A new benzodiazepine derivative, called Bz-423, holds promise for treating psoriasis without being toxic to normal cells, a research team at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor reports.

Psoriasis is a scaly skin condition caused by excessive proliferation of skin cells. “We originally discovered Bz-423 while screening compounds that could control cell proliferation in hopes of finding new treatments for such diseases as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis,” Dr. Gary D. Glick told AMN Health.

Bz-423 doesn’t have any mental effects, because a molecular modification blocks its ability to bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, Glick’s team explains in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

In various experiments in lab dishes, the researchers found that Bz-423 reduced the proliferation of skin cells and reduced thickening of the epidermal layer.

On the other hand, the compound was not damaging to cells and did not disrupt the structure of the dermis.

In animal studies, “we haven’t seen the toxicities and side effects that one gets” with current treatments, Glick added. He said there are a number of diseases “where having a compound like this would be useful.”

SOURCE: Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, online December 2, 2004.