Innovation, research, and the future: biotechnology sets the course for psoriasis treatment

Every year on October 29, World Psoriasis Day is commemorated to raise awareness of this chronic inflammatory disease, which affects more than 60 million people worldwide. Although its most visible manifestation occurs on the skin—where red patches covered with white scales appear—psoriasis goes far beyond a skin problem: it is a systemic disorder that can affect nails and joints, and even increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Psoriasis progresses through flare-ups (periods when lesions worsen) and remissions, when the skin may temporarily improve. However, there is still no definitive cure. Beyond the physical impact, the psychological and social consequences are significant: stigma and discrimination continue to affect the quality of life of people with psoriasis, who often face isolation and social exclusion. Psoriasis is not contagious, and its lesions are not infectious.

An overactive immune system

The disease originates from an altered immune response. Instead of protecting the body, the immune system mistakenly becomes overactivated, accelerating the skin cell renewal cycle up to ten times faster than normal. This leads to the accumulation of keratinocytes (the main cells of the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer) and the formation of the characteristic thickened, red, and scaly plaques.

In many cases, inflammation extends beyond the skin, affecting the joints in what is known as psoriatic arthritis—a particularly painful and disabling condition.

Psoriasis occurs worldwide and can begin at any age, although it is rare before the age of 10 and more likely to appear between ages 15 and 30. In adults, its prevalence ranges from 0.17% in East Asia to 2.5% in Western Europe, according to data from Almirall.

Biotechnology opens new therapeutic pathways

The identification of key molecules in inflammatory pathways has made it possible to develop more effective and personalized treatments with fewer side effects. In recent years, biotechnology has revolutionized the approach to chronic diseases such as psoriasis.

“Biotechnology allows us to characterize molecules that interact directly with the signaling pathways involved in inflammation and tissue damage typical of this disease,” explains Inhibitec Anticuerpos S.L., an AseBio member company specialized in the development of innovative biological therapies. “This not only enhances therapeutic efficacy but also provides safer and more personalized treatment options for patients.”

Inhibitec and its focus on a new therapeutic target

Based in Santander, Inhibitec has developed a monoclonal antibody directed against a novel target: BAMBI, a molecule involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes. “Antibodies are the most specific molecules of the immune system, which gives them a major advantage in terms of precision and improves treatment efficacy compared to other therapies.” This pioneering technology, they state, has shown therapeutic effects on the skin symptoms of psoriasis, as well as a significant reduction in associated joint lesions.

“We believe this approach could offer an alternative even for the most severe cases—those that progress to psoriatic arthritis,” the company notes.

Currently, Inhibitec is in the final stage of preclinical studies with the anti-BAMBI antibody, a key milestone before moving into human trials. At the same time, the company is exploring BAMBI’s potential as a biomarker, which could open the door to predictive tools for anticipating each patient’s response to treatment.

The voice of people with psoriasis at the center

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Inhibitec’s work is the integration of the patient voice into the development of its projects. The company has been awarded twice with a translational research grant from the National Psoriasis Foundation (USA), an organization that funds much of its research through private donations from people affected by psoriasis.

“Patient participation is highly meaningful, as they contribute to the selection of projects and the monitoring of their progress, establishing a direct communication channel between scientists and patients,” Inhibitec explains.

Looking to the future

The future of psoriasis treatment lies in two major lines of innovation: on the one hand, the development of effective therapies for the most severe and treatment-resistant forms, and on the other, the identification of biomarkers to predict therapeutic efficacy.

Meanwhile, advances in biotechnology and translational research continue to bring hope to millions of people around the world living with this disease.