ISLAMABAD, May 30 (Online): A phase two trial of brepocitinib, a drug being tested as a possible treatment for several immuno compromising conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis, and dermatomyositis, has also shown positive results for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.<\/p>\n
The trial\u2019s results were published online Trusted Sourceby the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology.<\/p>\n
Around one in three people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.<\/p>\n
They also cite data that puts the total number of Americans with psoriasis at around eight million.<\/p>\n
Psoriatic arthritis attacks not just the joints and the skin, but the underlying inflammation can also affect bodily systems like your eyes, heart, and lungs.<\/p>\n
Dr. Chirag Patel of Hansa Medical likens it to a relative of similar conditions like rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.<\/p>\n
\u201cOsteoarthritis is more of a wear and tear phenomenon, kind of like the brake pads in your car. While rheumatoid arthritis is more, \u2018hey, I\u2019m not liking your brake pads, I\u2019m going to go attack the brake pads,’\u201d Patel explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cPsoriatic arthritis can affect a lot of different organs and symptoms, while rheumatoid is a little bit more related to the joints.\u201d<\/p>\n
How brepocitinib may help treat psoriatic arthritis
\nThe drug works by inhibiting the immune response that causes the inflammation that is at the core of psoriatic arthritis, a type of medication called a Janus kinase inhibitor or JAKi.<\/p>\n
In the words of the researchers \u2014 who were from the US, UK, Poland, and Australia \u2014 this use of brepocitinib could fill a gap in treatment options.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite a variety of treatment options, the PsA treatment goals of decreasing disease activity, inducing remission, and improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and function, as well as preventing structural damage and complication\u2026remain an unmet need.\u201d<\/p>\n
How the recent trial was conducted
\nAccording to a resource made available by the National Library of Medicine, the first clinical trial related to brepocitinib, which was developed by Pfizer, was in 2017.<\/p>\n
This most recent research involved participants who received the medication for 52 weeks. The primary focus was on the data collected by the four-month mark.<\/p>\n
This recent trial, which was placebo-controlled and also funded by Pfizer, included 218 participants, with those receiving the medication having between a 66.7% or 74.6% ACR20 response rate depending on their dosage of 10mg, 30, mg, or 60 mg per day.<\/p>\n
This means that around two-thirds of those being given 30 milligrams of brepocitinib daily over the year-long trial had a 20% reduction in symptoms.
\nThose who were given a placebo had a 43.3% ACR20 response.<\/p>\n
Improving treatment for psoriatic arthritis
\nWhile there are multiple biologics on the market to treat psoriatic arthritis, many of the medications currently, like methotrexate, have significant side effects.<\/p>\n
Patel says that looking at treatment options requires a thorough look at not just what medications a patient has already taken, but also other factors.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow long have they had psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis? what\u2019s worked, what hasn\u2019t worked? Even insurance, you know, some medicines are covered by insurance, some cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially new ones on a consistent monthly basis that might be cost prohibitory for someone and we might have to be relegated to an older medication.\u201d<\/p>\n
Participants in the trial were allowed to take methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine, all medications that can complicate someone\u2019s health status because they are immuno compromising.<\/p>\n
Patel says that, when healthcare providers are finding a suitable treatment plan for patients with psoriatic arthritis, it can take a number of team members to coordinate.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople\u2019s immunity can be compromised because of the disease itself, but also sometimes by the medications that are involved in the treatment\u2026Oftentimes, there\u2019s a rheumatologist that\u2019s involved or following along for the benefit of the patient, but oftentimes, as a primary care doctor, we see these kind[s] of [effects on the frontlines] when we\u2019re treating the patient.
\nLike with most trials and studies of this type, the recent one had some limitations that were identified by the researchers.<\/p>\n
The vast majority of the participants were white and located in eastern Europe.
\nStill, the trial identified a significant reduction in symptoms and the research team stated that they see the risk factors and side effects being in line with similar work in the field.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, May 30 (Online): A phase two trial of brepocitinib, a drug being tested as a possible treatment for several immuno compromising conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis, and dermatomyositis, has also shown positive results for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. The trial\u2019s results […]<\/p>\n
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