Biologics
Biologics are not new they have been in use for over 100 years. It is only recently however that biologics have been used in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Biologics are also known as biological therapies which are drugs made from living material such as human or animal proteins. These living cells are cultured in a laboratory. Biologic drugs target specific parts of the immune system unlike systemic drugs which have an impact on the entire immune system.
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Biologics are different from other medications because they are designed to prevent early development of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Biologics are designed to target overactive cells in the body such as T cells. In psoriasis certain T cells are activated and move to the skin. Once in the skin they begin to act as if they are fighting an infection or healing a wound which leads to the rapid growth of skin cells. This rapid growth causes cells to pile up at the skin surface. Certain biologic drugs prevent the activation of T Cells by reducing the number of psoriasis involved T cells in the body.
Types of biologics
NICE have issued guidelines on when biologic drugs can be prescribed and they have issued guidelines for four biologics used to treat psoriasis:
NICE recommends that Enbrel, Humira and Ustekinumab be prescribed for people with severe psoriasis who have not responded to other systemic treatments and Enbrel, Remicade and Humira for people with severe psoriatic arthritis again who have not responded to other systemic treatments.
How biologics are administered
Biologics are administered at defined intervals either by injection or intravenous infusion at a hospital or clinic over a set period of time.
When would biologics be used?
Biologics would be used in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis where:
- all other treatments have failed
- side effects of other treatments become intolerable
- concurrent diseases preclude the use of currently available systemic therapies
Side effects
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients should talk with their doctor or other healthcare professional about the short/long-term side effects and risks.Common side effects for biologics include:
- Respiratory infections
- Flu-like symptoms
- Injection site reactions
These side effects are generally mild and in most cases do not cause individuals to stop taking the medication.
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 11 March 2011
Next Review Date: 10 January 2013
