Psoriasis affects about 8 million Americans, causing skin cells to build up into red, scaly patches that can itch, crack, and bleed. Treatment has changed dramatically in the past 15 years with the arrival of biologic drugs that target specific immune pathways. Most people now have multiple options, but severe cases and psoriatic arthritis still need better treatments.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing new biologics that block IL-23, IL-17, and other immune signals, oral JAK inhibitors and TYK2 inhibitors that work faster than older pills, and drugs aimed at preventing psoriatic arthritis before joint damage occurs. Researchers are also studying the gut microbiome and looking for biomarkers that predict which treatment will work best for each person.
IL-23 blockers
These biologics keep psoriasis clear longer with fewer doses than earlier drugs. Several are now FDA-approved, and newer versions are being tested to see if they work with even less frequent dosing.
Oral TYK2 inhibitors
A new class of pills targets a specific enzyme inside immune cells. Deucravacitinib was approved in 2022, and similar drugs are in trials, offering an alternative to injections.
Joint protection
Studies are testing whether treating skin psoriasis early and aggressively can prevent psoriatic arthritis. Some trials are enrolling people with skin disease but no joint symptoms yet.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on how much of your body is affected, whether you have psoriatic arthritis, prior treatment history, and sometimes willingness to stop current medications for a washout period.
What types of trials are currently open
- Biologic trials — Testing injectable drugs that target IL-23, IL-17, or TNF. These trials often compare new drugs to existing biologics to see which clears skin faster or keeps it clear longer.
- Oral medication trials — Testing pills like JAK inhibitors and TYK2 inhibitors. These may work faster than older pills like methotrexate, with results visible in weeks.
- Psoriatic arthritis trials — Testing drugs for people with both skin and joint symptoms, or studying whether treating skin disease prevents arthritis from developing.
- Topical trials — Testing creams, ointments, and foams for mild to moderate psoriasis, often looking at new formulations or combinations.
- Observational studies — Following people with psoriasis over time to understand disease patterns, treatment responses, and connections to other health conditions like heart disease.
Recently added Psoriasis trials
A Study of HB0017 Injection in Healthy Volunteers to Evaluate Safety and Tolerability of a Single Subcutaneous Injection in Low-Body-Weight Subjects; and Pharmacokinetics at Different Subcutaneous Injection Sites at the Same Dose
The goal of this clinical trial is to (PART 1) to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a single subcutaneous injection of HB0017 Injection in healthy subjects with low body weight; ( PART 2) to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of HB0017 following single subcutaneous administration at different injection sites at the same dose.
An Open-label Study of HS-20137 in Participants With Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HS-20137 in the treatment of participants with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
Find Psoriasis trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.