Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease of the skin. Psoriasis develops when T-cells and other white blood cells invade the upper level of the skin (epidermis). These cells release inflammatory mediators into the skin resulting in chronic inflammation that causes redness and thickening of the epidermis (skin) with white or silvery scales. Psoriasis usually starts between the ages of 15 and 35. It affects approximately 3% of the U.S. population (> 7 million people), with men and women equally affected.

There are multiple forms of psoriasis. Chronic plaque psoriasis is the most common form and it is seen in approximately 80% of all psoriasis patients. Most patients experience cycles of improvement and worsening of their psoriasis symptoms; however, very few patients spontaneously achieve complete remission of the disease. Treatments for psoriasis include topical corticosteroid creams, phototherapy, immunosuppressive treatments, biologic response modifiers, and oral corticosteroids.

Merrimack is currently conducting a clinical study of MM-093 in approximately 30 patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. This study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of MM-093. Patients will be treated with either MM-093 or placebo for 12 weeks. The study is being done at two clinical sites in the United States. For more information about this study, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov and type in “MM-093”in the search box.

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