Bright Spots: Exploring the Remittive Effect of Tapinarof for Plaque Psoriasis

Welcome to Topical Conversations: Bright Spots, an illuminating 3-part series shedding light on tapinarof, a pioneering nonsteroidal topical treatment for plaque psoriasis. 

In Part 2, G Michael Lewitt, MD, is joined by Lauren Miller, PA-C, to discuss the unique features of tapinarof, a nonsteroidal topical treatment option for plaque psoriasis in adult patients. 

A unique remittive effect 

The pair discusses a unique differentiator of tapinarof, with evidence suggesting that patients may encounter a remittive effect upon discontinuation. In the PSOARING 3 trial, a 40-week, open-label, long-term extension study, patients (n=73) who entered the trial with clear skin maintained clear or almost clear skin for an average of 114 days before returning to a state of mild disease. 

A versatile alternative to steroidal therapies 

They also discuss the versatility of tapinarof, which can be used on any body part, including the scalp and intertriginous areas, and its minimal systemic absorption with no evidence of straie, tachyphylaxis, skin atrophy, or hypopigmentation. They underscore the advantages of tapinarof over traditional steroidal treatments, highlighting its safety and the potential to reduce the burden of polypharmacy. 

Real-world impact 

They conclude their conversation by sharing an overview of a real-world patient case, that of a 23-year-old student with psoriasis in the genital area. They detail the significant improvement in both symptoms and emotional well-being seen in the patient after 4 weeks of treatment with tapinarof, highlighting it as a unique and innovative addition to the psoriasis topical treatment landscape.

Missed Part 1? Check it out here to learn about tapinarof's mechanism of action and the phase 4 results from the open-label trial for treatment in the head and neck region.