Infliximab for the treatment of psoriasis

Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2006 Aug;6(8):797-805. doi: 10.1517/14712598.6.8.797.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated skin disease producing significant morbidity. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, plays a key role in the cutaneous inflammation characteristic of psoriasis. Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to TNF-alpha, thereby blocking its biological activity. Data from Phase II and III studies indicate that infliximab is a highly effective, rapidly acting systemic therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Regular 8-weekly infusions of infliximab maintain significant clinical improvement in the majority of patients for at least 1 year. Infliximab is generally well tolerated, but patients may be susceptible to infection and malignancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Infliximab
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Biological
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Cytokines
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab