In this Experiences episode of Topical Conversations, Mona Shahriari, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University, and Jason Hawkes, MD, Chief Scientific Officer and investigator at the Oregon Medical Research Center, explore the evolution of oral therapy in psoriasis care, from the early days of apremilast to the growing impact of selective TYK2 inhibition.
Together, they trace how the field has moved from broad, nonspecific PDE4 blockade to the more targeted, allosteric TYK2 mechanism that bridges IL-23 and IL-17 signaling. Dr Hawkes outlines how TYK2 inhibition can influence downstream pathways, including IL-12 and type I interferons, potentially extending benefits beyond skin disease. The discussion also highlights recent data in psoriatic arthritis and real-world safety outcomes, with consistent tolerability and durable efficacy across challenging sites like scalp, nails, and palms.
Both clinicians emphasize practical considerations—how to identify appropriate candidates for oral therapy, manage expectations around treatment onset, and communicate the distinct safety profile and monitoring needs of TYK2 inhibitors. They close by looking ahead to next-generation orals, including second-generation TYK2 inhibitors and oral IL-23 receptor blockers, which are narrowing the gap between biologic and oral efficacy.
A grounded, forward-looking conversation on how oral innovation continues to reshape the psoriasis treatment landscape.
In the first DermInsider - A Virtual Grand Rounds Series session of the year, join leading experts Dr. Bhutani and Dr. Serota for a dynamic deep dive into one of the most exciting frontiers in psoriatic disease management. Dr. Del Rosso moderates this 45-minute activity that explores the rapidly emerging role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and their potential impact beyond metabolic disease. Don't miss out on this opportunity to catch up on breakthrough insights and emerging evidence on this hot topic!“We have some really interesting data on the horizon that’s going to hopefully help more providers feel confident about using [GLP-1] medications in conjunction with their psoriasis medications that they are used to using.” – Tina Bhutani, MD MASBest of FC25: GLP-1RAs in Psoriasis – Catching Up on The ScienceThis activity is supported by an educational grant from Lilly.
Got a few minutes? Join our expert faculty for their rapid-fire tips on getting started with GLP-1 receptor agonists for patients with psoriasis and obesity.“When we are treating patients with obesity and psoriasis in weight management, really focus on the health gains. It’s not about what people are losing, it’s about what they are gaining in this process.” – Angela Fitch, MDPlease visit the “Educational Resources” page to access the handouts developed by faculty on GLP's in psoriatic disease mentioned in this activity.This activity is supported by an educational grant from Lilly.
In this 20-minute Seminar in Depth from the 2025 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, the faculty explore what differentiates TYK2 inhibitors from traditional JAK inhibitors, as well as how to identify patients with psoriasis who may benefit from oral small molecule therapy.“When thinking about a medication, you need to take a number of things into consideration: location of disease, disease severity, and age. Age plays a big role when I think about what medication I’m going to choose for a patient – Are they of child-bearing age? Are they young and they live in group housing or a dorm?” – Benjamin Lockshin, MDFC25: Encapsulating Progress With New and Emerging TYK2 Inhibitors for Psoriasis: An Online ActivityThis activity is supported by an educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb.