Biologics and Biosimilars as Treatment Options for Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease stemming from a systemic inflammatory disorder. It affects more than 7.5 million people in the United States and an estimated 125 million people worldwide. It is an immune-mediated disease that causes indurated, erythematous, scaly, pruritic, and often painful skin plaques. Current treatments for psoriasis include topical agents, standard systemic phototherapy, as well as phototherapy combined with psoralen and ultraviolet A radiation. However, these treatments were not always effective which led to the discovery of biologics and biosimilars. Biologics such as T-Cell Targeted biologics (Alefacept, Efalizumab) tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (Infliximab, Adalimumab, Etanercept), IL17 inhibitors (Secukinumab, Ixekizumab) and IL 12/IL 23 inhibitors (Ustekinumab) have been successfully used to treat psoriasis. This was later followed by the introduction of safe and effective biosimilars that increased access to these highly effective medications.