For close to 20 years, the available treatments for plaque psoriasis (PsO) — an uncurable condition that forms red, painful inflamed patches on the skin — have largely been limited to biologic drug types that need to be injected. However, GlobalData notes that PsO R&D seems to have turned the page and analysis of the leading data and analytics company’s drugs database reveal that there are great levels of innovation in the pipeline for PsO, with a flood of topical creams and tablets on the way.

Tiffany Chan, Immunology Analyst at GlobalData comments: “There will always be a place for injectable biologics in the PsO treatment toolbox, especially in severe patients. However, the recent and future releases of biosimilars will sap the profits of anyone with an expired patent, and essentially open the floodgates of innovation in the field.”

Indeed, key opinion leaders (KOLs) interviewed by GlobalData noted that there is a clear opportunity for manufacturers to make targeted and savvy approaches to the development of new therapies for PsO. Now is the time to innovate and bring much-needed diversity to these patients.

GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Plaque Psoriasis: Global Drug Forecast and Market Analysis to 2030’, reveals that there are a handful of companies leading the charge. One group is Belgium-based UCB, Swedish company Affibody, and German’s Merck, which are developing drugs that prevent Interleukin 17 (Il-17) proteins from hindering an immune response – therefore reducing the ability for PsO-associated bacteria to collect in the skin. The second group comprises US-based Bristol-Myers Squibb, India’s Dr. Reddy’s Laboratory and Israel’s Can-Fite Biopharma, which are all developing oral therapies; while the third group is made up of two US-based companies Arcutis and Dermavant, which are creating topical therapies.

Chan continues: “Overall, both topical and oral small molecules are dominating the PsO pipeline, indicating a shift away from injectable biologics. While such a transition gives new companies the opportunity to enter the PsO arena, KOLs and payers interviewed by GlobalData agree that strategic alliances and competitive drug pricing will be critical to ensure strong market uptake in the years to come.”

Looking at the currently available treatments, Chan identifies that current PsO therapies largely target ‘moderate and severe disease’, leaving both the mildest and most severe PsO patients undertreated.

Chan comments: “The lack of treatments for patients at either extremity of the disease spectrum gives scope for new entrants to significantly grow the market. By attempting to fulfill specific unmet needs, pharmaceutical companies could generate new treatment options for patients that could reduce the need for administration and monitoring by healthcare professionals.”