Psoriasis affects about 8 million Americans, causing thick, scaly patches of skin that can itch and crack. Treatment ranges from topical creams to biologics that target specific immune pathways. Many people now achieve clear or nearly clear skin, but research continues on oral options, faster-acting drugs, and treatments for psoriatic arthritis.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing new biologics that target IL-23, IL-17, and other immune proteins, oral drugs like TYK2 inhibitors and JAK inhibitors, and combination approaches. Researchers are studying treatments that work faster, last longer between doses, and address joint symptoms as well as skin. Some trials focus on scalp psoriasis, nail involvement, and genital psoriasis.
TYK2 inhibitors
Deucravacitinib, an oral pill approved in 2022, blocks TYK2 and offers an alternative to injections. Other TYK2 inhibitors are in trials, aiming for similar effectiveness with once-daily dosing.
IL-23 blockers
Drugs like risankizumab and guselkumab, already approved, are being tested in new forms and dosing schedules. Trials are exploring whether blocking IL-23 can prevent psoriatic arthritis from developing.
Topical and localized treatments
New creams and gels aim to work faster and treat hard-to-reach areas like the scalp and genitals. Some combine multiple mechanisms in a single product.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on how much of the body is affected, whether other treatments have been tried, and whether you have psoriatic arthritis or other health conditions.
What types of trials are currently open
- Biologic trials — Testing injectable drugs that target IL-23, IL-17, or other immune proteins. These often compare new drugs to approved biologics or placebo.
- Oral medication trials — Testing pills like TYK2 inhibitors or JAK inhibitors as alternatives to injections. Some studies compare oral drugs directly to biologics.
- Topical trials — Testing new creams, gels, or foams for mild to moderate psoriasis or specific areas like scalp and nails.
- Combination trials — Testing whether combining treatments works better than single drugs, or whether biologics can be paired with topicals.
- Long-term extension studies — Following people for years to see how well drugs continue to work and what side effects emerge over time.
Recently added Psoriasis trials
A Study of Guselkumab Given After Ustekinumab in Participants With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis in Routine Clinical Practice
The main purpose of this study is to describe how well Guselkumab works after switching from Ustekinumab in participants with moderate to severe psoriasis in a routine clinical setting. A long-term skin disease that causes red, scaly and sometimes painful, itchy patches on the skin.
Try an anti-inflammatory diet and exercise program for psoriasis
Purpose and Hypotheses The purpose of this study is to find out if changing the diet and adding exercise can help children with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches and is linked to inflammation inside the body. We want to see if a special diet that avoids gluten and foods high in histamine can improve children's skin and reduce inflammation. We will also test if adding a fun physical therapy program with light exercise, stretching, and relaxation provides even more benefits, especially for their overall well-being and quality of life. Study Details: Study Duration: 14 weeks in total (this includes a 2-week screening period and the 12-week treatment period). Treatment Duration: 12 weeks. Visit Frequency: Participants will come to the clinic for assessments at the start of the study, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks. During the 12-week treatment period, participants in the exercise group will attend supervised physical therapy sessions three times a week. What Will Happen in the Study? Sixty (60) children aged 6 to 17 with mild to moderate psoriasis will be invited to take part. They will be put into one of three groups by chance, like drawing lots. One group will continue with their regular skin care. A second group will follow a special anti-inflammatory diet. This means they will avoid foods with gluten (like wheat bread) and foods high in histamine (like aged cheese or fermented foods) and will eat more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fish. A third group will follow the same diet and also take part in a physical therapy program three times a week. The physical therapy will include light exercise, fun movement activities, and relaxation exercises. Who Can Participate? We are looking for children who: Have been diagnosed with plaque psoriasis for at least 6 months. Have mild to moderate psoriasis. Are not taking any new psoriasis medications. Study Interventions: Dietary Intervention: A structured anti-inflammatory diet that is gluten-free and low in histamine. Physical Therapy: A supervised program of low-impact aerobic activities, stretching, and relaxation exercises. This study is not currently available through an expanded access program.
Find Psoriasis trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.