New Psoriasis Treatment Tested At Baylor and VAMC

A custom-designed medication improved or cleared psoriasis in two-thirds of the patients studied.

"This new topical cream, called Tazorac, is designed to interact with specific parts of the cells found in psoriasis and to turn them off," says Dr. Ted Rosen, the dermatologist in charge of the study at Baylor College of Medicine and the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Psoriasis, a hereditary skin disease with no cure, is characterized by red, scaly and flaky patches of thickened skin usually found on the elbows, knees and scalp.

"This drug is not a cure, but it is an excellent treatment option," Dr. Rosen says. "Many patients will remain improved or totally clear for as long as three to six months."

The treatment, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in February, is applied daily until the psoriasis improves or clears and can be stopped until the psoriasis reappears.

The drug attacks psoriasis' skin cell overgrowth by targeting receptors in the skin that react with retinoids, or vitamin A-like compounds.

"The retinoid receptors are responsible for the skin cells' multiplication and growth. By blocking the receptors, the uncontrolled growth seen in psoriasis can be stopped," Dr. Rosen says.

When the medication reacts with the skin cell process, the scales begin to fade, the thickened areas thin out, and the redness disappears.

"For the two-thirds of patients who respond well to the treatment, the result is normal-looking skin with perhaps a slight pink discoloration," Dr. Rosen says.

Although some patients experience skin irritation as a side effect, Dr. Rosen says that problem can be addressed by using a lower concentration of cream or by combining the medication with low potency topical steroids.

He recommends the new medication for patients who have not been satisfied with conventional treatments such as oral medications, ultraviolet light therapy, topical steroids or topical tar-containing compounds.

"The success of this first custom-designed drug opens the door for other drugs designed to attack the mechanism of psoriasis," Dr. Rosen says.

- KATHY MAJOR

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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