STL Index for: biologics

Update on Hyaluronic Acid Gel Particles PERLANE®, Cervical Cancer Vaccine Cervarix®, Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Xyzal®, and Infliximab Remicade®.

Moderate-to-severe psoriasis is known to affect millions of people around the globe. This chronic disease substantially impacts patients by impairing their quality of life. The biologics are the newest and most effective therapeutic weapon in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Amevive® (Alefacept) and its clinical experience, and clinical evidence are discussed. As a biologic, safety profiles, and mechanisms of action are also covered.

Biologics are one of the more effective and relatively safe options for long-term control of psoriasis. They have reduced the time needed to clear the signs of chronic disease, and are effective in maintaining a disease-free state for longer durations. Biologics can safely be used with other treatment modalities (i.e., methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin and hydroxyurea).

Etanercept has recently been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis at a dose of 50mg twice per week for 12 weeks followed by a maintenance dose of 50mg once weekly thereafter. Clinical studies have shown excellent efficacy and a good safety profile in patients with psoriasis.

Updates on: Efalizumab RAPTIVA®Adalimumab HUMIRA®Infliximab REMICADE®Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hemophilus Influenza Type b Vaccine PENTACEL™ Mupriocin Ointment 2%

Etanercept (Enbrel®, Amgen and Wyeth), a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist, was approved in January 2002, for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Etanercept was evaluated for the treatment of PsA and psoriasis in a preliminary study of 60 patients and in a confirmatory phase III study of 205 patients.

Treatment of metastatic melanoma using traditional chemotherapy regimens has been disappointing. However, recent work with agents that modify the host’s immune system (e.g., interleukins) have provided limited but encouraging results. Interleukins are a group of molecules involved in immune cell signaling.