Psoriasis Drugs Among Leaders in Drug Side Effect Reporting

Is it time to look at psoriasis treatment in a new light?

HORSHAM, PA, March 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - According to a recent USA Today Network Exclusive analysis*, the number of drug side effect reports filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has increased five-fold from 2004 to 2015. This equated to more than 1.2 million reports in 2015.¹

This analysis showed that the drugs used to treat psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease are among those with the greatest number of reports.¹ These drugs work by suppressing the immune system, which can increase the risk of serious or even potentially deadly infections such as tuberculosis. They have also been associated with blood diseases, cancer and lymphomas.²

The article goes on to mention Humira (approved to treat 10 different conditions including psoriasis) specifically as an autoimmune drug that has been linked to over 200,000 side effect reports since 2013, including 4,200 deaths.¹

The other drugs cited as being top contributors in terms of number of side effect reports are those used to treat multiple sclerosis, a type of cancer, and those used to treat diabetes.¹

The authors of this exclusive, Matthew Wynn* and John Fauber*, acknowledge that although the dramatic increase in reports may be indicative of a growing number of patients being harmed, it could also be a result of more vigilant reporting, which is a goal the FDA is striving to achieve. They go on to say that it very well may be that the increase is a result of a combination of the two, according to experts.¹

In addition to the autoimmune drugs that are used to treat psoriasis, topical therapies (such as creams and ointments), other drugs taken orally and light therapy are treatment options that can be considered.³ Light therapy, as stated in the American Academy of Dermatology guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis:³

"…is effective and economical without many of the potential toxicities [side effects] of traditional and biologic [autoimmune drug] therapies."    

At STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSKN) ("STRATA"), we are committed to helping patients suffering from serious dermatologic conditions, such as psoriasis, through our innovative medical technologies including our XTRAC targeted-light therapy.

What makes XTRAC Therapy an attractive option for patients with psoriasis, especially when considering this new information on drug side effect reporting, is that it works very effectively but is associated with virtually no side effects. Over 100,000 patients have been safely treated with XTRAC Therapy.⁴ Some patients may experience a reaction similar to sunburn or some blistering at the area treated, and in some cases an increase in skin pigmentation may occur.

XTRAC Therapy is FDA-cleared and has been shown to provide true remission for patients with psoriasis.⁴ It has also demonstrated in clinical studies excellent efficacy with extremely high clearance rates (greater than 95% in just over 10 treatments).⁵ Furthermore, XTRAC Therapy has been proven to be effective in treating thick, scaled plaques on the knees and elbows, which are difficult-to-treat areas and often resistant to conventional treatments.⁶

Almost any patient with plaque psoriasis can be considered for XTRAC Therapy – patients with mild, moderate or severe disease are all suitable candidates. For more information on XTRAC Therapy, call 1-800-800-4758 or visit www.XtracClear.com.

About STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc.
(www.strataskinsciences.com)
STRATA Skin Sciences is a medical technology company focused on the therapeutic and diagnostic dermatology market. Its products include the XTRAC® laser and VTRAC® excimer lamp systems utilized in the treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo and various other skin conditions.

* John Fauber is a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Matthew Wynn is a reporter for MedPage Today. The original USA Today Network Exclusive story was reported as a joint project of the Journal Sentinel and MedPage Today, which provides a clinical perspective for physicians on breaking medical news.

1. Wynn M and Fauber J for USA Today Network. Analysis: reports of side effects increase fivefold in 12 years. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/03/19/analysis-reports-drug-side-effects-increase-fivefold-12-years/99384190/, accessed March 23, 2017.
2. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Questions and answers about psoriasis. https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Psoriasis/default.asp#5, accessed March 23, 2017.
3. Menter A, Korman NJ, Elmets CA, for the American Academy of Dermatology Work Group. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Section 6. Guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: case-based presentations and evidence-based conclusions. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011;65:137-174.
4. Data on file. STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc.
5. Taneja A, Treha M, Taylor C. 308-nm excimer laser for the treatment of psoriasis – induration-based dosimetry. Arch Dermolol. vol 139, June 2003, pp. 759-764.
6. Gerber W, Arheliger B, Ha TA, Hermann J and Ockenfeis HM. Ultraviolet B 308-nm excimer laser treatment of psoriasis: a new phototherapeutic approach. British J Derm, vol 149, December 2003, pp. 1250-1258.

SOURCE STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc.