Researchers from the University of Manchester (UK) carried out a study with 2,500 participants with plaque psoriasis, spread over at least 10% of the body and diagnosed at least six months before the start of the experiment.
Half of the patients received a new treatment, ixekizumab, either once every two weeks or every four weeks. The other group was treated with a placebo or with a traditional drug against psoriasis, etanercept.
Ixekizumab is a monoclonal antibody. It counteracts the inflammatory effects of a type of protein that scientists are increasingly pointing to as responsible for the red, scaly patches of psoriasis.
The results of the study showed that the health status of the ixekizumab group improved very quickly. Indeed, half of the volunteers on ixekizumab were better from the fourth week and in week 12 (last week of testing), 71% observed a convincing result. Moreover, 40% of them benefited from a total disappearance of psoriatic plaques after 3 months of treatment.
“ During the test, we observed improvements both physically and in terms of people’s quality of life. They feel more confident and suffer much less from itching than the other two groups. says Dr Chris Griffiths, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Manchester.
Psoriasis treatment coming soon
This discovery could change the lives of patients affected by psoriasis, especially since this treatment may soon be available. Indeed, the 3 million French people with psoriasis are victims of many preconceived ideas. Forced to live with a disease that cannot be cured (but can be treated), they also suffer a double penalty. They would have difficulty socializing for fear of being judged as contagious, psychologically weak and even sometimes dirty. They endure daily avoidance in the world of work, public spaces and even experience rejection in the life of a couple and family.
“The company submitted ixekizumab for FDA (Food and drug administration) approval this year and intends to continue its efforts with other regulatory bodies,” explained Tim Coulom, communications director of Lilly Bio-Medicines.
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