Pantethine May Ease Psoriasis Symptoms in Small Trial

Researchers report that pantethine, a vitamin B5 derivative, may help control psoriasis by suppressing vanin enzymes and dampening dendritic cells, immune cells that can activate inflammation-driving T cells. The supplement prevented psoriasis-like disease in mice, and in a small 12-week trial of 24 patients, pantethine added to topical treatment was associated with symptom improvement; benefits appeared especially marked in participants with high cholesterol. The findings suggest a possible new approach to psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions, but the small, short trial is preliminary and larger studies are needed before pantethine can be considered a standard treatment. No severe adverse effects were reported in the trial, though pantethine can cause digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and heartburn.