Cromos Pharma supporting psoriasis clinical research breakthroughs
August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Cromos Pharma is using this opportunity to underline its commitment to supporting clinical trials to develop new and innovative treatments to improve the lives of millions of psoriasis sufferers around the world.
Immune disorder affecting 125 million people worldwide
Psoriasis is a complex immune system disorder in which white blood cells, known as T cells, mistakenly attack skin cells, which causes the skin-cell production process to go into overdrive. This results in a build-up of skin cells causing red, scaly patches on the skin. This manifestation is a sign of systematic inflammation and the condition has several co-morbidities, including inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, depression, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease.
Types of Psoriasis
- Plaque —The most common form of psoriasis, accounting for approximately 80% of all cases. Plaque psoriasis presents as inflamed red patches covered with a silvery, white build-up of dead skin cells. Affected skin can be itchy and painful and occur on any part of the body most commonly knees, elbows, and scalp.
- Guttate — The second most common form it occurs in about 10% of people. It usually presents in childhood and is characterized by small, pink, dot-like lesions on the torso, arms, and legs.
- Inverse — Manifests as areas of red, shiny, and inflamed skin found in body folds, such as behind the knee, under the armpits or breasts, and in the groin. It may occur with other types of psoriasis on the body.
- Pustular —This rare form of the disease generally occurs in adults. It is characterized by white or pus-filled blisters surrounded by red, inflamed skin on the hands or feet.
- Erythrodermic —This is a severe and very rare type of psoriasis occurring in about 3% of cases. It presents as widespread redness over large sections of the body and causes the skin to peel off.
Triggers for psoriasis
The exact cause of psoriasis is not known. Research has found in those with a genetic predisposition for the disease, several factors may trigger psoriasis. Common triggers include: infections (strep), weather (cold, dry conditions), injury to the skin, stress, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and certain medications.
Treatments for psoriasis
At present, there is no cure for psoriasis but there are several classes of medications designed to treat psoriatic symptoms. These include topical ( e.g. Corticosteroids, Vitamin D analogues, Calcineurin inhibitors and cold tar), light (Sunlight, UVB, Psoralen plus ultraviolet A ), and systemic therapies (e.g. Cyclosporine and Methotrexate).
Biologics and Biosimilars
In the last decade biologic drugs (e.g. etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), ustekinumab (Stelara)) have been developed for autoimmune disorders including psoriasis. These drugs have proven to be highly effective for those suffering with moderate to severe psoriasis. However, they are costly and not always covered by health insurers or national health systems. The development of biosimilars of these blockbuster drugs has the potential to dramatically reduce costs and increase access for the millions of individuals with psoriasis across the globe.
Cromos Pharma and dermatological clinical research
Read our Psoriasis case study here
ABOUT CROMOS PHARMA
Cromos Pharma is a US-based, international contract research organization delivering fully integrated clinical research solutions, in all trial phases, across a wide range of therapeutic indications. Our expert team, comprised of 95% MDs, has extensive expertise in study design, medical writing, regulatory affairs, site management, patient recruitment and data management.
Cromos Pharma has experience in delivering success in a wide range of trial types, from biosimilars and generics, to successfully managing trials of novel therapeutics in a wide range of clinical indications. Our team provides full-service solutions to international pharma and biotech companies in high-recruiting regions, assuring exceptional data quality. Cromos Pharma combines global expertise with in-depth experience and knowledge in the US, Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Republic of Georgia, and Turkey to offer exceptional patient recruitment. Our team has met or reduced enrollment timelines in 95% of conducted trials.
We provide accelerated study start-up timelines in our regions of operation. Regulatory inspections by FDA and EMA and site audits attest to the highest quality of our clinical data.
Established in 2004, Cromos Pharma has strong regional experience that is supported by a global network of offices. Its international HQ is located in Portland, Oregon, USA and its European HQ is in Dublin, Ireland.
