World Psoriasis Day: GemPharmatech embrace your skin

October 29, 2023

Recently, the U.S. FDA has approved Bimzelx (Bimekizumab) for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Bimekizumab is the first approved IL-17A/F inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Bimzelx is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that can strongly and specifically neutralize IL-17A and IL-17F. IL-17A plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

 

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the rapid and excessive growth of skin cells. This leads to the formation of thick, red, scaly patches, known as plaques, on the skin's surface. Psoriasis is not contagious, and its exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. October 29th of every year is "World Psoriasis Day", a special day dedicated to all psoriasis patients worldwide. Its establishment is aimed at urging people across the globe to understand psoriasis, clarify common misconceptions about the condition, and enhance awareness among psoriasis patients.The theme of World Psoriasis Day 2023 is "Access for All".

 

Traditional treatments for psoriasis primarily involve the use of retinoids, immunosuppressants, and phototherapy. However, these treatments often yield suboptimal results and are associated with severe adverse effects. With advancing scientific research into the causes of psoriasis, key inflammatory factors such as TNFα, IL-17, and IL-12/23 have been identified as crucial contributors to the development of psoriasis. Blocking these pathways can prevent the onset of psoriasis. In response to these discoveries, scientists have developed a variety of biologic agents for psoriasis treatment. The essence of biologic treatments lies in their "precision targeting." Traditional medications often employ a "broad-spectrum attack" approach, which can result in collateral damage, delayed efficacy, a high incidence of adverse effects, and difficulties in treatment adherence. In contrast, biologic agents are designed based on a deep understanding of the disease's mechanisms, allowing for highly specific targeting with clear molecular targets. This "precision strike" approach offers direct benefits, including high efficiency, long-lasting effects, and a relatively lower occurrence of adverse reactions.

 

Globally, approximately 125 million people are affected by psoriasis, there is a substantial market demand for specific and effective medications tailored for psoriasis.

 

Regarding psoriasis, GemPharmatech has independently developed two disease models: the IMQ-induced psoriasis mouse model and the B6-K14-hIL17A spontaneous psoriasis mouse model. These models serve as valuable tools for studying the disease mechanisms and evaluating potential therapeutic approaches.

 

Humanized mouse resources related to psoriasis

Strain Number

Strain Name

Disease Model Type

T059096

BALB/c-hCD6

Psoriasis

T056325

BALB/c-hIL36A/IL36R(IL1RL2)

Psoriasis

T057243

BALB/c-hITGAL

Psoriasis

T057244

B6-hITGAL

Psoriasis

T059646

BALB/c-hIL17A/hIL17F

Psoriasis

T054190

BALB/c-hCD80

Psoriasis

T058919

BALB/c-hIL12B/hIL12A

Psoriasis, AD

T058920

BALBc-hIL12B/hIL23

Psoriasis, AD

T003277

BALB/c-hIL17A

AD, SSc, Psoriasis