BMS-986165 for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis


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Indications: Plaque psoriasis
Therapeutic Areas: Dermatology
Year: 2020

BMS-986165 is in clinical development for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease whereby the body’s immune system becomes over-active resulting in the life cycle of skin cells to drastically speed up. This causes a build-up of red, scaly, flaky and itchy patches of skin to appear that often involve the knees, elbows, scalp and lower back. Plaque psoriasis is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and triggers such as stress, smoking and hormonal changes. Treatment is determined by the area of skin affected and the severity of the plaque psoriasis and may include a combination of topical, phototherapy and systemic (oral or injected) therapies.
BMS-986165 is administered orally as tablets. It selectively blocks the tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) enzyme. TYK2 is an intracellular signalling enzyme that is involved in the development of plaque psoriasis. Many patients with moderate to severe psoriasis struggle with insufficient disease control. BMS-986165 is more selective than other kinase inhibitors currently available so it can target the pathways involved in psoriasis more effectively with potentially reduced toxicity and side effects. If licensed, BMS-986165 will offer a new treatment option for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.