IL-23 Inhibitors in Psoriasis: A Canadian Dermatology Roundtable

Authors

  • Simon Nigen, MD, FRCPC
  • Ajith Cy, MD, FRCPC
  • Vimal Prajapati, MD, FRCPC (Moderator)

Abstract

The three approved IL-23 inhibitors — guselkumab, risankizumab, and tildrakizumab — have transformed the management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Canadian Dermatology Today brought together Dr. Simon Nigen and Dr. Ajith Cy, moderated by Dr. Vimal Prajapati, to discuss practical strategies for managing difficult-to-treat psoriasis sites including the scalp, nails, and genitals; long-term outcomes and drug survival in real-world practice; and the emerging role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in addressing cardiometabolic comorbidities in patients with plaque psoriasis.

Author Biographies

Simon Nigen, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Simon Nigen obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Université de Montréal, having previously completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy in 1993. He subsequently completed his residency in dermatology at Université Laval in Québec and his post-doctoral training (fellowship) at the University of Toronto in drug reactions and clinical pharmacology. He currently practises at Verdun Hospital and directs the Sima Recherche clinical research dermatology clinic at that institution. Dr. Nigen is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the Université de Montréal and is Chief of the Dermatology Service at Verdun Hospital. He also works at the Montreal General Hospital and directs the contact dermatitis clinic at that institution. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at McGill University. He is a member of the board of directors of the Canadian Eczema Society. He also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Dermatology Society of Montreal, Director on the board of directors of the Canadian Dermatology Association, member of the examination committee for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Director of the Skin Allergy Clinic (epicutaneous testing) at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, and a member of numerous learned societies. He has also worked as a researcher and investigator since 2003 on numerous research projects. He has over 50 publications to his credit. His primary areas of interest are psoriasis, atopic eczema, urticaria, skin allergy, cutaneous oncology, acne, contact eczema, and photodynamic therapy. He has led numerous clinical studies in various areas of dermatology, including psoriasis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, acne vulgaris, skin aging, scar treatment, seborrhoeic dermatitis, onychomycosis, and photosensitivity.

Ajith Cy, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Ajith Cy is Dermatologist practising full-time Medical Dermatology in Waterloo, Ontario, since 2015. He completed his Fellowship in Pediatric Dermatology and Residency in Dermatology at the University of Toronto. Dr Cy’s special interests in dermatology are related to inflammatory skin diseases, treatment of skin cancers, vitiligo & alopecia areata. He is also interested in upcoming medical treatments for inflammatory skin diseases, and is actively involved in clinical research.

Vimal Prajapati, MD, FRCPC (Moderator)

Dr. Vimal H. Prajapati is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, co-creator of The Dermatology Philosophy, as well as co-founder and co-director of the Skin Health & Wellness Centre, Dermphi Centre, Dermatology Learning Institute, Dermatology Research Institute, Dermphi Therapeutics, and D&P Commercial Group. Additionally, he has started several subspecialty initiatives, including multidisciplinary clinics for pediatric morphea, pediatric scleroderma, and pediatric psoriasis in Calgary, rapid access clinics for psoriasis and eczema in Calgary, as well as rural outreach clinics for psoriasis and eczema in Medicine Hat.

References

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Published

2026-09-02

How to Cite

1.
IL-23 Inhibitors in Psoriasis: A Canadian Dermatology Roundtable. Can Dermatol Today [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 2 [cited 2026 Sep. 3];7(s03):2–9. Available from: https://canadiandermatologytoday.com/article/view/7-s03-Nigen_et_al

Issue

Special Supplement, Summer 2026

Section

Articles

How to Cite

1.
IL-23 Inhibitors in Psoriasis: A Canadian Dermatology Roundtable. Can Dermatol Today [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 2 [cited 2026 Sep. 3];7(s03):2–9. Available from: https://canadiandermatologytoday.com/article/view/7-s03-Nigen_et_al

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