Infliximab in the treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases with a prevalence of 2–3%. Traditional treatment options in patients with moderate-to-severe disease include ultraviolet light irradiation and systemic agents such as methotrexate and cyclosporine. In a substantial subgroup of patients, these treatments are not effective, associated with intolerable side effects or contraindicated due to comorbidities. Increased production of tumor necrosis factor-α has been identified as an important disease pathomechanism in psoriasis. Infliximab (Remicade®) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against tumor necrosis factor-α that has recently been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Europe. This article reviews the relevant clinical and safety data of infliximab in psoriasis with emphasis on its practical use in this indication.