Psoriasis drug discovery: methods for evaluation of potential drug candidates

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a complex disease with several clinical subtypes, as well as variations in body location and severity. Many patients suffering from psoriasis now benefit from the increased understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, which in turn drives translational efforts to test new therapeutic concepts in the clinic. However, a multitude of treatment options is currently needed to satisfy patient needs. AREAS COVERED: This review describes the drug discovery platform in relation to psoriasis with special emphasis on how the major disease mechanisms of psoriasis can be studied in experimental in vitro and in vivo settings. The value of using humanized models and experimental clinical studies is highlighted. EXPERT OPINION: The successful development of novel therapies requires a translational approach to develop and implement the best preclinical and experimental clinical models and analytical tools that capture the various biological aspects of the disease. There is a need for more advanced in vitro skin models that contain the relevant cellular constituents as well as a need for careful validation of relevant in vivo models for psoriasis.