Tofacitinib, a topical Janus kinase inhibitor, has potential as a topical therapeutic for mild-to-moderate psoriasis.
Great progress has been made in the management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, primarily through the introduction of biologics. However, nearly 80% of patients with psoriasis have mild-to-moderate disease, and for most of these patients, topical agents are more appropriate.
Investigators conducted a phase 2a, multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of tofacitinib ointment in 71 patients with stable, mild-to-moderate, plaque-type psoriasis. Tofacitinib is a small molecule that inhibits signaling by heterodimers that contain the Janus kinase 1 (JAK 1) or JAK3 signal transduction molecules. This action diminishes IL-23 receptor expression on T cells, thereby limiting development of TH17 T cells, which have an important role in psoria…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals
EquityVaxin
Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.
Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals
EquityVaxin
Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.
Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)