Vitamin B5 Derivative Shows Promise for Psoriasis

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that pantethine, a widely available derivative of vitamin B5, could offer a promising approach to treating psoriasis—a chronic autoimmune skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide.

Researchers in China found that pantethine may help calm overactive dendritic cells, which contribute to the immune response behind psoriasis. In patients with psoriasis, elevated levels of enzymes called Vanins can deplete pantethine inside immune cells. This may trigger increased cholesterol production and push the immune system into overdrive. Restoring pantethine levels helped interrupt this inflammatory cycle.

The findings were supported by animal experiments, in which pantethine prevented psoriasis from developing in mice, and a small clinical trial involving 24 people. After 12 weeks, participants who took pantethine tablets alongside their standard topical ointment containing calcipotriol and betamethasone showed greater symptom improvement. The effect was particularly notable among participants who had elevated cholesterol levels before treatment.

More research is needed: Scientists caution that larger clinical trials are necessary before pantethine can be recommended as an established psoriasis treatment. The supplement is already available over the counter, making it a potential candidate for future therapeutic strategies.

Source: ScienceDaily – Common supplement could help fight psoriasis, scientists discover (November 9, 2026)