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Choosing First-Line Biologic Treatment for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: What Does the Evidence Say?

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Abstract

An advanced understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis has led to the development of multiple therapeutic options for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, ustekinumab, interleukin-17 inhibitors, and guselkumab (an interleukin-23 inhibitor recently approved for psoriasis) are commercially available biologic agents for psoriasis. Evidence from clinical trials provides pertinent information regarding the safety and efficacy of biologic agents for psoriasis, which should be integrated into clinical decision making. However, disease presentations, disease severity, and comorbid conditions can complicate the choice of initial treatment, which underscores the importance of providing personalized therapy for patients with psoriasis. Furthermore, each biologic agent offers unique benefits and limitations for the treatment of patients with psoriasis. Here, evidence-based recommendations are presented and discussed regarding first-line biologic therapy options for patients with psoriasis and distinct comorbid conditions or patient-related factors. We discuss the comorbid conditions of psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis B, and latent tuberculosis. Moreover, we describe treatment recommendations for distinct patient populations with psoriasis, including pediatric patients with psoriasis and patients with psoriasis of childbearing potential and nursing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA

    Mina Amin

  2. School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

    Daniel J. No

  3. Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark

    Alexander Egeberg

  4. Department of Dermatology, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, 1515 North Vermont Ave, 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA

    Jashin J. Wu

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  1. Mina Amin
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  2. Daniel J. No
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  3. Alexander Egeberg
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Correspondence to Jashin J. Wu.

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Ms. Amin and Mr. No report no potential conflicts of interest directly relevant to the content of this article. Dr. Wu is an investigator for AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, and Regeneron. Dr. Egeberg has received research funding from Pfizer and Eli Lilly, and honoraria as a consultant and/or speaker from Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Galderma, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

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Amin, M., No, D.J., Egeberg, A. et al. Choosing First-Line Biologic Treatment for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: What Does the Evidence Say?. Am J Clin Dermatol 19, 1–13 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0328-3

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