Chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are caused by complex interactions between a variety of genetic and environmental factors. These life-ruining chronic skin diseases present with a pattern of repeated exacerbation and remission. A growing body of evidence supports the use of targeted therapies in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Subcutaneously or intravenously injected antibodies targeting the cytokines IL-4, IL-13, and IL-17, which are implicated in the immunopathogenesis of chronic skin disorders, are among the systemic treatments being investigated. These antibody-based therapies clearly showed improved clinical outcomes. However, they are costly, as a single dose can cost more than $1,500 USD, and annual treatment can cost as much as $60,000 USD or more. For many people, these therapies are simply not affordable.
Fortunately, there is hope and you can have affordable cost-effective treatment for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. That happens with the introduction of a new topical formulations based on bacteriorhodopsin, a biotechnologically produced naturally occurring protein that has activities of vitamin A. Vitamin A is implicated in various physiological processes in the body, including regulation of the immune responses. It promotes differentiation of regulatory T cells which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and play a key role in development of remission in chronic inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. With the introduction of bacteriorhodopsin-based topical formulations, for the first time in dermatology history, skin experts can tell their atopic dermatitis and psoriasis patients that their condition would improve.