Investigational drugs in phase II clinical trials for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis - potential new treatments on the horizon

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common immune disorder for which there are many FDA-approved therapies. Older oral drugs had limited efficacy and considerable side effects. Biologics have been a major advance but require self-administered injections, and many patients prefer oral options. Because many patients fear needles, oral drugs are a welcome option. This review provides an update on oral drugs in Phase II development for psoriasis.

Areas covered: A literature review was performed to identify these drugs by using search terms such as 'psoriasis', 'agents', 'drugs', and 'phase 2 development'. Baricitinib and KDO 25 are the oral drugs that appear to hold the most promise due to the balance they maintain between efficacy and adverse effects. If a RORγt inhibitor can be identified that has no hepatotoxicity, then that may be the most promising new oral treatment.

Expert opinion: Several new oral psoriasis medications are currently being investigated. One major challenge remains medication cost and insurance coverage. Phase III studies are needed to determine efficacy and safety in large cohorts of psoriasis patients. An increase in the number of approved oral medications for psoriasis would mean more choice for psoriasis patients.