In the past two decades an explosion in the use of biological treatments has
occurred in dermatology. These drugs target cytokines and cells involved in chronic
inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, changing the classical approach to different
conditions. Biological drugs are synthesized by different cell types and produce their
effects by binding to specific cell surface receptors. The inhibition of the inflammatory
cascade at different points (TNF blockade, B or T lymphocyte inhibition) obtained with
these medications showed to be helpful in numerous dermatological conditions
(psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, pemphigus, hydradenitis supurativa… etc.) and new
indications are continuously reported in the literature. In this chapter, tumor necrosis
factor inhibitors (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab), alefacept, ustekinumab and
rituximab are reviewed. Licensed and off-label indications are considered, as well as
dosage, contraindications and adverse events.
Keywords: Anti-TNF, alefacept, ustekinumab, rituximab, alefacept, ustekinumab,
rituximab, antibodies, antibodies, monoclonal, immunologic factors, infusion,
parenteral, infusion, intravenous, infusion, subcutaneous, skin and connective
tissue diseases, skin.
