Psoriasis Awareness Month 2025 highlights the experiences of over 8 million people in the US living with psoriasis. This year, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) continues to focus on overall wellness, recognizing that psoriasis is more than just a skin condition —it can affect joint health, mental well-being and daily activities.
Comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome add to the burden.
Psoriasis Snapshot: Prevalence and Impact
Psoriasis affects about 3% of US adults, with the highest rates among those aged 50 to 59. While men and women experience it at similar rates, differences in diagnosis and care remain.
People with skin of color are much more likely to go undiagnosed, wait longer for a diagnosis and receive fewer biologic treatments, even though many have more severe disease.
In a 2024 national survey by the NPF, individuals with psoriasis reported withdrawing from daily activities that are usually part of a typical routine.
Fifty-four percent of people without psoriasis said they would feel uncomfortable dating someone with the condition, 39.4% felt uneasy shaking hands and 31.9% were hesitant to share a meal.
The report also noted that 19.2% of individuals with psoriasis reported being diagnosed with clinical depression.
However, only 27.0% of dermatologists ask about mood, and just 7.0% use a formal screening tool.
When psoriasis affects visible areas like the face, scalp, hands or genitals, or covers more than 10% of the body, it can significantly disrupt daily life. These visible or extensive forms of the disease often require ongoing support and more research to address the physical and mental health challenges they create.
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Psoriasis Innovation: From IL-23 Blockers to Plant-Based Supplements
Johnson & Johnson’s Icotrokinra Targets IL-23 with a Once-Daily Oral Pill
In July 2025, Johnson & Johnson submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) for icotrokinra, a first-in-class oral peptide designed to selectively block the IL-23 receptor, a key factor in plaque psoriasis. Backed by four Phase III trials, icotrokinra showed significant skin clearance in both adult and adolescent patients, with a good safety profile and convenience of oral use.
Alumis Completes Enrollment for Phase III trials of ESK-001
Alumis recently finished enrolling participants in its Phase III ONWARD trials for ESK-001, a next-gen oral TYK2 inhibitor. The trials included over 1,700 participants with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This drug aims to achieve biologic-like effectiveness while being convenient to take, offering a durable alternative for patients who cycle through injectable therapies or those whose current treatments are losing effectiveness.
Tremfya’s Label Expansion Targets Joint Damage in Psoriatic Arthritis
Johnson & Johnson also filed a supplemental application for guselkumab (Tremfya) to include data from the Phase IIIb APEX study, which shows it significantly reduces joint damage in active psoriatic arthritis. If approved, it would be the first IL-23 inhibitor to demonstrate structural protection in this context, meeting a crucial need in disease-modifying therapy.
Sotyktu Expands Its Reach in Psoriatic Arthritis Globally
Bristol Myers Squibb’s oral TYK2 inhibitor, Sotyktu (deucravacitinib), already approved for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, is undergoing regulatory review in the US, European Union (EU), Japan and China for treating active psoriatic arthritis. The two Phase III POETYK PsA trials showed clinical improvements and maintained responses over 52 weeks, with no new safety issues.
Spevigo (Spesolimab) Finds a New Commercial Home with LEO Pharma
Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma have signed an exclusive licensing deal to expand and market Spevigo (spesolimab), the first IL-36 inhibitor approved for generalized pustular psoriasis flares, a rare and potentially life-threatening form of psoriasis. Now available in over 40 countries, the antibody therapy is being explored for broader uses in IL-36-related skin conditions, highlighting the importance of targeted immunology in rare skin diseases.
NPF Recognizes Broc Shot as a Supportive Supplement for Psoriasis-Prone Skin
The NPF awarded its first Seal of Recognition for a supplement to Broc Shot, a sulforaphane-based product derived from broccoli seed powder. Studies suggest that it may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Broc Shot is promoted as a gentle, non-irritating option for those looking for internal support alongside prescribed treatments.
Why Awareness Still Matters
Psoriasis is often misunderstood and dismissed as just a cosmetic issue. It is underdiagnosed in marginalized communities and complicated by hidden challenges like joint pain, fatigue and stigma.
Psoriasis Awareness Month 2025 is an opportunity to highlight real experiences, promote new research and champion improving access to new treatments that address the full range of this complicated disease.
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