The Newcomers In Biologics Treatment Of Psoriasis

Prospective new biologic therapies for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Mortel MR, Emer J.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2010 Aug;9(8):947-58.

• In the very young and trendy world of the “biologics” in the treatment arsenal of Psoriasis and Psoriastic arthritis, agents with different molecular targets have come. Some like Etanercept and Infliximab are thriving and some because of relative ineffectiveness (Alefacept) or serious side-effects (Efalizumab) have exited the stage.

• The new trend is the Il-12, Il-23 cytokines pathway inhibition with two molecules in the pipeline:

1. Briakinumab (ABT-874) which binds the p40 subunit of Il-16 and Il-23: few studies available.
2. Golimumab (CNTO-148) is an anti-TNF agent and studies indicating it use in psoriasis (as well as non-dermatological indications)  are presented. (The studies displayed on certolizumab are all non-dermatological).

Ustekimumab (CNTO-1275): at least 5 studies available. Its also an Il-12/Il-23 inhibitor but contrary to the other molecules it is already available on the market.

• The biologics is where learning on the treatment of psoriasis is the most challenging. The authors have made an effort to summarize the results of the studies in tables and we recommend that you read this article.

Contributors:

Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland