Question

What biologic drugs are used to treat moderate or severe psoriasis?

Answer 1

Biologic drugs used to treat psoriasis include:

1. Ixekizumab (Taltz) and secukinumab (Cosentyx). These are antibodies that bind to interleukin-17A, a protein that is involved in inflammation. 
2. Guselkumab (Tremfya) and risankizumab-rzaa (SKYRIZI). These medications selectively block interleukin-23 (IL-23) and are given by injection.
3. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers, including adalimumab (Humira), adalimumab-atto (Amjevita), etanercept (Enbrel), etanercept-szzs (Erelzi), and infliximab (Remicade). These drugs block a chemical messenger of the immune system called TNF-alpha. People with psoriasis have too much of this substance, which causes inflammation.
4. Ustekinumab (Stelara). This drug blocks cytokines in the body called interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, which experts believe promote the increased growth rate of skin cells and inflammation from psoriasis.