A Pill for Psoriasis: The Latest Oral Medications

The chronicity and complexity of psoriasis make the condition both a physical and psychological burden for patients, typically resulting in a reduced quality of life and productivity. However, the growing and changing landscape of psoriasis treatments proves promising. In particular, there has been an increased focus on developing safer and more effective oral therapies, which would provide options for patients for whom topical therapies are not sufficient or effective.

Here, we give a comprehensive overview of the oral medications available to help improve and relieve the negative symptoms of psoriasis, as well as potential new agents under investigation.

New Advances in Oral Therapies on the Market

Methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin are three long-standing oral medications that are considered to be traditional therapy options for psoriasis. Methotrexate, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1972, is one of the oldest and most familiar oral medications for treating psoriasis. Similarly, cyclosporine and acitretin have been regularly used in psoriasis treatment since their approval in 1997. However, these drugs have proven to be relatively slow-acting and have a high risk for adverse side effects, especially when taken long-term.

Apremilast, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4, was approved in 2014 for moderate to severe plaque psoriasisand has proven to be effective, tolerable, and relatively safe for patients.