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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).

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  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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