Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Lupin Begins Clinical Trial Phase For Desoris

Lupin has received approval for conducting phase II clinical trials of its Investigational New Drug candidate, the LLL-3348 (Desoris) from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

Desoris is proposed for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic stable plaque-type psoriasis. Desoris is a herbal aqueous extract of a single plant that has a novel mechanism of action and effectively modulates the cellular function leading to marked psoriatic lesion improvement without any toxic effects.

About the commencement of clinical trials of the drug, Lupin Chairman DB Gupta said that there is an imperative need of effective and safe drugs to be made available in the global pharmaceutical market for psoriasis and the company is very excited that the regulatory authorities found its data promising enough to give the permission for further trials.

The candidate has been developed conforming to guidelines laid down by the US FDA for botanicals as well as DCGI guidelines on new drug development. The project is being developed in collaboration with the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

The most common form of psoriasis is plaque-psoriasis which is a chronic, immune-mediated disease. The disease manifests itself as lesions that are classically well circumscribed, circular, red papules or plaques with a grey or silvery-white, dry scale. Psoriasis can have a significant negative impact on the physical, emotional and psychosocial well-being of patients.

Currently, there are several treatment modalities available for psoriasis including phototherapy and systemic therapies. But most of these are associated with significant cutaneous and systemic adverse effects. The side effect profile of existing drug therapies itself leads to marked reduction in patient's compliance.

The approval comes on Lupin's successful completion of the therapeutic evaluation and safety profiling of Desoris in a phase I single and multiple dose study in healthy volunteers.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Managing Winter Pssoriasis

For some Americans, winter can bring a new set of challenges for their skin, hair and nail care. However, for individuals with psoriasis, this can be the most difficult season of all.
Environmental factors, such as cold winter weather and dry, indoor heat can rob the body of needed moisture and cause psoriasis symptoms to flare or worsen. The condition becomes even more severe when the stress of the holidays and winter illnesses combine and compromise the immune system.
“The physical and emotional discomfort felt by those with psoriasis can be challenging throughout the year,” says dermatologist Mark Lebwohl, M.D., professor and chairman, department of dermatology, the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. “Due to winter’s effect on the skin, patients should diligently monitor their condition carefully and consult with their dermatologist if they are concerned about changes on their skin during this time of year.”
Psoriasis affects 4.5 million Americans and is most commonly characterized by thick, red, white or scaly patches on the skin’s surface. Psoriasis is caused by the unusually rapid growth of skin cells that can build up on the skin’s surface -- usually around the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet or lower back -- and cause itching and severe discomfort.
Many treatments exist to help ease the emotional and physical discomfort for patients with psoriasis and can be prescribed by a dermatologist. Treatments are often selected based on the patient’s health, age, lifestyle and symptoms.
* Topical medications applied to the skin are used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis and are often prescribed by dermatologists at the first signs of the condition.
* Systemic medications treat the entire body and are often reserved for patients whose psoriasis is not responsive to topical medications or phototherapy.
* New biologic treatments, which target the precise immune responses involved in the development of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, are used to treat moderate to severe conditions forms of these conditions.
* Phototherapy, or ultraviolet light treatment, is reserved for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis that do not respond to topical therapy.
“Patients with psoriasis should review their treatment options with a dermatologist since many innovative treatments and therapies now exist that can greatly improve the quality of life for people with psoriasis,” adds Dr. Lebwohl.

Monday, November 14, 2005

Psoriasis Winter Fashion Picture For Women

What does winter fashion mean for women with psoriasis? Just like any other time of year, there's no reason you can't be comfortable and look great. Here are some highlights from this season's fashion-forward trends for any budget, age, and figure.
This winter, designers threw out the seasonal handbook. Instead, they turned to traditional springtime garb—skirts, feminine looks, dresses, and classic colors. The trend is casual-classy and always comfortable.
Layers are topsLayered tees and sweaters have a boyish bent—and a forgiving effect for any frame. Layers are a great way to keep from overheating. A soft, cotton shell is a perfect first layer to keep moisture away from your skin. So go nuts—it's almost impossible to make a mistake.
Featured look: Layer a denim jacket over a V-neck sweater, loose, button-down blouse with untucked hem, and cotton tee. Pair with jeans, skirts, khakis...anything.
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Basic black—and whiteWhether it's an oversized houndstooth check or a mod graphic look, black and white is a bold statement this season. However, many of the popular wintertime fabrics, like synthetics and scratchy wool, can be really irritating. So try adding a cotton layer next to your skin for maximum comfort.
Skirts or pants, it's your choiceMaybe you think the mini isn't for you, but here's some news that may make you rethink your hemline. Leg wear is back and bold—in bright, opaque colors and wonderful breathable cotton knits. Pair opaque tights with knee-high boots and you're only hinting at—instead of baring—skin.
But minis aren't your only skirt option. There are A-line and knee-length or mid-calf pencil skirts. One is sure to fit your comfort level and your frame.
Just not the skirt type? Cargos are still hot, and super skinny pants that are comfortable are a must-have. Both come in soft, natural fibers that are easily washable.
Cheap and easy chicTop-name retailers are catching on to our need for accessible fashion. So some of the hottest designers are now available at some of the hipper budget-friendly chains. Their prices make it a little easier to pick up a trendy item with a limited life span. So have fun. Attract some attention—and feel great about it!

