Small molecules and antibodies for the treatment of psoriasis: a patent review (2010–2015)

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic condition whose therapeutic armamentarium is increasingly being discussed, particularly when compared to past decades. The use of biologic agents has profoundly changed the history of this disease, as well as the management of psoriatic patients. Due to the enormous interest in psoriasis, as demonstrated within the scientific community and pharmaceuticals, new therapeutic targets have been identified and novel patented therapeutics are being tested.

Areas covered: This review sought to give an overview of small molecules and antibodies patented in the last five years for the treatment of psoriasis. Therapeutic agents either in the early or advanced phase of development have been described, primarily based on a systematic search using the PubMed Medline database.

Expert opinion: Though the recent introduction of new antipsoriatic agents has facilitated the management of long-term psoriasis, there is still a strong desire for alternative therapeutic options. Indeed, there remain unmet needs regarding safety and efficacy of psoriasis treatment that should be addressed. In this context, recently patented drugs may prove valid, interesting, and promising within the therapeutic paradigm.

KEYWORDS:

• Psoriasis
• pathogenesis
• small molecules
• biologic
• TNF-α
• JAK-STAT

Article highlights

• Although biologic therapies profoundly modified the management of psoriasis, still unmet needs remain.

• Novel patented drugs are being tested for the treatment of psoriasis, both small molecule agents and biologicals.

• Intracellular signaling molecules (JAK-STAT, PDE4, A3 adenosine receptor, S1P, and aka activating protein 1) as well as soluble mediators (i.e. IL-23, IL-17, VEGF-A), receptors (i.e., IL-17R), and surface costimulator molecules (i.e., CD6) have been recognized as therapeutic targets.

• Conceptually, bispecific agents could represent a revolutionary approach as current biologic therapeutics target one single molecule.

• The development of more selective and more effective drugs that maintain very high standards of safety, compared to previously approved biologic agents, is the result of an increased understanding in the psoriasis pathogenic mechanism.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Declaration of interest

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.