Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, causing patches of red, inflamed skin often covered with silvery scales. While treatments like topical creams, phototherapy, and systemic medications are available, clinical trials are crucial for advancing understanding and developing new, more effective treatment options. Participating in these trials offers patients access to cutting-edge therapies while contributing to the scientific effort to improve care for all those living with psoriasis.
This article explores clinical trials for psoriasis, how they work, their benefits, and provides an overview of ongoing studies to help patients and caregivers navigate their options.
Understanding Clinical Trials for Psoriasis
Clinical trials are research studies designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and side effects of new treatments, therapies, or medical devices. Psoriasis trials focus on various aspects of the condition, such as:
- Testing new topical creams or ointments.
- Studying the effects of biologic medications or biosimilars.
- Investigating lifestyle interventions and alternative therapies.
- Exploring new approaches to address specific types of psoriasis, such as guttate, plaque, or pustular psoriasis.
These trials are conducted under strict regulations to ensure the safety of participants and the reliability of the results.
Why Participate in a Psoriasis Clinical Trial?
Participating in a psoriasis clinical trial can offer several benefits, including:
- Access to New Treatments: Participants can try cutting-edge therapies that are not yet available to the public.
- Personalized Care: Clinical trials often involve close monitoring and comprehensive care by medical professionals.
- Advancing Research: Participants contribute to the development of new treatments and a deeper understanding of psoriasis.
- Compensation: Many trials provide financial compensation for time, travel, and other expenses.
While the benefits are significant, it’s important to consider potential risks, such as side effects or the possibility of receiving a placebo instead of active treatment.
List of Current Clinical Trials for Psoriasis
Clinical Trials.Gov allows you to search for clinical trials for Psoriasis
Topical SGX302 for Mild-to-Moderate Psoriasis
To evaluate SGX302 (topical hypericin ointment) with visible light in an initial 18-week treatment course for improving lesions in patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis.Official TitlePhase 2 Study Evaluating SGX302 (Synthetic Hypericin) in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate PsoriasisConditions PsoriasisPlaque PsoriasisPsoriasis VulgarisIntervention / Treatment
- Drug: Hypericin
- Drug: Placebo
Tunisian National Registry on Psoriasis
National cross-sectional multicentric study to describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients with Psoriasis in TunisiaDetailed Description
PsoTReg is a Tunisian, descriptive, non-interventional, multicenter and cross-sectional clinical study performed in dermatology departments and outpatients clinics, of both public and private sectors. The study will enroll hospitalized and ambulatory patients with psoriasis disease, by successive inclusions until the end of the recruitment period, set at six months.
A Scientific Committee validates the scientific writing, a Steering Committee supervises the clinical operations of the project.
Collected data are managed by the DACIMA Clinical Suite®, the electronic data capture platform which complies with the FDA 21 CFR part 11 requirements (Food and Drug Administration 21 Code of Federal Regulations part 11), the HIPAA specifications (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and the ICH standards (International Conference on Harmonisation). A local authorization by the National Agency of Personal Data Protection will be obtained prior to study kick-off.
Value Based Healthcare in Psoriasis
Currently, the healthcare sector is under tremendous financial pressure, and many acknowledge that a dramatic shift is required as the current system is not sustainable. Furthermore, the quality of care that is delivered varies strongly. Several solutions have been proposed of which the conceptual framework known as value-based healthcare (VBHC) is further explored in this study for psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which is associated with high treatment costs.
Objective:
The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of using the VBHC framework for the management of psoriasis.
Study design:
The IRIS (value In psoRiasIS) study will be a prospective clinical trial in which new patients attending the psoriasis clinic (PsoPlus) of the Ghent University Hospital will be followed up during a period of 1 year.
Study population:
The study population consists of psoriasis patients attending the PsoPlus for the first time.
Main study parameters/endpoints:
The main outcome is to determine the value created for new psoriasis patients in PsoPlus over a period of 1 year. Thus, the main study parameters pertain to clinically and patient reported outcomes as well as the full cost for treating patients under the year of review, including referrals to other departments. Secondary outcomes are related to comorbidity control, individual outcomes and determining cost drivers. In addition, a bundled payment scheme should be determined as well as potential improvements in the treatment process.
Hemoperfusion With Efferon CT for the Treatment of Patients With Severe Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition driven by the immune system, marked by red, scaly plaques that commonly affect the scalp and nails. About 30% of psoriasis patients may develop psoriatic arthritis, especially those with severe psoriasis or lesions on the nails or scalp. Research has identified distinct cytokine gene expression patterns in skin versus synovial tissue, which may explain the differing responses to biologic therapies in these areas. Factors such as genetic predisposition, infections, obesity, and biomechanical stress can trigger disease onset, leading to the release of cytokines that activate both the innate and adaptive immune responses. This immune activation can cause synovitis, enthesitis, erosions, and lesions in both articular cartilage and skin.
Given the reviewed literature and evidence that hemoperfusion with Efferon CT can non-specifically adsorb excess cytokines and inflammatory mediators, our research team hypothesizes that cytokine sorption could have beneficial clinical effects for patients with severe and moderate psoriasis. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anticytokine hemoperfusion using the Efferon CT device for treating these patients.
Who Can Participate in a Psoriasis Clinical Trial?
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the trial’s goals, but common requirements include:
- Diagnosis: Participants must typically have a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis. Some trials may focus on specific types, such as plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
- Severity: Trials may target individuals with mild, moderate, or severe symptoms.
- Age: Most studies require participants to be over 18, but some trials may include children or adolescents with psoriasis.
- Treatment History: Some studies recruit patients who have not responded to standard treatments, while others may focus on individuals who are treatment-naïve.
- General Health: Participants must meet certain health criteria to ensure their safety during the trial. This may include physical exams and blood tests.
How to Find Psoriasis Clinical Trials
Finding a suitable clinical trial for psoriasis involves research and consultation with healthcare providers. Below are some helpful resources:
1. ClinicalTrials.gov
This government-run database provides a comprehensive list of clinical trials in the United States and globally. Users can search by condition, location, and study phase.
2. Psoriasis Advocacy Organizations
Groups like the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) often maintain updated lists of clinical trials and provide guidance on participating.
3. Research Hospitals and Universities
Many academic medical centers conduct psoriasis studies. Contacting their dermatology departments can provide information on ongoing trials.
4. Dermatology Clinics
Some dermatology clinics collaborate with pharmaceutical companies or research institutions to conduct clinical trials. Ask your dermatologist about local opportunities.
Conclusion
Psoriasis clinical trials offer hope for improved treatments and a better understanding of this chronic condition. By participating, individuals gain access to innovative therapies, personalized care, and the opportunity to contribute to advancements in dermatology. If you or a loved one is considering joining a trial, consult with your healthcare provider and explore available resources to find the right fit. Together, we can work toward better outcomes for everyone living with psoriasis.
