Results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIa trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of 2% AVT-02 UE ointment in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis vulgaris in 60 male outpatients showed excellent safety and tolerability of the ointment, confirming previous results obtained in healthy volunteers and psoriatic patients. Treatment with AVT-02 UE (verum) showed a statistically significant effect versus placebo treatment (ointment base) when the response for the combined effect on histology and a marker specific of keratinocyte proliferation was considered. Relevant biomarkers specific for skin inflammation and activated STAT pathways were substantially reduced, matching the proposed role of Th17 and Th1 cells in psoriasis pathogenesis. It was concluded that ...