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Psoriasis Winter Fashion Picture For Men

Feel like you've got limited options when it comes to fashion and your skin? Does the idea of wearing winter wools and sweaty synthetics send a shiver down your spine? Don't let the cold turn you into a fashion disaster. We've asked around to find out what's hot this winter. And because we know that some clothes—regardless of the season—can be uncomfortable for people with psoriasis, we've also included some tips to help protect your skin.
PatternsSkip the worn-out, tone-on-tone look when putting on a suit and tie. Try mixing your patterns by accenting your suit with a striped shirt and solid tie. And as you may well know, lighter colors and patterns usually hide flakes better than dark solids.
Blended, natural fabrics that breathe can keep irritation to a minimum by reducing chafing. It's also a good idea to wear a cotton tee shirt under your dress shirt—or sweater or vest—to keep moisture away from your skin.
Hint: To make two different patterns work well together, make sure they're the same size (for example, big plaids with big stripes, small plaids with small stripes.) But if you're wearing two striped items, make sure the stripes are varied in size (some thick, some thicker).
Here's a fashion cheat sheet:
Bigger, bolder patterns make you look bigger.
Horizontal patterns make you look wider.
Vertical patterns make you look taller and thinner.
Trouser cuffs make short legs look shorter.
Mixing it upCombine your casual and dressy clothing this winter. Remember, layering in the winter helps you better regulate your body temperature and cut down on perspiration. This can help ease the irritation of psoriasis.
Try layering a single-breasted suit coat with a cool, casual, button-down shirt over a dark tee shirt (great for hiding stains from ointment). Then pull on your favorite older-looking jeans.
Or wear your suit trousers with a tee shirt, white button-down shirt, and a jean jacket. And by all means, leave the tie at home.
Remember, contrast makes this winter's look really work. Choosing what's comfortable can make fashion work for you. So get bold. There's no reason not to attract a little positive attention to yourself.
Special tips for men with psoriasis
Get loose. For example, boxers made of soft cotton or even natural silk are better than briefs to help maximize airflow and minimize perspiration.
Cotton liners inside gloves are a great extra barrier against chafing, cold, and perspiration. They can also help medications penetrate skin.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

The Molecular Picture of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is defined as an inherited skin disease. While we haven't isolated the gene yet, we have discovered that there is more than one gene coding it -- it has a different mutation in different families.
Like many diseases, once you start looking at the molecular biology, while the clinical picture of psoriasis can be fairly uniform, the genetic picture of psoriasis never is. Since the clinical picture of psoriasis is not by any means uniform, so this is really comes to no surprise.
The ultimate treatment of psoriasis will depend on the molecular biology.

Saturday, November 05, 2005

A General Picture of Psoriasis

The psoriasis picture can vary in intensity from a very few spots, so mild that one may not even be aware of it; to a more chronic picture of psoriasis involvong open wounds and scaling skin.

Psoriasis may range from just a few spots anywhere on the body to large areas of involvement.

It is not contagious or spread able from one part of the body to another or from one person to another.

There is no blood test to diagnose psoriasis. The diagnosis is made by observation and examination of the skin. Sometimes microscopic examination of the skin (biopsy) is helpful where the changes are not typical or characteristic.

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but hereditary and genetic factors are important. Psoriasis runs in families. This does not mean, however, that every child of a parent with psoriasis will develop psoriasis, but it is common that somewhere down the line psoriasis will appear in families.

Psoriasis is not caused by allergies, infections, dietary deficiencies or excesses, or nervous tension.

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Thursday, November 03, 2005

THE ALTERNATIVE PSORIASIS TREATMENT PICTURE

The success rates of alternative psoriasis treatments are difficult to measure, as conclusive test results are not available. Psoriasis has traditionally been one of the skin conditions that has stumped researchers and has proven very difficult to cure. Unfortunately, many alternative treatment types available may not actually work, and many 'cures' play on the need of the patient and as merely a means to make money. There is not one treatment out there that is a miracle cure. If that was the case, the cure would widely be known and not be a secret, hidden cure.
However, there is no doubt that some alternative psoriasis treatment types do work, and some treatments may benefit one person and not another. Many natural treatments include Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Manipulation, Osteopathy, Climate, Diet, Dietary Supplements, Homeopathy, Water Therapy, Chinese Medicine, Meditation and Relaxation, Herbal therapies, Topical Moisturizing Products, and Magnets. Seeking consultation from a doctor is very important before trying any self-treatments.