Bridge to Relief: Art Garfunkel's Psoriatic Journey

Art Garfunkel, the 8-time Grammy Award winner and half of the legendary duo Simon and Garfunkel, is now using his voice in a different way: to raise awareness about psoriasis. At 83, Garfunkel has publicly shared his decades-long experience with plaque psoriasis through a new partnership with Sun Pharma, makers of tildrakizumab (Ilumya), an injectable treatment for adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.¹

In a recent CBS segment filmed at his New York City home, Garfunkel reflected on both his musical legacy and his personal health. While much of his career has been defined by an iconic voice and songwriting partnership, Garfunkel revealed that behind the scenes, he often struggled with psoriasis.²

"The Art Garfunkel video is a great service because he spreads the word that bad psoriasis can be treated," Mark Lebwohl, MD, dean for clinical therapeutics, and chairman emeritus at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York told Dermatology Times. "His experience is not unique. Many patients are debilitated by psoriasis. Fortunately he found a treatment that is accessible to anyone with moderate tot severe psoriasis. It is fully covered by most insurances, is very safe and very effective.

A Personal and Emotional Journey

Beyond its physical symptoms, psoriasis can significantly affect emotional well-being, confidence, and quality of life. For Garfunkel, support from his wife, Kim, proved essential. “I just love him so much that I just enjoy supporting him. I think maybe I helped him gain a little more confidence,” she shared during the interview.

The couple partnered with Sun Pharma as part of the “I LUV YA for the Long Haul” campaign, which highlights the long-term challenges and emotional toll of psoriasis while also sharing patient stories of hope and empowerment. The campaign emphasizes that psoriasis is not just a visible skin condition, but one that can deeply affect self-image and relationships.

Clinical Considerations

Tildrakizumab is a biologic therapy approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It works by selectively targeting the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23), a cytokine involved in inflammatory pathways that drive psoriasis.

Garfunkel described his experience after starting tildrakizumab: “After I started [tildrakizumab] a few years ago, my skin has been almost entirely clear, and after those first few doses, my skin finally started to clear up. I haven’t had [adverse] effects, I’m lucky.” He also noted the importance of monitoring: “People should speak to their doctor and get checked out for infections and TB before starting the treatment.”

The recommended dosing schedule for tildrakizumab includes initial doses at weeks 0 and 4, followed by maintenance injections every 12 weeks. According to prescribing information, common adverse reactions include upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions, and diarrhea.³

Addressing the Emotional Impact

Sun Pharma’s campaign also seeks to shed light on the often-overlooked psychological burden of psoriasis. Previous Dermatology Times coverage of the initiative included insights from both patients and physicians.⁴ Mark, a real tildrakizumab patient and campaign participant, emphasized the empowerment he felt through clearer skin and emotional support. From a clinical perspective, Omar Noor, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board member, highlighted the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical symptoms: “Psoriasis doesn’t just affect the skin—it affects how patients feel about themselves and how they move through the world.”

Raising Awareness Through Storytelling

For Garfunkel, speaking openly about psoriasis represents a shift after years of keeping the condition private. His willingness to share his experience publicly underscores the broader message of the campaign: that patients are not alone, and that long-term management is possible with the right support system and treatment plan.

“I hope that by sharing my experience, I can reach those struggling with psoriasis and show them that there’s love and there’s hope,” Garfunkel said on Sun Pharma’s website.¹

By combining a personal narrative with clinical context, the campaign brings visibility to a condition that affects millions worldwide. Garfunkel’s story reinforces the role of both medical treatment and emotional support in managing psoriasis, while highlighting ongoing efforts to reduce stigma and encourage open dialogue between patients, families, and physicians.

References

1. Plaque psoriasis patient stories: Art. Sun Pharma. Accessed August 21, 2025. https://www.ilumya.com/plaque-psoriasis-patient-stories/art
2. Music icon Art Garfunkel speaks about his decades-long experience with psoriasis. Youtube. CBS Mornings. August 21, 2025. Accessed August 21, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LPlMK9jKTQ
3. Dermatology Times Staff. FDA approves a new, more powerful psoriasis drug. March 29, 2018. Accessed August 21, 2025. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/fda-approves-new-more-powerful-psoriasis-drug
4. Bader K, Noor O. Patient and expert perspectives from the "I LUV YA for the long haul" plaque psoriasis campaign. Dermatology Times. June 17, 2024. Accessed August 21, 2025. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/patient-and-expert-perspectives-from-the-i-luv-ya-for-the-long-haul-plaque-psoriasis-campaign