TNFα inhibitors treatments for Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a genetically determined, inflammatory, proliferative disease of the skin, and it is often intractable. The most characteristic lesions consist of chronic, sharply demarcated, red, scaly plaques, particularly on the extensor prominences and scalp. The prognosis is benign, however, patients often feel self-conscious regarding the appearance of the lesions and quality of life (QOL) can hence be lower than that for those with cancer or diabetes. At present, the main therapy for psoriasis in Japan is corticosteroids and activated vitamin D₃ analogs as topical treatment, and cyclosporine, etretinate, and methotrexate as systemic therapy. However, topical treatments themselves can be stressful for patients, and long-term administration of medications can cause adverse reactions. Etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab are biologic preparations with anti-TNFα activities, and these preparations are more effective than the existing treatments and cause fewer adverse reactions. They can also be effective against psoriasis accompanied by joint symptoms that resist other treatments.