Guselkumab for treating chronic plaque psoriasis in children aged 6 to 17 years

Guselkumab is in clinical development for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis in children aged 6 to 17 years. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes flaky patches of skin which form scales. Chronic plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. The ‘plaques’ are formed due to the build-up of skin cells and can be very red, itchy, and sore. Psoriasis can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those more severely affected. Patients with psoriasis have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with the risk greatest for young patients with severe disease. Children with chronic plaque psoriasis who do not respond well to topical treatment or phototherapy (exposure to certain types of ultraviolet light) require more effective treatment options.