Biologics in the management of psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease for which there exist topical, ultraviolet, systemic, and biologic treatments. Biologic agents selectively interfere with the immune mechanisms responsible for psoriasis. Etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab target tumor necrosis factor-alpha and have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Alefacept and efalizumab target T lymphocytes, are effective in the treatment of psoriasis, but are not approved for psoriatic arthritis. Finally, ustekinumab and ABT-874 target interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, and they have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis. The objective of this review is to present efficacy and safety data from randomized controlled trials of the biologic agents in the treatment of psoriasis.

Keywords:

• biologics
• psoriasis
• tumor necrosis factor
• interleukin-12/23

Disclosures

Dr. Korman has been a consultant for Abbott, Astellas, Centocor, and Genentech and been a speaker for Abbott, Amgen, Astellas, Centocor, and Genentech. Dr. Korman also receives residency/fellowship funding from Centocor. Dr. Bahner has been a sub-investigator in clinical trials conducted by Abbott, Amgen, Astellas, Centocor, and Genentech.