DMF Effectively Manages Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis in Real-World Study

According to a new study, treatment with dimethyl fumarate provided significant clinical improvement in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis when observed under real-world practice conditions. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder marked by erythematous scaly plaques, impaired quality of life, and systemic comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Conventional systemic therapies and biologics are available, but long-term management remains challenging due to safety concerns, high costs, and variable patient responses. Dimethyl fumarate, an oral fumaric acid ester derivative with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, has been increasingly used as a therapeutic option. The real-world data confirmed that dimethyl fumarate reduced disease severity and extent over the course of up to one year of treatment, as reflected in both clinical and patient-reported outcomes. The improvement was observed consistently across diverse patient groups, including those who had previously failed other systemic therapies. Importantly, the safety profile aligned with prior clinical trial findings, with the most frequently reported adverse effects being mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms and flushing, which were generally manageable with supportive care or dose adjustments. The study highlighted that long-term use of dimethyl fumarate was well tolerated without new safety concerns emerging, thereby reinforcing its role as a sustainable treatment choice. Researchers emphasized that fumarate therapy not only alleviates skin lesions but also addresses systemic inflammation, which may contribute to reducing risks of associated comorbidities. The real-world evidence adds value by demonstrating effectiveness outside the controlled settings of clinical trials, where patient variability and adherence patterns more closely resemble routine clinical practice. This makes the findings particularly relevant for dermatologists who must individualize therapy based on disease severity, comorbidities, and patient preferences. While dimethyl fumarate is not as rapid in onset as some biologics, its favorable safety, oral administration, and cost-effectiveness make it a compelling choice for long-term disease control in many patients. Future studies with extended follow-up are needed to evaluate its durability of response and comparative performance against newer targeted therapies.