Biologic Psoriasis therapies

Biologic drugs are prescribed for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who have not responded to other available treatments or cannot continue taking them due to unacceptable side effects.¹² Unlike most other medicines, which are made by combining chemicals, biologic drugs are made from human or animal proteins. Biologic drugs have been available for some time – vaccines and insulin are well-known examples of biologic medicines.

In the case of psoriasis, biologics block the action of certain immune system cells that play a role in the disease.

There are currently four biologics available for the treatment of psoriasis - etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab and ustekinumab. They work by blocking the action of certain proteins which are found at increased levels in lesions of patients with psoriasis. Biologic drugs are given by injection at various intervals. If your doctor feels you may benefit from taking one of these treatments, he/she will discuss the pros and cons with you before you go ahead, and explain which tests you will need before starting, and during, treatment.

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