Tapinarof for treating plaque psoriasis

Tapinarof is being developed for the treatment of plaque psoriasis (PsO) in adults. PsO is a long-term skin condition where the immune system causes inflammation, leading to red, scaly patches on the skin. These patches, called plaques, can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Plaques can be itchy or painful, and in severe cases, the skin around joints may crack and bleed. The cause of psoriasis is unknown, however certain factors can trigger the symptoms, such as injury, stress, or certain medications. Plaque psoriasis can have a significant negative effect on patients’ quality of life, and treatments can result in serious toxicities. Hence a need for tolerable treatment with less side effects.