Psoriasis - Highlights

Drug Approvals

In 2005, the FDA approved infliximab (Remicade) for treatment of psoriatic arthritis. Infliximab is given intravenously (through an IV) in a doctor?s office or clinic.
TheFDA has approved a new use foretanercept (Enbrel). The approvalallows doctors to specifically prescribe the drug to improve physical function in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Etanercept was previously approved for treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
Four biologic drugs have been approved since 2003 for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. All of these drugs reduce inflammation by decreasing the activity of the body?s immune system. Alefacept (Amevive) and efalizumab (Raptiva) are T- cell blockers; etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade) are tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. Another TNF-blocker, adalimumab (Humira), is in late-stage clinical trials.

Drug Warnings

The T-cell blocker efalizumab (Raptiva) may cause hemolytic anemia, a condition caused by the destruction of red blood cells. Efalizumab has also been associated with cases of antibiotic-resistant infections. These serious side effects are very rare, but the FDA and the drug?s manufacturer have added warning information about these conditions to the drug?s label.

Psoriasis and Pregnancy

Some women experience improvement of their psoriasis during pregnancy, according to a 2005 study published in the Archives of Dermatology.
The study followed 47 women with psoriasis during the course of their pregnancy, and compared them to 27 non-pregnant women with psoriasis.
Over half of the pregnant patients reported improvement in their symptoms, but most had worsening of symptoms within six weeks after giving birth.
The most significant improvement in symptoms occurred during the 10th to 20th weeks of pregnancy.
Researchers theorize that increased estrogen levels may be responsible for symptom improvement.