STL Index for: biologics

Managing Psoriasis with Topical Agents – Where Do We Stand?

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting 2-4% of the Canadian population. While most psoriasis vulgaris cases are mild-to-moderate (>80%) and do not require systemic treatment, these cases can still be particularly challenging to treat as topical therapies present limitations, including efficacy and administration, leading to poor long-term treatment compliance and unsatisfactory treatment responses. The intent of this paper is to provide physicians with a clinically relevant review of the currently available and newly developed topical therapies...

Prevention of Shingles in Dermatology Patients on Systemic Medications

Dermatologists should be proactive in recommending RZV to all patients over age 50 years, particularly those with a family history of zoster and diseases with altered immune function. Adult patients who are immunocompromised because of their diseases or treatment (e.g., systemic steroids, JAK inhibitors, combination biologic/conventional disease-modifying antirheumatics), should also be encouraged.

Understanding Psoriasis: Insights from Les Journées Dermatologiques de Paris

Drs. Joël Claveau & Julien Ringuet, two Canadian dermatologists with prominent clinical and research practices, attended the Les Journées Dermatologiques de Paris conference in Nov-Dec 2022, with a focus on presentations and posters about psoriasis. This article reviews key insights they obtained at the meeting.

CaSMO Management of Cutaneous Toxicities Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Practical Primer

The management of cirAEs starts with physician awareness and patient education on the occurrence of toxicities, preventive measures, and skincare using gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen started before immunotherapy begins and ongoing thereafter as part of the lifestyle.

Transition of Topical Therapy Formulation in Psoriasis: Insights from a Canadian Practice Reflective

The benefits of transitioning from Cal/BD ointment or gel to aerosol foam formulation in this Canadian patient population were similar to those reported in clinical studies and were seen consistently among patients with a range of treatment priorities and with differing history of psoriasis severity and treatment history.

Janus Kinase and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Dermatology: A Review of Their Utilization, Safety Profile and Future Applications

Currently, JAK inhibitors are only FDA approved for dermatologic, rheumatologic, and hematologic conditions. Recent studies show the utility of JAK inhibitors in treating atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata.

2021 Index for Skin Therapy Letter Volume 26 – Dermatology Edition

This index covers all articles published in Skin Therapy Letter Dermatology Edition articles in 2021. Articles are indexed by drug names, trade names and disease terms. Bold entries refer to major references.

Psoriasis Education Tool for Patient-Physician Decision-Making About Biologics: A Pilot Study

Although biologics are well-studied, expertise regarding their use is often lacking. Many biologics have been added to the market in recent years with distinctive characteristics. This study was designed to create a tool to assist physicians involved in the care of patients with psoriasis undergoing biologic treatment.

Bimekizumab for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis

Bimekizumab is a novel treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis that has shown promising efficacy and safety in clinical trials. By simultaneously targeting two components of the IL-17 pathway, IL-17A and IL-17F, the biologic can downregulate proinflammatory signaling and rapidly improve patients’ skin.

Certolizumab Pegol in Plaque Psoriasis: Considerations for Pregnancy

Certolizumab Pegol appears to offer a safe and effective psoriasis treatment for patients who are considering pregnancy, pregnant, or lactating based on its pharmacokinetics and available safety data.

Skin Treatments Introduced in 2020

This index covers all new skin treatments introduced in Skin Therapy Letter Dermatology Edition articles in 2020.

Dermatologic Applications and Safety Considerations of Janus Kinase Inhibitors

Janus kinase inhibitors, also known as JAK inhibitors or jakinibs, represent a new class of medication that have broad potential to treat dermatologic disease.

Risankizumab, an IL-23p19 Inhibitor for Psoriasis: A Review of the Current Literature

The addition of biologics that target IL-23p19 (Risankizumab) to our therapeutic armamentarium has succeeded in improving outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Tildrakizumab for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis

Tildrakizumab is a promising therapeutic option for patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. The specificity of the drug in targeting the p19 subunit of IL-23 allows for the high efficacy and safety of long-term treatment as demonstrated in clinical trials.

A Closer Look at the Data Regarding Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Psoriasis Patients: The Case of Brodalumab

There is no clear evidence that monoclonal antibodies influence neurological function and modulate behavior in humans. More research in this area is necessary in order to begin to understand the potential effects of..

A Closer Look at the Data Regarding Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour in Psoriasis Patients: The Case of Brodalumab...

When prescribing brodalumab, or any other biologic agent, physicians should screen patients for psychiatric comorbidities. Assessment of risk versus benefit, and having an honest conversation with patients regarding the label, will help provide better patient care for both physical and mental health.

Atopic Dermatitis: Pediatric Use of Crisaborole

An overview to AD care and focus our review to topical agents used in AD including topical corticosteroids (TCS) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) and discuss the newest topical agent accessible in the physician's armamentarium, crisaborole.

Chronic Urticaria: Following Practice Guidelines

Urticaria is a common, mast-cell-driven disease, characterized clinically by the development of wheals, angioedema, or both. A large body of data has demonstrated that omalizumab, a biologic agent, is safe and effective in the treatment of H1- antihistamine refractory urticaria and should be considered as a third-line agent, with cyclosporin A reserved for fourth-line therapy.

