CP-690,550 Oral Medication

This study tests CP-690,550 as treatment for severe chronic plaque psoriasis. CP-690,550 is a blocker of an enzyme called Janus kinase 3 (JAK3), which acts as a gate into the cells of the immune system. By blocking this enzyme, the cells of the immune system will produce fewer chemicals called interleukins and cytokines. These chemicals are known to cause the skin flare ups related to psoriasis. If fewer chemicals are produced, psoriasis symptoms could improve.

Men and women over age 18 who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis are eligible. Participants will receive CP-690,550 or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. 8 visits over a 16 week period will be required. All study related procedures and exams are provided free of cost. Participants will be compensated for time and travel.

Principal Investigator: Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE

For more information, please contact:

Deborah Leahy
215-662-6722
leahyd@uphs.upenn.edu

Enzastaurin Oral Medication

This study tests Enzastaurin as treatment for Cutaneous Lymph Cell Lymphoma. Men and women over the age of 18 with Stage IB – IVB, Mycosis Fungoides or Sezary Syndrome (forms of Cutaneous Lymph Cell Lymphoma) who relapsed following treatment with bexarotene or vorinostat are eligible to participate.

Participants will receive Enzastaurin orally twice a day. Visits are required every 4 to 8 weeks. The length of study period varies. All study related procedures and exams are provided free of cost. Participants will be compensated for time and travel.

Principal Investigator: Alain H. Rook, MD

For more information, please contact:

Deborah Leahy
215-662-6722
leahyd@uphs.upenn.edu

HuMax-CD4 IV Medication

This study tests HuMax-CD4 as treatment for Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome. HuMax-CD4 is an antibody designed to affect the immune system by binding to one kind of white blood cells (CD4 T-cells). Antibodies are substances that make up a part of the body’s immune system and help defend against diseases. White blood cells and CD4 T-cells are in the blood. CD4 T-cells are thought to be involved in Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome.

Eligible participants are men and women over age 18 who have been diagnosed with Mycosis Fungoides (stage 1B-IVB) or Sezary Syndrome, and are resistant to or intolerant to at least two prior therapies – one being Targretin®. Participants will receive weekly intravenous (IV) medications for 12 weeks. At least 16 visits will be required. Participants will be compensated for each visit.

Principal Investigator: Ellen J. Kim, MD

For more information, please contact:

Marie Buchanan
215-349-5699
abn@mail.med.upenn.edu

Eczema Oral Medication

This atopic dermatitis study tests a new oral medication for eczema. The medication works by attaching to certain receptors in nerves and other cells which may have a role in itching symptoms.

Eligible participants are men and women age 18 to 65 who have been diagnosed with eczema. Participants must be suffering from eczema for a number of years; have a personal or family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever and complain of itching. Participants must not have significant heart, liver, kidney, lung, bladder or digestive disease. 12 visits over a 19 week period will be required. All study related tests and exams are provided free of cost. Participants will be compensated for their time.

Principal Investigator: Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE

For more information, please contact:

Deborah Leahy
215-662-6722
virginie.deschaetzen@uphs.upenn.edu