#USA #Johnson & Johnson #Spring House #Psoriasis #Oral Treatments

Understanding the Unmet Needs in Psoriasis Care

A recent study has shed light on the substantial unmet needs of individuals living with psoriasis, revealing a strong preference among both patients and healthcare providers for highly effective oral treatments. Conducted by Johnson & Johnson, the findings were presented at the 2025 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, emphasizing the critical need for improved oral therapy options.

The Study's Framework

The ENCOMPASS study surveyed 400 adults and 200 adolescents with psoriasis, alongside 200 dermatology providers. The aim was to gauge perspectives on the treatment landscape, barriers faced in managing the condition, and the overall impact of psoriasis on quality of life (QoL). Utilizing metrics such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the study intended to capture how psoriasis affects daily living and treatment preferences.

Key Findings

One of the most striking findings is that more than 90% of patients currently receiving injectable treatments expressed a willingness to switch to an oral alternative, provided the new treatment maintained equivalent efficacy and safety. Furthermore, the study identified that over half (50.5%) of adult participants favored oral medications over traditional topical or injectable treatments, reflecting a significant trend among both patients and healthcare professionals, with 47.5% of providers sharing this preference.

Importantly, the study reported that psoriasis significantly impacts quality of life: 55% of adult respondents indicated that their condition has a “very large” or “extremely large” effect on their daily activities, with adverse consequences on mental health and social interactions. These results underscore the importance of recognizing psoriasis as not merely a dermatological issue, but a condition that dramatically affects various life dimensions.

Adolescent Perspectives

The impact on adolescents was even more pronounced, with 71% of those aged 16-17 and 77% of those aged 12-15 reporting severe effects on their QoL. This suggests that younger patients experience challenges unique to their developmental stage, which may also involve integrating their social life and self-image with their treatment needs.

Barriers to Effective Treatment

The survey highlighted multiple barriers that patients face, which include:
1. Severity of Symptoms: 67.3% of participants noted skin symptoms as a major burden.
2. Location of Lesions: The visibility of skin condition locations influenced psychological well-being.
3. Mental Health Impact: 23.5% of respondents specifically referred to mental health challenges associated with living with psoriasis.
4. Social Activities: 24.3% indicated their social life was affected due to the disease.

These elements illustrate how essential it is for treatment solutions to not only focus on physical symptoms but also take a holistic approach to patient well-being.

Provider Insights

Healthcare providers indicated that, if presented with equal efficacy and safety, many would prefer to prescribe oral treatments instead of injectables or topical medications. This further positions oral therapies as a potent alternative in managing psoriasis efficiently.

Dr. Linda Stein Gold, who led the study, emphasizes that addressing both the clinical and emotional aspects of living with psoriasis is crucial in formulating treatment strategies. She stated, “This research shows the importance of recognizing that psoriasis treatment involves much more than just addressing symptoms; it’s about improving the overall quality of life for patients.”

Conclusion

As we look to the future of psoriasis treatment, the findings from the ENCOMPASS study present a compelling case for healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies to prioritize the development of effective oral therapies. By focusing on patient opinions and preferences, the healthcare community can enhance treatment strategies that are not only effective but also more aligned with the patients’ daily lives. Ensuring that patients have access to these preferred therapies will ultimately lead to better management of psoriasis and improved health outcomes overall.