An estimated 3 percent of Americans have psoriasis, making it one of the most common autoimmune-related conditions in the nation. While just a few decades ago experts thought that the condition was primarily caused by excess skin cell growth, today, science shows that underlying immune system dysregulation instead leads to its onset.
Though there’s not yet a proven cure for the disease, the landscape of treatment is rapidly evolving, with a number of effective new options becoming available in recent years for those with mild to severe plaque psoriasis.
From biologics to topical treatments, these treatments offer a pathway to symptom control and an overall improved quality of life. Here’s what to know.
Breakthroughs in Biologic Treatments
Biologics work by blocking specific proteins that provoke inflammation in the immune system. By reducing an underlying overactive immune response, psoriasis symptoms often lessen or resolve for many individuals.
Risankizumab-rzaa (Skyrizi): New Uses and Effectiveness
The FDA approved Risankizumab-rzaa (Skyrizi) in 2019. Like all biologics, it blocks key proteins involved in inflammation.
This biologic may be particularly helpful for those who require a convenient treatment schedule: Most of the time, after two initial injections (via a pre-filled pen) one month apart, patients only require injections once every three months.
It’s designed for those with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may also benefit from using
phototherapy.
Note: Piction can prescribe this medication.
Bimekizumab (Bimzelx): How It Works and Who It’s For
Bimzelx is one of the most recent additions to biologic treatments for psoriasis, receiving Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2023.
It’s available as an injectable with a dosage that varies based on body weight and is designed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Like all biologics, it functions by blocking the mechanism of proteins that would otherwise provoke excess inflammation.
It’s available as an under-the-skin injectable in a pre-filled pen. After training from a professional, patients can safely administer the pen at home if desired.
Bimzelx is designed to be injected every month for the first four months, followed by every two months thereafter (for most patients).
Exploring Biosimilars for Psoriasis
Biosimilars are a relatively new addition to psoriasis treatment. Designed with the mechanism of biologics in mind, experts created biosimilars to produce similar results, frequently at a lower price point.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), biosimilars come with the same benefits as biologics and are considered safe and effective.
The most recent biosimilars similar to adalimuab for psoriasis include:
- adalimumab-adbm (Cyltezo).
- adalimumab-afzb (Abrilada).
- adalimumab-adaz (Hyrimoz).
Biosimilars similar to infliximab for psoriasis include:
- infliximab-axxq (Avsola).
- infliximab-dyyb (Inflectra).
- infliximab-abda (Renflexis).
Advancements in Topical Treatments
While steroid-based medications have been the standard in topical psoriasis treatment for years, scientists have now formulated safer, steroid-free options for treating mild to severe psoriasis.
Roflumilast (Zoryve): A Game-Changer for Moderate Psoriasis
One such treatment is Roflumilast (Zorvye), which the FDA approved in 2022 as a medication for plaque psoriasis.
This steroid-free cream can be applied anywhere once daily, including between skin folds or any sensitive areas. Without the side effects of steroid-based creams, patients with particularly sensitive skin may experience significant relief.
Like other topicals, Roflumilast may used in combination with a biologic or biosimilar therapy.
Tapinarof (Vtama) and Wynzora: New Topical Options
Tapinarof and Wynzora (Vtama) are also new, steroid-free topical options approved to treat mild to severe psoriasis. Vtama was approved by the FDA in 2022 and functions by reducing inflammation and regulating skin cell production.
Like Roflumilast, these options are intended to be applied once daily. According to 2023 research, Tapinarof has demonstrated a particularly high rate of total disease clearance (40% of 763 study participants).
Clinical Trials and Emerging Treatments
Though some treatments are still in the clinical trial phase, so far, the research looks very promising. Here’s what to know.
Promising Research on Psoriasis Medications
JAK inhibitors are an emerging treatment that function by blocking specific pathways that cause the body to make inflammatory proteins.
According to 2020 research, JAK inhibitors are an effective treatment for psoriatic arthritis and have been found to be about as safe as biologics. Unlike biologics, however, JAK inhibitors are taken orally in pill form, which may be preferable for some.
Several JAK inhibitors are in late clinical trial stages, including:
- tofacitinib (Xeljanz).
- baricitnib (Olumiant).
- abrocitinib.
Long-Term Results from Recent FDA-Approved Drugs
While JAK inhibitors for psoriasis will require the exhibition of longer-term effectiveness before receiving FDA approval, the other treatments discussed above have shown excellent efficacy down the road.
In summary: recently-approved drugs for psoriasis such as Bimzelx and Skyrizi have shown ongoing effectiveness with stable safety profiles.
Meanwhile, newer topicals like Zorvye and Vtmana offer results without the potential downsides of long-term steroid use. Biosimilars, finally, offer a less invasive and more affordable alternative to biologics.
Treating Moderate to Severe Psoriasis in 2025
With the emergence of more versatile, safer, and more effective treatments, moderate to severe psoriasis treatment has never looked so promising.
Combining Biologics and Topical Treatments
Modern psoriasis management often incorporates a combination approach. While biologics can block systemic inflammation throughout the body, for instance, targeted topical treament can target localized flare-ups.
Topicals may also be combined with biosimilars, but always consult with a doctor to learn more.
Managing Side Effects of New Medications
While these psoriasis medications are generally considered safe and effective, like with most medical treatments, they do come with some risks and side effects. Potential side effects include an increased risk of infection, upper respiratory issues, or mild skin irritation.
By monitoring symptoms and home and scheduling regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, patients can ensure optimal results. In some cases, experimenting with different treatments may help minimize side effects.
What About a Psoriasis Cure?
While there’s not yet a cure for psoriasis, the considerable research and progress made in the last several years suggests that a cure could possibly be on the horizon.
Even in the absence of a cure, significantly longer periods of remission in between flare-ups can mean a markedly higher quality of life for many patients.
Current Progress and What’s Next in Psoriasis Research
Thanks to a greater diversity of treatment options, psoriasis management has entered the world of personalized medicine.
Considering that the autoimmune condition requires a highly individualized treatment approach, a variety of treatments can help healthcare practitioners develop the most beneficial regimen for each patient.
Looking for Expert Help for your Psoriasis? Work with a Piction Dermatologist
The experienced dermatologists at Piction prioritize access to the latest, FDA-approved treatments, personalized treatment plans, and regular monitoring to ensure optimal patient wellness.
Whether your psoriasis is mild or severe, the knowledgeable team at Piction can help you minimize flare-ups and live well. If you’d like to see if Skyrizi could be a fit for you and help your psoriasis, consider scheduling a consultation with the team today.
