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New Compound Offers Hope for Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis is a persistent skin condition characterized by symptoms such as dryness, itching, and scaly patches, affecting approximately 2% of the global population. The disease results from an abnormal immune response that accelerates the growth of skin cells. Treatment options vary based on severity, ranging from topical treatments to systemic medications, but traditional therapies can carry significant side effects for patients.
Recent research conducted by the University of Barcelona has unveiled the promising potential of a new compound aimed at treating psoriasis without the drawbacks associated with existing therapies. This study introduces MRS7787, a molecule that can be activated by blue light, effectively modulating immune activity to combat the disease in animal models. This development represents a significant milestone in the field of photopharmacology, which focuses on the precise activation or deactivation of pharmaceutical compounds through light.
The findings of this study were published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, spearheaded by Francisco Ciruela, a professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Barcelona. The research team included experts such as Marc López-Cano, Concepció Soler, and Jordi Hernando, alongside collaborators from the National Institutes of Health and the University of Pennsylvania.
A Breakthrough in Photopharmaceuticals
The research highlights the attributes of the compound MRS7787, which binds to the A3 adenosine receptor involved in various cellular signaling processes to yield anti-inflammatory effects. MRS7787 exists in two distinct isomers—Z-MRS7787 and E-MRS7787. While the Z form is inactive, the E form activates the adenosine receptor when exposed to blue light.
Ciruela explains, “MRS7787 serves as a photo-switchable agent. The Z-MRS7787 is inactive until blue light transforms it into the E-MRS7787 isomer, the therapeutic form. Conversely, green light can revert the E form back to Z, thereby inactivating the compound.” This innovative switching mechanism relies on the covalent attachment of a photochrome called diazocine to the receptor, which is essential for its function.
“The key feature of the diazocine photochrome is that it maintains MRS7787 in its dormant Z state when not exposed to light, allowing for safe administration without an immediate pharmacological response. It can then be activated selectively using blue light,” notes Jordi Hernando from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, who studied the compound’s photochemical attributes.
Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Action
The E-MRS7787 isomer selectively targets the A3 adenosine receptor, avoiding unintended effects on other receptors. “This selective activation provides significant anti-inflammatory benefits and decreases pro-inflammatory cytokine production from immune cells, making it a viable approach for addressing inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis,” observes Marc López-Cano.
In the study, an animal model was treated with MRS7787, with one ear subjected to blue light exposure while the other was exposed to green light. The results demonstrated that only the active E-MRS7787 was effective against psoriasis, establishing a direct link between light activation and therapeutic efficacy.
Enhancing Treatment Strategies
Common topical treatments for mild psoriasis include corticosteroids, keratolytic agents, and vitamin D derivatives. Severe cases typically necessitate the use of biologics or systemic medications, often in conjunction with phototherapy utilizing ultraviolet (UV) light. However, prolonged exposure to such treatments carries the risk of skin malignancies.
The introduction of MRS7787 provides a new pathway for enhancing treatment methods for psoriasis, particularly for cases resistant to conventional therapies. “By integrating MRS7787 with existing treatments such as PUVA therapy, we may optimize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects, such as skin cancer,” the research team suggests. “This multimodal therapy can streamline treatment plans, reducing light exposure frequency while maintaining efficacy and enhancing patient compliance.”
MRS7787 is derived from piclidenoson, a compound currently in phase 3 clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The research team aims to further investigate the applicability of this drug in other inflammatory disorders, thereby expanding its therapeutic potential and broadening the scope of clinical applications.
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