Developments in systemic immunomodulatory therapy for psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that can be accompanied by joint disease. Pre-biological and biological systemic therapies are effective. Dermatologists have used systemic immunomodulators including methotrexate to treat moderate-to-severe disease for over 30 years. Pre-biological agents have toxicities and side effects that can be difficult to tolerate and require frequent monitoring. Beginning with alefacept in 2003, several biologics including cell-adhesion-molecule antagonists and cytokine antagonists such as tumor necrosis factor-blockers gained approval for psoriasis. They greatly advanced our understanding of psoriasis pathogenesis. Because they are so new, their safety is not established. Tumor necrosis factor-blockers have controversial associations with certain cancers and infections. Biologics require clinical monitoring and have specific contraindications. Scientists are exploring several new therapeutic targets.