Infliximab for the treatment of psoriasis

CE Kleyn, CEM Griffiths - Expert opinion on biological therapy, 2006 - Taylor & Francis
Expert opinion on biological therapy, 2006Taylor & Francis
Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated skin disease producing significant morbidity.
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, plays a key role in the
cutaneous inflammation characteristic of psoriasis. Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal
antibody that specifically binds to TNF-α, thereby blocking its biological activity. Data from
Phase II and III studies indicate that infliximab is a highly effective, rapidly acting systemic
therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Regular 8-weekly infusions of …
Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated skin disease producing significant morbidity. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, plays a key role in the cutaneous inflammation characteristic of psoriasis. Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to TNF-α, thereby blocking its biological activity. Data from Phase II and III studies indicate that infliximab is a highly effective, rapidly acting systemic therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Regular 8-weekly infusions of infliximab maintain significant clinical improvement in the majority of patients for at least 1 year. Infliximab is generally well tolerated, but patients may be susceptible to infection and malignancy.
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