An overview of developing TNF-α targeted therapy for the treatment of psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Three biologic drugs targeting TNF-α are approved to treat moderate-to-severe cutaneous psoriasis. These are adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab. These drugs are given by subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion, and while generally safe and effective, they are expensive with potential for side effects. Thus, numerous new drug candidates are under development that also target TNF-α.


METHODS
In this review, the authors detail several drugs under development that target TNF-α, focusing on those drugs in preclinical, Phase I and II trials. The authors describe emerging biologic psoriasis therapies, including biosimilars and novel biologics, in addition to several synthetic and naturally derived small-molecule drug candidates.


CONCLUSIONS
The currently approved TNF-α antagonists benefit from over 10 years of safety and efficacy data. The expense and method of administration of these biologics, however, can be cumbersome, and less expensive alternatives have the potential to benefit patients with psoriasis. It is inevitable, despite the introduction of new anti-IL-17 therapies, that established TNF-α targeted therapies, as well as newcomers targeting TNF-α, will continue to play an important role in the lifelong management of psoriasis.
a Baylor University Medical Center, Division of Dermatology , Dallas, TX, USA amderm@gmail.com.
Molly
M
Campa
a Baylor University Medical Center, Division of Dermatology , Dallas, TX, USA amderm@gmail.com.
Caitriona
C
Ryan
a Baylor University Medical Center, Division of Dermatology , Dallas, TX, USA amderm@gmail.com.
Alan
A
Menter
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059451:Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D059451:Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
anti-TNF-α agents; biosimilar therapies; curcumin; psoriasis; psoriatic arthritis; targeted therapies