[Biologics in the treatment of psoriasis]

Abstract

Currently, psoriasis is seen as a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease that is characterized by an increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The clarification of this pathogenetic cascade uncovered a number of points of departure for the development of causal therapy and led to the introduction of new medications--the so-called biologics. The following have already been approved in Germany: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab and adalimumab. These are described, and their advantages and disadvantages in the clinical setting are discussed.