Current status and future prospects for biologic treatments of psoriasis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Biological agents have transformed psoriasis treatment by selectively targeting immune signaling molecules involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. While biologics offer the most effective treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, they are not without complications. Some patients treated with biologics have poor clinical responses, form anti-drug antibodies, or develop adverse events. Additionally, there is growing need for head-to-head studies comparing biologic treatment regimens, efficacy, and safety.

Areas covered: Here we review the literature surrounding biologics already in clinical use and those undergoing development and clinical trials. We also investigate the development and approval of small molecules inhibitors and biosimilars used to treat psoriasis.

Expert commentary: As the psoriasis treatment armamentarium continues to expand, it is important to follow the safety profile of these drugs both in clinical trials and in post-marketing registries to ensure their long-term safety. Physicians must be aware of the limitations of existing safety data of a drug and the potential risk for rare adverse events when selecting appropriate treatments and monitoring patient outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Psoriasis
• dermatologic agents
• biological agents
• drug therapy
• small molecule inhibitors
• treatment outcomes

Declaration of interest

The Center for Dermatology Research is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Galderma Laboratories, L.P. S Feldman is a speaker for Janssen and Taro. He is a consultant and speaker for Galderma, Stiefel/GlaxoSmithKline, Abbott Labs, Leo Pharma Inc. S Feldman has received grants from Galderma, Janssen, Abbott Labs, Amgen, Stiefel/GlaxoSmithKline, Celgene and Anacor. He is a consultant for Amgen, Baxter, Caremark, Gerson Lehrman Group, Guidepoint Global, Hanall Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Kikaku, Lilly, Merck & Co Inc, Merz Pharmaceuticals, Mylan, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Inc, Qurient, Suncare Research and Xenoport. He is on an advisory board for Pfizer Inc. S Feldman is the founder and holds stock in Causa Research and holds stock and is majority owner in Medical Quality Enhancement Corporation. He receives Royalties from UpToDate and Xlibris. D Hill’s translation research is funded by Janssen Pharmaceuticals LLC. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.