Psoriatic Lesions Do Not Respond to Oral Administration of Lobenzarit Disodium, an Inhibitor of Interleukin 1 Production

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) has been implicated in the production of characteristic changes in psoriatic lesions such as epidermal hyperprohferation and accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes within the epidermis. Because lobenzarit disodium, an immunomodulator, inhibits the production of IL-1 in peripheral and peritoneal macrophages, we studied the clinical effects of this compound on psoriatic lesions. A 12-week course of oral lobenzarit disodium treatment did not induce any remarkable changes in psoriasis lesions. This does not support the major pathogenic role of IL-1 in the development of psoriasis.