Manchester scientists conduct psoriasis drug trials
Monday, January 18th
Scientists from the University of Manchester have been carrying out clinical trials into the effectiveness of two new psoriasis drugs.
The prescription medicines are designed to treat patients with moderate to severe forms of the skin condition, which affects around one in 50 people.
So far, little research has been carried out into the benefits and risk of etanercept and ustekinumab, so the Manchester studies will be important in understanding how they can help people with psoriasis.
The scientists discovered that over half of patients taking the drugs saw a 75 per cent improvement in the severity of their symptoms after 12 weeks of taking them.
Professor Chris Griffiths from Salford Royal Hospital, who led the team, said: "The results of this study could have implications for determining the optimal approach to the treatment of psoriasis and, in particular, the need for therapeutic strategies targeting the body's immune system."
According to the Psoriasis Association, the condition can develop at any age and affects males and females equally.
