Mona Shahriari, MD: Evolving Role of Nonsteroidal Topicals in Plaque Psoriasis

The field of dermatology is in the midst of a renaissance during the better portion of the last decade, with development of pharmacotherapies and an improved understanding of disease pathophysiology propelling the field into the future at an enhanced rate. An example of these improvements can be seen within the management of psoriasis where this explosion in pharmacotherapy has translated to clinical benefit for patients.

For decades, topical steroidal options were a cornerstone in the management of plaque psoriasis, and many other dermatologic conditions, yet a well-documented association between long-term use and increased tolerance against these medications as well as risk for adverse events led to the need for additional management options. Psoriasis saw the first nonsteroidal topical cream approved in May 2022, with the FDA approval of tapinarof (Vtama). This was followed soon after by the approval of roflumilast cream 0.3% (Zoryve) in July 2022.^1,2

With both of these agents backed by phase 3 data outlining their efficacy and safety among patients with plaque psoriasis, they stand poised to provide much-needed relief for patients with plaque psoriasis. However, as with all novel therapies, education and adoption stand as significant hurdles to optimizing the potential of these new agents for patients.^1,2

For more insight into how the advent of nonsteroidal topical options have contributed to the ongoing evolution of care in dermatology, with a specific focus on plaque psoriasis, the editorial team of HCPLive Dermatology sat down with Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research.

Relevant disclosures for Shahriari include AbbVie, Dermira, Cara, Dermavant, Novartis, Union, BMS, Leo, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Regeneron, UCB, and others.

References:

1. Formulary Watch. FDA approves first non-steroid cream for psoriasis. Formulary Watch. May 24, 2022. Accessed June 5, 2024. https://www.formularywatch.com/view/fda-approves-first-non-steroid-cream-for-psoriasis.
2. Presbyla M. FDA approves Arcutis’ zoryveTM (roflumilast) cream 0.3% for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in individuals age 12 and older. Arcutis Biotherapeutics. December 19, 2023. Accessed June 5, 2024. https://www.arcutis.com/fda-approves-arcutis-zoryve-roflumilast-cream-0-3-for-the-treatment-of-plaque-psoriasis-in-individuals-age-12-and-older/.