Update on infliximab: an intravenous biologic therapy for psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, chronic disease with a significant impact on patients and is frequently under-treated. Approval of infliximab for use in plaque psoriasis by the US FDA in late 2006 represents the second tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonist approved for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to and inactivates the TNF- alpha receptor, an important mediator of inflammation in psoriasis. Infliximab, when infused intravenously at regular intervals, has impressive efficacy as a potent systemic treatment for psoriasis. Although long-term safety questions persist, infliximab is well tolerated and appears to be safe with appropriate monitoring. While no single biologic may be best for all patients, infliximab has some distinct advantages over other biologic therapies and is an important treatment option for patients with psoriasis.