Ro 10-9359 in Psoriasis: Prospective Liver Biopsy Study of Potential Hepatotoxicity

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic recurrent disease of the skin which is frequently disfiguring and emotionally devasting. The etiology of psoriasis is unknown although a genetic predeposition does occur. Many factors such as infection, trauma, climate, emotional upset, alcohol, etc. will precipitate a flare of psoriasis. Systemic therapy to control psoriasis with minimal longterm side effects continues to be a major goal in psoriasis. Systemic corticosteroids will produce remission in psoriasis but the cushingoid side effects and the rebound after discontinuation have made this form of therapy undesirable. Antimetabolite drugs are effective but have significant side effects: azaribine-fatal-thromboembolism; mycophenolic acid-severe diarrhea, increased risk of viral diseases and cancer. Photochemotherapy (PUVA) has become very popular in the past five years with minimal short-term side effects. However, early aging of the skin and development of skin cancer could limit its use. The search for an ideal and safe systemic therapy continues.