Treating psoriatic arthritis: biologic drugs

Biologics, such as Enbrel, Humira and Remicade, are also considered DMARDs. They are highly selective agents that target specific internal events in the body that cause psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Adalimumab

Adalimumab (also know by its brand name Humira) is a biologic medication approved by the FDA in October 2005 to treat psoriatic arthritis and in January 2008 to treat psoriasis. It is also approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn’s desease.

The recommended dose for adults is 40 milligrams (mg) every other week. The drug is injected under the skin by the individual. Adalimumab may help stop further joint damage. Adalimumab works by suppressing a specific cellular “messenger” called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) that is involved in triggering inflammation.

Etanercept

The drug etanercept (also know by its brand name Enbrel) was approved for individuals with moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis in January 2002 and for psoriasis in April 2004. It is also approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Studies have shown that etanercept reduced the progression of joint damage for two years among individuals with psoriatic arthritis. Treatment consists of once- or twice-weekly self-injections under the skin. The recommended dose for adults with psoriatic arthritis is 50 mg per week. Like adalimumab, etanercept works by suppressing TNF-alpha.

Infliximab

Infliximab (also known by its brand name Remicade) was approved by the FDA in May 2005 to treat psoriatic arthritis and in September 2006 to treat psoriasis. It is also approved for ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.

During the first six weeks of treating psoriatic arthritis with infliximab, individuals receive 5 mg of the drug per kilogram (kg) of body weight in three infusions in a doctor’s office. After the first three treatments, individuals continue to receive infliximab infusions at regular intervals of eight weeks. Infliximab may help stop further joint damage. Similar to etanercept and adalimumab, infliximab is an anti-TNF-alpha drug.