Infliximab for the treatment of psoriasis.
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.
Kleyn
C Elise
CE
The Dermatology Centre, Hope Hospital, The University of Manchester, Salford, Manchester, M6 8HD, UK.
Griffiths
Christopher E M
CE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D000069285:Infliximab; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D016207:Cytokines; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab