Eight biologic drugs (not to mention three biosimilars) are currently approved to treat psoriasis and there is a greater understanding within the medical community that this disease goes more than skin deep. We are nearing a tipping point, but even with all this progress, still more is needed to improve the quality of life for the 7.5 million people in the United States who live with this disease.

Practical Dermatology® asked some thought leaders to share what they wish for to further advance care of these patients.

“I would like to see more patients being referred to doctors who will treat them appropriately.”

Jerry Bagel, MD

Director, Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey,East Windsor, NJ

“I would like to see something to help with the dyschromia, usually post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, that accompanies psoriasis in skin of color, and an increasing awareness that psoriasis can happen in any skin type. In addition, I would welcome more sub-set data from the manufacturers of biologics on specific data in Fitzpatrick skin types IV, V, and VI, and newer treatments specifically targeting recalcitrant scalp psoriasis.”

Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD

President, Skin of Color Society

President & Medical Director, Innovative Dermatology, Plano, TX

Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas

“My biggest wish is equal medication access for all and that the physician, not the insurance company, decides which medication is most appropriate. There is hope at the end of the tunnel. A fledgling group called the Derma Care Access Network (www.dermacareaccess.org) is working to fight back against the constant need for prior authorizations and step therapies to put the power back in the physicians’ as well as patients’ hands!”

Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD

Associate Professor of Dermatology, Residency Program Director, Director of Translational Research, Director of the Supportive Oncodermatology Clinic,

Department of Dermatology,

George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC

“Moving beyond the disease and looking at patient phenotypes is the future of psoriasis. Once that’s known, we should be able to offer individualized treatment and perhaps a cure.”

Gary Goldenberg, MD

Assistant Clinical Professor, Dermatology

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City

Get Dr. Bruce E. Strober’s take on what he hopes the near future will usher in for his psoriasis patients by clicking here.