Psoriasis therapy holds promise for treating atherosclerosis: study

Biologic therapy in patients with severe psoriasis is associated with significant improvements in coronary-artery plaque characteristics, according to new research.

Lead author Dr Nehal Mehta from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in Maryland, US, says the anti-inflammatory effects of biologic therapies hold promise for the treatment of atherosclerosis, but more research is needed.

Severe psoriasis is associated with an elevated risk of early MI and rates of coronary-artery disease similar to those in type 2 diabetes.

However, whether biologic therapy alters coronary-artery characteristics is unknown.

Dr Mehta and colleagues characterised coronary-artery plaque before and after biological therapy in 121 individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis participating in the ongoing Psoriasis, Atherosclerosis and Cardiometabolic Disease Initiative.

Among the