Biologics target specific cells or proteins of the immune system and are given by injection or IV infusion. The biologic drugs below have been approved by the FDA for treatment of psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha) Inhibitors
The biologics below are drugs that block TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha is a cytokine that prompts the body to create inflammation. In psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, there is excess production of TNF-alpha in the skin or joints. That leads to the rapid growth of skin cells and/or damage to joint tissue. Blocking TNF-alpha production helps stop the inflammatory cycle of psoriatic disease.
- Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
- Enbrel (etanercept)
- Humira (adalimumab)
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Simponi (golimumab)
- Simponi Aria (golimumab)
Interleukin 12 and 23 (IL-12, IL-23) Inhibitors
The biologic below works by selectively targeting the proteins, or cytokines, interleukin 12 (IL-12) and interleukin 23 (IL-23). Interleukins 12/23 are associated with psoriatic inflammation.
Interleukin 17 (IL-17) Inhibitors
The biologics below work by selectively targeting the protein, or cytokine, interleukin 17 (IL-17). Interleukin 17 is associated with psoriatic inflammation.
T-Cell Inhibitors
The biologic below targets T-cells in the immune system. T-cells are a type of white blood cell that is involved in the inflammation in psoriatic disease. The drug below inhibits T-cells from becoming activated to reduce inflammation.
Interleukin 23 (IL-23) Inhibitors
The biologics below work by targeting interleukin 23 (IL-23). This cytokine is linked with inflammation in psoriasis and PsA. The drugs below work to reduce psoriatic disease symptoms and slow disease progression.