Projects
Current Projects
Biologic efficacy in treatment of psoriasis as determined by the location of disease
The introduction of biologics in the treatment of psoriasis has been life-changing for many patients. With a wide range of biologics available on the market, is there a benefit to selecting one over another? One consideration in choosing which biologic to prescribe is the location of the disease.
The registry is analysing the efficacy of a participant’s first biologic (e.g., targeting TNF, IL-17, or IL-23) based on the individual’s disease location (e.g., torso, upper limbs, hands, feet) to identify if there is an advantage in prescribing one category of biologic over others based on site(s) involved. Determining if there is variation in clinical outcomes will enable clinicians to make informed treatment decisions and support patients in receiving the best care.
The results of this study will be submitted for presentation at the Brisbane ACD ASM in 2025.
Funding to support this study was provided through a grant from The F & E Bauer Foundation
Drug survival of Deucravacitinib in treating psoriasis
Deucravacitinib is an oral selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor used in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Phase 3 clinical trial data (POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2) have found Deucravacitinib to be effective and safe, but limited information is available regarding its use in real-world patients, particularly those in Australia.
To determine if the drug survival rate and reasons for ceasing treatment in real-world Australian patients are consistent with those in clinical trial data registry participants, an analysis will be conducted. This analysis will examine the drug survival rate for the first two years of treatment, reasons for treatment cessation (e.g., lack/loss of response, adverse reactions), and factors that may affect drug survival (e.g., age, gender, comorbidities, smoking status, alcohol use, BMI). The results will be compared with the POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2 trial findings.
Preliminary results of this study are expected to be available in January 2027.
Funding to support the development of this study, including data cleaning and analysis, has been provided by Bristol Myers Squibb.
Upcoming Projects
Comparison of regional and metropolitan patients with psoriasis to identify variation in demographics, treatment and outcomes
In Australia, 6% of dermatologists practice in regional and remote areas, despite 28% of Australians living in these regions. This discrepancy results in limited access to services for patients, who may need to travel to metropolitan areas for treatment. The impact of reduced access on disease severity at presentation, treatment availability, distance travelled to see a dermatologist, and the effects on quality of life and mental health due to these chronic diseases has not been previously reported.
The ADR will compare patients with psoriasis residing in regional and rural areas with those living in major cities to identify variations in demographics, lifestyle factors, mental health, quality of life, disease severity, treatment, and outcomes. Comparing differences between participants in major cities and those in regional or rural areas will help identify areas in need of support.
Effect of biologic treatment on cancer incidence
The evidence regarding whether treatment with biologic agents increases the risk of cancer remains inconclusive. Some studies suggest a potential association between biologic therapies and a higher incidence of cancer, while others find no such link. The variability in study results underscores the need for further investigation to clarify this relationship.
To address this uncertainty, data from the Australian Data Registry (ADR) will be analysed to evaluate the potential correlation between biologic treatments and cancer incidence in the Australian cohort. This analysis aims to provide more definitive insights by examining cancer rates among patients receiving biologic therapies compared to those not on such treatments. By focusing on this specific population, the study hopes to shed light on whether these drugs pose a significant risk and help guide future clinical decisions.
How to become involved
If you are interested in your clinic participating in the registry or would like more information, register your interest here.