Impact of biosimilars in psoriasis treatment

Abstract

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease with a profound impact in patient’s quality of life. In Portugal, it is estimated that psoriasis affects approximately 250 000 persons. The understanding of psoriasis’ immunopathogenesis led to the development of biological therapies that selectively target disease’s mechanism of action. As in other fields of medicine, biological therapies revolutionized the treatment of psoriasis, with proven safety and efficacy. These agents are an alternative to conventional systemic therapies and an important tool at the disposal of dermatologist in the management of moderate to severe psoriasis. Currently, it is estimated that approximately 6 000 individuals are eligible for the use of biological therapies in Portugal. The available armamentarium includes: Adalimumab (Humira®, Abbvie), Etanercept (Enbrel®, Pfizer), Infliximab (Remicade®, Janssen Biotech) and Ustekinumab (Stelara®, Janssen Biotech).