Biologics

The advent of biologics in dermatologic treatment armentarium has added refreshing dimensions, for it is a major breakthrough. Several agents are now available for use. Biologicals have revolutionized the treatment of various diseases, especially Psoriasis and Bullous disorders such as Pemphigus vulgaris and Bullous Pemphigoid

Biologics are medications made from human or animal proteins. They are designed to specifically target biologic pathways that cause inflammation in the skin and other organs. Biologics have been used in many people worldwide to treat severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, other types of arthritis. Biologic medications are given as injections.

A condition such as psoriasis develops in people who are genetically predisposed. Immune cells are triggered and become overactive, creating inflammation in the skin (which we recognise as psoriasis) and, in some cases, the joints (psoriatic arthritis). Biologics work in different ways to traditional treatments by blocking the activation and behaviour of immune cells that play a role in a disease such as psoriasis.

Examples of conditions where biologic drugs are used to treat at CACS include:

• Urticaria
• Psoriasis
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Pemphigus vulgaris