About biologics
What are biologics?
Most medicines are created by combining chemicals. In contrast, "biologics" are made from human or animal proteins. Biologics have been in use for more than 100 years. Vaccines and insulin are considered biologics because they are derived from living sources. Only recently, however, have biologics that are specifically targeted toward psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis begun to emerge as potentially promising new treatment options.
Biologics that are approved or are in late-stage development for treating moderate to severe psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis (as of November 2006) include Amevive, Enbrel, Humira, Raptiva and Remicade. As other biologics are approved for these diseases, they will be added to this page. Check the research pipeline for the latest updates on treatment research and development.
Why are biologics different?
Biologics are different from other medications for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis because they are designed to block both diseases early in their development—in the immune system.
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis develop when certain immune system cells are triggered and become overactive. These overactive cells set off a series of events in the body, eventually causing psoriasis to develop on the skin. For some, arthritis symptoms develop in the joints. Biologics work by blocking the action of certain immune cells that play a role in the diseases.
Ultimately, almost all treatments that work for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis impact or target the immune system in some way. This is true for phototherapy and systemic medications such as methotrexate and cyclosporine. The difference is that methotrexate and cyclosporine have a broad impact on the immune system and can potentially cause serious side effects in other organs.
Biologics, on the other hand, are more targeted and spare the body these broad side effects. They are a potentially safer option for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, although their long-term effects are not yet known.
Updated Nov. 2006
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