Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment: Interleukin Inhibitors

During Spring Dermatology Week 2024, Dr Joseph Merola delivered a compelling presentation titled "Enhancing Outcomes for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: An Emphasis on Interleukin Inhibitors." He challenged conventional treatment approaches by advocating for a holistic strategy to address psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) through targeted interleukin (IL) inhibition.

Joseph F. Merola, MD, MMSc, FAAD, FACR, serving as chair of the department of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX, shared his insights into the burden of PsO and PsA, emphasizing the detrimental consequences of underrecognition and undertreatment on patient well-being. His presentation aimed to deepen attendees' understanding of the conditions' pathogenesis, particularly highlighting the pivotal role of the IL-23/Th17 and Th1 pathways in treatment.

The learning objectives of Dr Merola’s presentation were multifaceted, encompassing the assessment of disease burden, elucidation of pathogenesis, evaluation of IL inhibitors' clinical rationale and safety/efficacy data, and the implementation of collaborative treatment strategies tailored to individual patient needs.

Encouraging a patient-centric approach, Dr Merola emphasized the importance of considering various factors in treatment decision-making, including disease severity, comorbidities, treatment goals, access to therapies, and patient preferences. He stressed the need for shared decision-making to ensure patient satisfaction and treatment adherence.

Dr Merola highlighted promising data on emerging IL inhibitors, such as bimekizumab and sonelokimab, showcasing their efficacy in achieving significant treatment responses in patients with PsO and PsA. Moreover, he shed light on novel therapeutic modalities, including oral IL-23 receptor antagonists like JNJ-77242113, offering potential alternatives for patients requiring systemic IL-23 pathway blockade.

In conclusion, Dr Joseph Merola's session offered a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of PsO and PsA management, advocating for a personalized approach rooted in precision medicine and leveraging the therapeutic potential of IL inhibitors to optimize patient outcomes.

For more meeting coverage, visit the Spring Dermatology Week 2024 newsroom.

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Reference
Merola JF. Improving outcomes in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a focus on interleukin inhibitors. Presented at: Dermatology Week; May 8–11, 2024; Virtual.