RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

SEquential Treatment of PSoriasis With Biologics

Psoriasis is a common skin condition causing itchy, inflamed patches. New treatments called biologics have greatly helped many people with severe psoriasis. However, some people need to switch biologics if the first one doesn't work well or causes side effects. Sometimes, people try three or more different biologics over time. This study, called STEPS, wants to understand how effective these treatments are when people use many biologics one after another. Researchers will look at existing health records from NHS dermatology clinics to see how patients responded to their first, second, third, and even tenth biologic treatment. They want to find out if the treatments work just as well, or less well, over time. This helps doctors better plan future treatments for psoriasis patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

366

Start

14 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

05 May 2026

Psoriasis

What is this study about?

If you have psoriasis, you know it can be a challenging condition. Thankfully, new medications called biologics have changed how severe psoriasis is treated. These medicines are usually given by injection and can significantly improve your skin.

Sometimes, a biologic treatment might not work as well as hoped, or it might cause side effects. In these cases, doctors will often switch you to a different biologic. Some people may try several different biologics over the years. What doctors don't fully understand yet is how well these treatments work when someone has already tried many biologics before. Does the tenth biologic work as well as the first or second?

This study, called STEPS (Sequential Treatment of Psoriasis With Biologics), aims to answer this important question. Researchers will carefully look at information already collected during normal NHS clinic visits for people with psoriasis who have used biologics. They are not asking anyone to do anything new. Instead, they will examine existing medical notes to see how people responded to each biologic treatment, from their very first up to their tenth, to understand if effectiveness changes over time. This will help doctors make better decisions about treatment plans for people who need multiple biologics.

Key takeaways

Study looks at how well psoriasis biologics work over time.
Uses existing NHS medical records, no new patient involvement.
Aims to understand if biologics are less effective after many changes.
Results will help doctors plan future treatments for psoriasis.
Your personal details remain anonymous.

Who may be eligible?

To be included in this study, you must be an adult aged 18 or older. You will also need to have been diagnosed with chronic plaque psoriasis by a skin specialist (dermatologist).

Additionally, you must have already received treatment with a biologic or a similar modern targeted medication for your psoriasis in the UK, trying at least one but possibly up to ten different types.

People with other types of psoriasis, like generalised pustular psoriasis, would not be included in this particular study.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with chronic plaque psoriasis by a dermatologist?
Have you received biologic or similar targeted treatment for psoriasis in the UK?
Do you not have other types of psoriasis like generalised pustular psoriasis?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

Good news! If you are included in this study, you won't need to do anything extra. This research uses information that your doctors have already collected during your routine NHS appointments for your psoriasis treatment. This means there are no additional hospital visits, no new tests, no changes to your medication, and no extra check-ups required from you. The study simply looks at your past health records to understand how your treatments worked over time.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks or benefits to you if your data is included in this study, because you won't be actively involved or asked to do anything new. The information used is from your routine medical care and is made anonymous (meaning no one can identify you personally) before it's studied. The main benefit of this research is for future patients: by understanding how different biologics work over time, doctors can develop better treatment plans. You have the right to withdraw your consent for your anonymised data to be used, if you had previously given it for research purposes, by speaking to your doctor or the research team.

Locations (1)

Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Bath, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a biologic?

Biologics are advanced medications, usually given by injection, used to treat severe psoriasis by targeting specific parts of the immune system.

Will I have to go to extra appointments?

No, you will not have any extra appointments. This study only uses information already collected from your routine clinic visits.

Does this study involve new treatments?

No, this study is about understanding how existing biologic treatments have worked for people in the past, using their medical records.

Will my personal information be kept private?

Yes, all data submitted for this study will be anonymous, meaning no identifying information about you will be included.

Who is running this study?

This study is being conducted by researchers looking at data from NHS Dermatology teams across the UK.

How to find out more

Charlotte Gollins

charlotteelizabeth.gollins@nhs.net 01225 826192 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.