Title:Safety of Systemic Biologic Agents in the Treatment of Non-malignant Skin Disorders
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
Author(s): George Badavanis*, Efstathia Pasmatzi, Alexandra Monastirli and Dionysios Tsambaos
Affiliation:
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patra,Greece
Keywords:
Tumor necrosis factor, inhibitors, interleukin, T cell modulators, B cell depletion therapy, phosphodiesterase 4,
Janus kinase.
Abstract: Introduction: The recent significant breakthroughs in the understanding of the pathogenetic
mechanisms of psoriasis and other immune-mediated inflammatory disorders, have led to the
emergence of a wide array of biologic agents or biologics, which are especially designed to target
selective intracellular or extracellular components and pathways of the dysregulated immune response.
Method: These targeted biologic agents have altered the landscape in dermatotherapy aiming to offer
higher therapeutic efficacy and an alternative in patients who either failed on conventional systemic
regimens or have no other therapeutic options. In the last two decades, the number of the commercially
available biologic agents and the extent of their use have dramatically increased; today, these
compounds represent a substantial part of modern dermatologic armamentarium.
Results: Due to the immunosuppressive potential of biologics, serious concerns were raised about their
safety profile, already during the pre-approval period. These concerns did not subside after the
incorporation of the postmarketing experience, particularly after the withdrawal of a biologic agent
(efalizumab) due to its serious and even fatal side effects.
Conclusion: The purpose of the present article is to review the cutaneous and systemic side effects of
all systemic biologic agents used so far in modern treatment of non-malignant skin disorders and to
contribute to a better and updated awareness of their safety risks among clinicians, which will enable
the latter to make the best informed and personalized drug selection and therapeutic decisions. This
review was mainly based on data derived from Medline and Scopus databases and from manufacturing
companies, as well.
