Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-05-04 Origin: Site
Psoriasis is a long-term, chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, causing red, scaly patches, itching, and discomfort. For many patients, it is more than a skin condition—it also impacts emotional well-being and daily life. While some people can manage mild psoriasis with topical creams and light therapy, others with moderate to severe symptoms often require systemic medications. These are treatments that work throughout the body, not just on the skin. Systemic medications can offer powerful relief and long-term disease control.
Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, leading to inflammation and the formation of thickened plaques. While mild cases may be successfully treated with topical medications, such as corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs, these options are often not enough for more severe forms of psoriasis or when large areas of the body are affected.
When psoriasis is moderate to severe, or when it affects the joints (in a form known as psoriatic arthritis), doctors often recommend systemic treatments. These medications travel through the bloodstream to treat inflammation at its source, helping to reduce symptoms across the entire body. Systemic therapies include traditional immunosuppressants, biologic agents, and small molecule drugs. Each has its own benefits, risks, and usage considerations, and the best choice depends on a patient’s specific condition, medical history, and lifestyle needs.
Before the development of biologics and newer oral drugs, doctors relied on traditional systemic medications to manage moderate to severe psoriasis. These drugs have been in use for decades and are known for their effectiveness. However, they also come with notable side effects and often require regular blood monitoring to prevent complications.
Methotrexate is a folic acid antagonist that slows down cell division and suppresses the immune system. It is one of the most widely used systemic treatments for psoriasis and is particularly effective for both skin lesions and psoriatic arthritis. Typically taken once a week, methotrexate can reduce the severity of plaques and improve joint symptoms.
However, methotrexate carries the risk of liver toxicity, bone marrow suppression, and lung disease. Patients must undergo regular blood tests to monitor liver enzymes and other organ functions. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant, as it can cause birth defects.
Despite its effectiveness, cyclosporine is generally recommended for short-term use only, due to the risk of kidney damage, high blood pressure, and other long-term complications. Like methotrexate, it requires careful monitoring during treatment.
These traditional systemic drugs are often affordable and effective, but they may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with pre-existing organ conditions or those looking for long-term treatment options with fewer risks.
In recent years, biologics have revolutionized the treatment of psoriasis by offering highly targeted therapies with impressive clinical outcomes. These medications are typically given via subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion, and they work by blocking specific parts of the immune system that contribute to inflammation.
Biologics are engineered proteins derived from living cells. They are designed to target specific cytokines or immune cells, reducing inflammation without broadly suppressing the entire immune system.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) is one of the key inflammatory proteins involved in psoriasis. Drugs such as etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab are TNF inhibitors that have shown excellent results in managing both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. These drugs have been widely used and have helped millions of patients worldwide.
More recent biologics target interleukin pathways, such as IL-12, IL-23, and IL-17. Examples include ustekinumab, secukinumab, and ixekizumab. These medications offer even more precise immune suppression and are associated with a lower risk of serious infections compared to earlier drugs.
While biologics are very effective, they also come with drawbacks. These include the high cost, the need for cold storage, and injections, which may be inconvenient or uncomfortable for some patients. There is also a risk of developing antibodies against the biologic over time, which may reduce its effectiveness.
Biologics are ideal for patients who do not respond to traditional therapies or who have severe psoriasis that significantly affects their quality of life. They also provide an important option for those with concurrent psoriatic arthritis, offering joint protection along with skin improvement.
In addition to traditional drugs and biologics, small molecule drugs represent a newer class of systemic treatments. These medications are taken orally, making them more convenient and less invasive than injectable biologics. One of the most well-known small molecule drugs for psoriasis is Apremilast, marketed under the brand name Otezla.
Apremilast is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor. It works by increasing levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) within immune cells. Elevated cAMP levels help to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-alpha, interleukin-17, and interleukin-23, while increasing anti-inflammatory signals. This leads to a balanced immune response and helps to control both skin and joint symptoms in psoriasis.
Apremilast is approved for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers in Behçet’s disease. It is typically taken twice daily in pill form and does not require routine blood monitoring, unlike methotrexate or cyclosporine.
Oral administration: No injections required
Lower risk of serious infections compared to biologics
No need for routine lab tests
Well-tolerated with mostly mild side effects like nausea, headache, or diarrhea
Suitable for long-term use
Although Apremilast may be slightly less potent than some biologics, its safety, ease of use, and tolerability make it an excellent option for many patients—especially those who prefer to avoid injectable therapies or who have coexisting conditions that make other drugs unsafe.
For many patients, Apremilast offers the best balance between efficacy, safety, and convenience. Its oral form means patients can take it at home without needing regular doctor visits for injections or infusions. Its lack of significant immunosuppression makes it safer for individuals concerned about infection risks, such as the elderly or those with comorbidities.
Apremilast is also a good starting point for patients new to systemic therapies. Its mild side effect profile and non-invasive nature allow for better patient adherence, which is crucial for long-term disease management.
Doctors may recommend Apremilast to patients who:
Have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
Do not respond well to topical treatments
Prefer oral medications over injections
Have failed or cannot tolerate traditional systemic drugs
Have a history of frequent infections or are at risk for immune-related complications
As the demand for patient-friendly treatment options continues to grow, medications like Apremilast are likely to become even more popular. Pharmaceutical suppliers such as Shandong Loncom Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. are meeting this demand by providing high-purity Apremilast API for global pharmaceutical development and production.
The management of psoriasis has evolved tremendously in recent decades. Today, patients and physicians have access to a diverse range of systemic medications, each offering unique advantages depending on disease severity, lifestyle preferences, and individual health conditions.
Traditional systemic drugs like methotrexate and cyclosporine are still widely used due to their affordability and effectiveness, but they require close monitoring and come with risks of long-term toxicity. Biologics, while highly effective and targeted, are expensive and require injections, which may not be suitable for all patients.
Small molecule drugs such as Apremilast fill an important gap in treatment options. With its oral formulation, minimal side effects, and broad suitability, Apremilast represents a modern, accessible alternative for many people living with psoriasis and related conditions.
For pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers seeking a reliable supplier of Apremilast API, Shandong Loncom Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. offers high-quality, GMP-compliant raw materials that meet international standards. Their commitment to quality and innovation supports the ongoing development of safe, effective treatments that improve lives.
If you're looking to source premium Apremilast API or learn more about its clinical applications, visit www.loncompharm.com and discover how Loncom is supporting the next generation of psoriasis therapies.
