People suffering from Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) face a never-ending battle against stubborn and painful skin eruptions, described as red pus-filled bumps. These periodic flare-ups, accompanied by constant inflammation, can significantly harm a person both physically and mentally. Affected individuals endure this painful skin condition all the time but the burden of this illness is not only during flare-ups.
Most of the time, affected individuals suffer from persistent symptoms, even when flare-ups are not happening. The disease causes a big impact on their lives and their overall quality of life. This impact can be significant even when there are no flare-ups occurring. Chronic issues, such as anxiety and exhaustion, are common. The problem doesn't stop there. Systemic inflammation a red flag that can result from GPP and it can harm organs or cause other illnesses
So why is the treatment of this disease so tough? Well, it's a complex disease that doesn't have a simple cure. Therefore treatment can be even more challenging. The disease is unpredictable; it can suddenly flare up, and those flare-ups can be quite serious. These flares can sometimes even be deadly, which is alarming. This uncertainty undoubtedly makes managing the condition more difficult.
The EFFISAYIL® 2 study represented a significant advancement when it attempted to address this issue. It was the first trial that employed the randomized and placebo-controlled approach to investigate the continuous therapy effects of a new drug.
It focused on the subcutaneous version of spesolimab
, a “first-in-class” anti-interleukin-36 receptor monoclonal antibody. Of course, spesolimab has got some positive responses, but we need to keep in mind that it is not a 100% cure.
We are not too excited over the hype of these studies. The medical community must continue to seek better treatment options.
The actual problem is that the world of medicine doesn't have enough information or direction regarding treating GPP on a long-term and continuous basis. This includes managing the disease outside flare-ups, preventing new flares, and controlling the long-term progression of the disease. Effective treatment strategies need to focus on managing both the chronic symptoms and the life-threatening flare episodes.
Currently, spesolimab is the only FDA-approved medication for GPP flares, while subcutaneous spesolimab is the only FDA-approved medication for GPP between flares.
There is an increasing demand for more effective treatments and for more research to be conducted to help those suffering from GPP. This is a systematic change that takes time. Health care professionals are doing their best with the available tools. Let's be hopeful about the future.
