New York Times on biologics for psoriasis

The New York Times covers the business side of the biologic treatments for psoriasis. They report that the manufacturers of these treatments, and many analysts, are surprised that not more patients are using them. The article cites many possible reasons for this, including: a misperception that psoriasis is not a serious disease; the requirements by some insurers that patients try, and fail, on older and cheaper treatments first, and/or imposing high co-pays on these treatments; dermatologists' unfamiliarity with injected treatments and patient reluctance to try them.

The article does an excellent job articulating some of the challenges faced by patients with psoriasis. Brief excerpts:

[Psoriasis is a] condition that is often, though incorrectly, perceived as merely a cosmetic problem. ...

[P]soriasis is marked by red, scaly patches that can be itchy or painful. And because of its potential impact on a patient's social or sexual life, psoriasis can cause severe emotional distress. In some cases the condition is linked to a joint disease known as psoriatic arthritis.

The article also describes some of the battles psoriasis patients must wage with health insurers even when they can show that their treatment is dramatically improving their quality of life:

Bill Fatland is one of the patients unhappy with that approach. Mr. Fatland, 56, who has had psoriasis for more than 30 years, said he had used various creams, but avoided drugs like methotrexate, fearing their side effects. His psoriasis was never under satisfactory control.

About three years ago Mr. Fatland, a retired teacher who lives in Tigard, Ore., tried Enbrel in a clinical trial. "It was like a miracle," he said. "Pretty much looking at me, you wouldn't know I had psoriasis anymore."

But when the trial ended, his insurer, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon, declined to cover the drug unless he tried cheaper therapies first. Over the next two years, Mr. Fatland tried phototherapy twice and methotrexate, but they caused rashes. Only after many appeals, he said, did the insurer approve Enbrel.

It's nice to have the "newspaper of record" get it right.

(Psoriasis Cure Now was interviewed for this article, but was not quoted. Guess we need to speak in better "sound bites.")