Spherical Nucleic Acids as Emerging Topical Therapeutics: A Focus on Psoriasis

Abstract

Systemically delivered targeted biologics have revolutionized the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. For milder forms of psoriasis, topical therapies, primarily corticosteroids, remain the mainstay of treatment to reduce the risks and off-target side effects associated with systemic therapies. Most newly developed biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, are structurally complex and are unable to penetrate the skin barrier. Recently developed liposomal spherical nucleic acids overcome this barrier and enable topical delivery of antisense oligonucleotides capable of specifically targeting inflammatory pathways underlying psoriasis pathogenesis.