Researchers created tiny particles called nanovesicles that can deliver two psoriasis medications—cyclosporine and vitamin D—directly through the skin. Instead of taking pills that affect your whole body, this new topical treatment works right where you need it. In lab tests and animal studies, the new formulation got more medicine through the skin than traditional creams and cleared psoriasis symptoms in about two weeks without harming healthy skin cells. This approach could mean fewer side effects and better results for people with psoriasis.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether tiny particles loaded with two psoriasis medications could deliver medicine through skin more effectively than regular creams
  • Who participated: Laboratory tests on skin cells and a rat model of psoriasis; no human participants in this study
  • Key finding: The new nanovesicle gel delivered about 72% of both medications through the skin, compared to only about 53-55% for traditional gel formulations—roughly 35% more effective
  • What it means for you: This approach may eventually offer psoriasis patients a topical treatment option with fewer whole-body side effects, but human testing is still needed before it becomes available

The Research Details

Scientists created tiny bubble-like particles (about 120 nanometers—much smaller than a human hair) made from a special material called ethosomes. These particles were designed to hold two psoriasis medications: cyclosporine and vitamin D3. The researchers then tested whether these particles could successfully carry the medications and release them properly.

They conducted several types of tests: first, they measured whether the medications stayed inside the particles (74-80% did). Next, they tested how much medication leaked out over time in lab conditions (about 74-78% released). Then they tested how well the medications could pass through skin samples in the laboratory. Finally, they tested the formulation on rat skin to see if it actually worked against psoriasis and checked whether it harmed healthy skin cells.

Psoriasis medications taken by mouth often don’t work well because the body doesn’t absorb them efficiently, and they can cause side effects throughout the entire body. By delivering medicine directly to the skin where psoriasis occurs, this approach could reduce side effects while improving effectiveness. The nanovesicle technology is important because it helps poorly water-soluble drugs (drugs that don’t dissolve well in water) actually reach the skin.

This is early-stage research using laboratory and animal models, not human patients. The study shows promising technical results but doesn’t prove the treatment will work safely or effectively in people. The researchers used appropriate controls and measured multiple important factors. However, the lack of human testing means we cannot yet know if this will work as well in real patients or what side effects might occur.

What the Results Show

The nanovesicles successfully trapped both medications inside the tiny particles, with 74.8% of cyclosporine and 80% of vitamin D3 remaining stable inside. When tested in the laboratory, the particles released their medication gradually over time, with about three-quarters of each drug being released.

Most importantly, when tested on skin samples, the nanovesicle gel delivered significantly more medication through the skin compared to traditional gel formulations. The new formulation got 71.6% of cyclosporine and 72.2% of vitamin D3 through the skin, while regular gel only achieved 52.9% and 54.8% respectively. This represents roughly a 35% improvement in drug delivery.

When applied to rats with psoriasis-like skin conditions, the new formulation worked about as well as the currently available commercial treatment. The skin inflammation improved noticeably within 14 days. Tests on human skin cells showed the formulation didn’t damage or kill healthy cells, with over 90% of cells remaining healthy.

The nanovesicles were very small (120.8 nanometers) and had a slight negative electrical charge, which may help them interact better with skin. The formulation was stable and didn’t break down during storage or testing. The combination of both medications in one formulation worked well together without interfering with each other.

This research builds on existing knowledge that topical treatments can reduce side effects compared to oral medications. The nanovesicle approach is newer than traditional topical formulations and appears to deliver medication more effectively. However, this is the first study testing this specific combination of medications in this type of delivery system, so direct comparisons to other advanced topical treatments are limited.

This study only tested the formulation in laboratory conditions and in rats, not in human patients. Results in animals don’t always translate to humans. The study didn’t test long-term use or whether the treatment works for severe psoriasis. No information was provided about how long the benefits last or whether psoriasis returns after treatment stops. The study also didn’t compare this formulation to other advanced topical treatments, only to basic gel formulations.

The Bottom Line

This research is promising but preliminary. It suggests that nanovesicle-based topical treatments may eventually be useful for psoriasis, but human clinical trials are necessary before any recommendations can be made. Do not expect this treatment to be available soon—it typically takes 5-10 years to move from laboratory research to approved medications.

People with psoriasis should be aware of this emerging technology as a potential future option. Dermatologists and pharmaceutical researchers should follow this line of research. People currently using oral psoriasis medications might eventually benefit from a topical alternative with fewer side effects. This research is not yet relevant for treatment decisions today.

If this research progresses to human trials, it would likely take 3-5 years minimum to complete safety and effectiveness testing. Even if successful in trials, regulatory approval could take another 1-2 years. Realistically, this treatment would not be available to patients for at least 5-7 years, assuming all testing goes well.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once this treatment becomes available, users could track daily skin appearance using photos and a simple redness/scaling score (1-10) to monitor improvement over the first 14 days of treatment
  • Users could set reminders to apply the topical treatment at the same time each day and log application to ensure consistent use, which would be important for effectiveness
  • Long-term tracking could include weekly photos of affected areas, monthly symptom severity ratings, and notes about any skin irritation or side effects to share with healthcare providers

This research describes early-stage laboratory and animal testing of a potential psoriasis treatment. It has not been tested in human patients and is not available for use. Do not change your current psoriasis treatment based on this research. Always consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any psoriasis medication. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.