Understanding the New Clinical Landscape for Psoriasis: A Comparative Review of Biologics

Abstract

Background: Encouraging results from clinical trials suggest that biologic therapies are effective treatments for psoriasis. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the scientific evidence for the efficacy and safety of biologic drugs for psoriasis. Methods: The studies reviewed include data on the biologies alefacept, efalizumab, etanercept, and infliximab. This article reviews all data published in the dermatology literature listed in the MEDLINE database, as well as data presented as abstracts and posters at dermatology society meetings, including the annual meetings of the American Academy of Dermatology. Results: The majority of the studies used an improvement from baseline of 75% or more in the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI 75) as the primary measure of efficacy. Conclusions: Overall, biologics represent an important addition to the psoriatic therapies and have a great impact on the disease course and life quality of those afflicted with psoriasis.