Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that interferes with the actions of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Clinical trials of infliximab have demonstrated a rapid and substantial response in patents with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, substantiating the role of TNF-alpha in the immunopathogenesis of psoriatic disease. This review summarizes the current data regarding the use of infliximab in treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as the safety data available from patients with other immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. Practical issues such as patient selection, monitoring, cost, and potential combination therapies are also discussed.
Copyright 2004 Blackwell Publishing, Inc.