There are currently no biologic treatment options available for patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who are non-responsive to traditional non-biologic DMARDs and TNF inhibitors. Interleukins (IL) 12 and 23 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of plaque psoriasis. A humanized monoclonal antibody directed against these cytokines, ustekinumab, has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis […]
New Onset Psoriatic Arthritis Reported in Psoriasis Patients Treated with Efalizumab
The T-cell inhibitor efalizumab (Raptiva) has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. However, it has not demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and, in one study, was associated with worsening of arthritis symptoms. Only a minority of individuals with psoriasis have a concomitant inflammatory arthritis, making therapy with efalizumab an option for the treatment of a large number of psoriasis patients who have no articular involvement.
Efficacy of Adalimumab in Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis
Both etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
Infliximab Now Approved for Use in Psoriatic Arthritis
Infliximab (Remicade®), currently an approved treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and Chron’s disease, is now FDA approved for reducing signs and symptoms of active arthritis in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Data from the Induction and Maintenance of Psoriatic Arthritis Clinical Trial 2 (IMPACT 2) served as the primary basis for the approval. (See summary of 14-week […]
