets interleukin-17 (IL-17), one of the key chemical hormones that are elevated in people who … Continue reading »
“If you suffer from severe psoriasis, you may want to consult with your rheumatologist and cardiologist” advises Dr. Jeffrey Sobell, a dermatologist and psoriasis specialist in Boston. Learn why. Psoriasis is a chronic and incurable disease affecting 3% of the US population. The red scaly lesions on the skin are striking in appearance, however the manifestations of psoriasis often go much deeper, particularly for these people with more extensive psoriasis (covering more than 10 palm-sizes). In these individuals, there is an increased likelihood of several medical conditions, including arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Psoriatic arthritis is seen in up to 30% … Continue reading »
