PharmaQest’s NMSC gel product also has potential as a topical preventive and treatment for mild-to-moderate, chronic, plaque-type psoriasis, due to the anti-proliferative effect of the active ingredient on human skin cells.
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disorder, affecting approximately 2% of the world's population. The plaque type (psoriasis vulgaris) is the most common form of psoriasis, accounting for approximately 90% of cases. There is no cure for psoriasis, therefore the aim of treatment is to minimise the extent and severity of the disease to the point at which it no longer substantially disrupts the patient's quality of life.
No one treatment is suitable for all patients with psoriasis, and each treatment shows a different side effect profile. Many treatments have significant potential for adverse side effects, especially with prolonged use.
Although there is a wide range of products on the market, or in development, for the treatment of psoriasis, our gel would have the advantage of a superior safety profile, particularly for longer term use.
The two clinical safety studies completed for the NMSC indication have established the safety and tolerability of the topical gel. This will allow approval of a planned proof of concept efficacy study in patients with mild-to-moderate, plaque-type psoriasis.