Injectable Treatments (Biologics)

Biologic drugs, or "biologics," are a relatively new class of treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments. They are given by injection or intravenous (IV) infusion.

A biologic is a protein-based drug derived from living cells cultured in a laboratory.

Different from the traditional systemic drugs that impact the entire immune system, biologics target specific parts of the immune system. The biologics used to treat psoriatic diseases act by blocking the action of a specific type of immune cell called a T cell, or by blocking proteins in the immune system, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukins 12 and 23. These cells and proteins all play a major role in developing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Biologics are prescribed for individuals with moderate to severe cases of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. They are a viable option for those who have not responded to or have experienced harmful side effects from other treatments. The TNF blockers have been shown to reduce the progression of joint damage in psoriatic arthritis.

Dr. Christina Sander has around 10 years experience prescribing biologic treatments for severe psoriasis.

She has attended numerous international educational events specifically training dermatologists in this treatment modality and she has successfully treated a large number of patients with biologics overseas and in Australia.