TNF-α inhibitors biosimilars as first line systemic treatment for moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis

Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2020 Jun;16(6):591-598. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2020.1771182. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

Abstract

Introduction: Biologics have revolutionized the therapy of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Despite their greater efficacy over conventional systemic therapies their high cost has represented a burden for health-care systems, which limited their use. The availability of biosimilars at low cost is changing the place in therapy of biologics for psoriasis.

Areas covered: The role of TNF- α inhibitors in the management of plaque psoriasis, their efficacy and safety profile are presented. Phase 3 clinical trials and real-life data from the use of TNF- α inhibitor biosimilars in the treatment of plaque psoriasis are also reviewed in detail. Furthermore, arguments in favor of the use of TNF- α inhibitor biosimilars as a first-line therapy in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis are discussed.

Expert opinion: An increasing amount of data show that biosimilars represent a safe and effective alternative to the originator biologics. In the face of ever-increasing health-care costs, switching to biosimilars and starting naïve patients on the best-value biologic can reduce expenditure for patients and payers while maintaining a high-quality care. Moreover, as the cost of biosimilars is approaching the cost of conventional systemic treatments, TNF-α inhibitors biosimilars may represent a first-line systemic treatment for psoriasis patients because they are effective and safe.

Keywords: Biosimilars; TNF-α inhibitors; biologics; plaque psoriasis; psoriasis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals* / adverse effects
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals* / economics
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Psoriasis* / drug therapy
  • Psoriasis* / economics
  • Psoriasis* / immunology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors* / economics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha* / immunology

Substances

  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha