Oral methotrexate versus tofacitinib for chronic plaque psoriasis

Comparison Between Oral Methotrexate and Tofacitinib in Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

Early Phase 1 Interventional Lahore General Hospital · NCT07261306

This trial will test whether oral methotrexate or tofacitinib works better for adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorLahore General Hospital Government
Drugs / interventionstofacitinib, methotrexate
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT07261306 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults aged 18–70 with chronic plaque psoriasis (PASI ≥10 or BSA ≥10% and disease duration ≥6 months) who have not responded to topical therapies will be enrolled. Participants will receive either oral methotrexate or oral tofacitinib and be monitored for skin improvement and side effects. The study compares safety and efficacy of the two oral treatments in a clinical setting. Findings aim to inform which medication offers better disease control and tolerability for this patient group.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 18–70 with chronic plaque psoriasis for at least six months, a PASI score ≥10 or BSA ≥10%, inadequate response to topical therapy, and no contraindications to methotrexate or tofacitinib.

Not a fit: Patients with other psoriasis types, active infection or recent use of systemic immunosuppressants/biologics, pregnancy, significant liver/kidney or hematologic disorders, history of tuberculosis or malignancy, or known hypersensitivity to either drug are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this trial could clarify which oral medicine provides better skin clearance with acceptable side effects, helping doctors choose the best option for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Methotrexate has long-established effectiveness for plaque psoriasis, and oral tofacitinib has shown efficacy in prior trials though safety signals have limited its routine use.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18- 70 years of either gender.
* Only patients with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of 10 or above, and/or Body Surface Area (BSA) involvement of 10% or more, will be included.
* Duration of plaque psoriasis for at least 6 months prior to the study.
* Psoriasis that has not shown adequate response to topical therapies

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with other forms of psoriasis or other significant dermatological conditions that might interfere with the assessment of psoriasis.
* Participants currently receiving systemic corticosteroids, biologics, or any other immunosuppressive agents within 4 weeks prior to the start of the study will be excluded.
* Known hypersensitivity or contraindications to either methotrexate or tofacitinib.
* History of significant liver, kidney, hematologic/bleeding disorder, gastrointestinal/acid peptic disease, or immune system disorders.and any history of tuberculosis and malignancy.
* Pregnant or lactating women will not be eligible for the study.

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab Province

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PsoriasisMtXTofacitinib
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.