New topical treatments for psoriasis

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated disorder that in 70% of cases appears in mild or mild-to-moderate form. Psoriasis is usually treated with topical medications and/or phototherapy with variable efficacy in controlling the disease. Areas covered: For the past three decades, research has been focused on systemic agents for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, particularly with the introduction of biologic agents or 'small molecules'. In parallel, novel advances in topical antipsoriatic agents have been made, experiencing a 'new era', with the development of new formulations and the identification of new therapeutic targets. These agents, having a different spectrum of action from traditional agents, are actually being tested in pre-marketing clinical trials and they may potentially represent promising treatment options that could enlarge the therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of psoriasis. Expert opinion: Future antipsoriatic topical agents show new modality of action in blocking the pathogenic process leading to psoriatic plaque formation. © 2014 Informa UK, Ltd.