Tapinarof to treat psoriasis

Drugs Today (Barc). 2020 Aug;56(8):515-530. doi: 10.1358/dot.2020.56.8.3168447.

Abstract

There is a need for new and effective topical treatment options for psoriasis. Recent phase I and II clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy of the novel nonsteroidal drug tapinarof to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. Tapinarof is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist that induces antioxidant, immunomodulatory and epidermal differentiation regulation pathways. In this review, we examine the current preclinical and clinical studies with a focus on the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of tapinarof to treat psoriasis.

Keywords: Antipsoriatics; Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonists; Dermatological disorders; Psoriasis; Tapinarof.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / agonists
  • Resorcinols / therapeutic use*
  • Stilbenes / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon
  • Resorcinols
  • Stilbenes
  • tapinarof