Secukinumab in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: A Review of the Literature

Secukinumab demonstrates rapid and robust clinical improvement accompanied by a favorable short- term safety profile. The results of the phase III trials continue to reinforce the theory that the IL-17 pathway is an essential target in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Hepatitis B and C Viruses and Biologics

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) potentially impact the clinician's ability to manage patients with immunosuppressive medications such as biological therapy. In light of recent literature reviews, patients with HBV and HCV should be referred to a hepatologist.

Psoriasis, Depression, and Suicidality

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects the well-being and quality of life of patients. The disease is associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidality, which may not be fully understood by the general population.

A Review of Brodalumab, an IL-17 Receptor Antagonist, for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease with epidermal hyperplasia. Interleukin (IL)-17 signaling has a central role in its pathogenesis, and is being looked at as a target. The rationale for IL-17 inhibitors, clinical trial results of new drugs like Brodalumab are included.

A Dermatologist’s Guide to Infection Screening Prior to Initiating Immunosuppressive Therapy

In this review, we summarize the most common immunosuppressant medications currently used in dermatology, and provide recommendations for infection screening prior to initiating treatment.

A Review of Ixekizumab, an Anti-Interleukin-17A Monoclonal Antibody, for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis

Recent advances in our understanding of the innate and adaptive immune systems have led to the identification of interleukin (IL)-17 as a key pro-inflammatory mediator in psoriasis. We review phase 1-3 clinical trials of ixekizumab, for treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Apremilast in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (Family Practice)

Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) is a key enzyme in the regulation of immune responses of inflammatory diseases through degradation of the second messenger, cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP). Apremilast (APR), a selective PDE4 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Apremilast in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Apremilast, a selective PDE4 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A review of clinical trial data treating psoriasis, considering adverse effects, efficacy and tolerance.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Review with a Focus on Treatment Data

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic disease of the follicular unit that often leads to marked impairment of quality of life. This article reviews various treatment modalities for HS including laser, surgery, retinoids, immunosuppression, biologics, and antibiotics.

Current Management of Scalp Psoriasis

The scalp is involved in up to 80% of individuals with psoriasis. Topical treatment with corticosteroids with or without vitamin D3 analogues is the mainstay of treatment, but other therapies such as light treatment and systemic drugs including biologics are discussed.

Small Molecules: An Overview of Emerging Therapeutic Options in the Treatment of Psoriasis

While biologics changed the way psoriasis is treated by providing effective targeted therapy, they are not without limitations. Small molecules are emerging therapeutic options for the treatment of psoriasis.

Methotrexate: Role of Treatment in Skin Disease

Methotrexate has been used for over half a century to treat a wide spectrum of skin conditions. This article delves into research on the pharmacogenetic properties of the drug as well as the variety of skin conditions that Methotrexate is used to treat.

The Evolving Role of Biologics in the Treatment of Pediatric Psoriasis

The exact role of biologics in the treatment of pediatric psoriasis remains undefined but evolving. This article will provide a summary of the cumulative pediatric safety and efficacy data for the anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents and interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 (IL12/23) pathway inhibitor.

Biologic Therapy and Risk of Infection

Biologic compounds are being used more frequently to treat a multitude of systemic inflammatory conditions. This article discusses the increased risk of opportunistic infections of tuberculosis, herpes zoster, Legionella pneumophila, and Listeria monocytogenes.

Pediatric Psoriasis

Several variants of psoriasis are seen in children, the most prevalent types include plaque, guttate, and psoriatic diaper rash; pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis are less frequently observed. This article discusses genetic susceptibility, and environmental triggers are discussed.

Psoriasis and the Pregnant Woman: What are the Key Considerations?

Pregnancy is characterized by multiple physiologic changes. Herein, we review the complicated relationships between psoriasis and pregnancy.

Combination Therapy of Biologics with Traditional Agents in Psoriasis

Biologics plays an important role in treating moderate to severe psoriasis. This article looks at combination treatment with traditional systemics and topicals, and the possible benefits of this approach.

Review of Conventional Systemic Therapies for Severe Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder that can significantly affect patient quality of life (QoL). This article discusses immunologic abnormalities, immune mediators, and the possible pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Alefacept Treatment for Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

Biologic agents were introduced during the past decade as a new class of treatments for chronic psoriasis. This review will discuss data from clinical trials that have provided new insights into the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of alefacept as a treatment for psoriasis.

Update on Drugs and Drug News – June 2008

Update on Calcipotriene 0.005% + Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.064% Topical Suspension (Taclonex Scalp®), Calcipotriene 0.005% Topical Solution, and Botulinum Toxin Type A (Reloxin®) and news about new drugs for acne and psoriasis.

Update on Drugs and Drug News – May 2008

Update on Triphendiol (formerly NV-196), Cyclic pentapeptide vascular-targeting agent ADH-1, Certolizumab pegol Cimzia® and drug news from around the world.

Systemic and Light Therapies for the Management of Childhood Psoriasis: Part II

The choice of treatment for psoriasis in children, as in adults, is determined by disease acuity, morphology, distribution, and severity. Part II of this 2-part series features an overview of systemic and light therapies including their varying degrees of effectiveness, potential side-effects and applications in clinical practice.

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