When and How to Use Biologics

May 2012 | Volume 11 | Issue 5 | Department | 4 | Copyright © May 2012


Leon H. Kircik MD, Neh Onumah MD, Joshua A. Zeichner MD, Elena Sotiriou MD PhD, Christina Goussi MD, Aimilios Lallas MD, Eleni Chovarda MD, Zoe Apalla MD, Elisabeth Lazaridou MD PhD, Demetris Ioannides MD PhD

Abstract
This supplement to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology help address various components of psoriasis and comorbidities, as well as hidradenitis suppurativa and biologic treatments. Dr. Kircik and Onumah's article covers psoriasis and its identified comorbidities or chronic proinflammatory disorders driven by similar immunopathologic expression of immune response mechanisms. Dr. Zeichner covers immunologic therapies for treatment of psoriasis-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 inhibitors: etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, and ustekinumab. Dr. Zeichner also considers therapeutic management prior to initiating biologic therapy. Lastly, Drs. Elena Sotiriou MD PhD et al from Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece provides perspectives on a prospective clinical trial of efficacy of adalimumab in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. The study demonstrates the significant efficacy of the once weekly regimen, as well as its benefit regarding time to recurrence.