New Psoriasis Treatments

Recently a new category of psoriasis medications called "biologics" has come along. These block or "turn off" certain processes within the immune system that can lead to psoriasis. Biologics are made from living sources, such as viruses, animals and people, and they have to be injected or infused into the body, rather than taken orally. Biologics target very specific parts of the immune response. In theory at least, they could have fewer side effects than existing drugs.

Alefacept or "Amevive" is a relatively new psoriasis treatment that was recently approved for treating psoriasis. Amevive blocks a misstep in the immune system-the activation of T cells. Activated T cells fuel the development of psoriasis lesions by causing skin cells to develop and mature at a rate that's faster than normal.

Efalizumab is another new treatment for psoriasis now in development. Efalizumab is an antibody that's biologically similar to other human antibodies, so it can can work in the body without being attacked by the immune system.

Enbrel is a new treatment that has been approved for psoriatic arthritis, and is in development for psoriasis. It is given by subcutaneous injection two times a week.

Remicade is approved for rheumatoid arthritis, but it also seems effective for psoriasis. It is given intravenously over two to four hours.

Infliximab is also in development for psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.