Biologic Therapy for Psorasis- The First Wave: Infliximab, Etanercept, Efalizumab, and Alefacept

December 2002 | Volume 1 | Issue 3 | Original Article | 303 | Copyright © December 2002


Jeffrey M. Weinberg, MD; Ritu Saini, BA and William D. Tutrone, BS

Abstract
Over the last several years, a new generation of therapies for psoriasis has been in development. These biologic therapies target the activity of T lymphocytes and cytokines responsible for the inflammatory nature of this disease. In this review, we present an update on the progress of the four biologic agents in the forefront: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, and alefacept. The mechanism of each drug will be reviewed, as well as the most recent efficacy and safety data.