Biologics are more targeted than other psoriasis treatments. They’re also more expensive, and you take them less frequently. Doctors usually prescribe them for moderate to severe psoriasis.
A variety of treatment options are available to manage psoriasis. Biologics are the newest class of psoriasis drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They work very differently from other available psoriasis treatments.
Doctors have used biologics to treat psoriasis since
Here’s how biologics are different from other treatment options.
Biologics are a class of drugs. Scientists create them in a lab from proteins derived from living cells.
Biologics are a newer type of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Scientists developed them to target specific actions in the immune system that may contribute to psoriasis.
Several biologic drugs are approved to treat psoriasis as well as other types of inflammatory, autoimmune conditions.
Biologics work differently than other psoriasis treatments. They target the overactive immune system response to stop it at its source.
A typical immune system works to protect the body from foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses. Experts think psoriasis occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive and reproduces skin cells at an accelerated level. These cells pile up on the skin’s surface, contributing to psoriasis lesions.
Traditional DMARDs treat psoriasis by suppressing the overactive immune system on a broad level. Biologics work to block the specific proteins in the inflammatory process that lead to psoriasis lesions. This helps lower inflammation and relieve psoriasis symptoms.
Biologics are currently the most targeted treatment option available for psoriasis.
Biologics are one of many available treatment options for psoriasis. Typically, doctors only prescribe them to treat moderate to severe cases.
Other treatments that can work for milder cases of psoriasis include:
- topical creams
- anti-inflammatory medications
- phototherapy
- retinoid medications
- traditional DMARDs
You may have to try these other treatment options first before trying a biologic.
Sometimes, traditional DMARDs are not enough to manage psoriasis. If you’re following your treatment plan as prescribed and symptoms continue, talk with your doctor. Doctors typically don’t prescribe biologics unless other treatments are not working.
Biologics are known to be quite effective for managing moderate to severe psoriasis.
Biologics are administered either by injection or infusion. A healthcare professional can teach you or a family member to do the injection at home. Biologics given by intravenous infusion are administered in a healthcare setting.
People typically also take biologics less frequently than other available psoriasis medications. Depending on the biologic prescribed, the schedule can range from weekly to every few months.
Your healthcare professional will discuss your treatment plan in detail so you know what to expect.
Biologics are very expensive. The process of making biologic drugs is complicated, making them costly to produce.
The least expensive biologics cost around
Many insurance companies cover the cost of biologics. Depending on your plan, your copayment or out-of-pocket expenses can still be costly. A 2024 study found that the overage out-of-pocket cost for biologics was $911 per year.
Some drug companies have patient assistance programs to help with the cost of these drugs.
The option of biosimilars can help reduce the costs of biologics. (Read more about biosimilars in the next section.)
There are currently 15 biologics approved for treating psoriasis in the United States. Finding the right biologic drug for you can take some experimenting.
Not every biologic will work the same for every person. They can also take some time to become fully effective. It can take weeks to months until you see and feel a difference.
Over time, a biologic that has previously worked can start to lose effectiveness. If that happens, your doctor might recommend switching to a different biologic.
However, there have been barriers to getting biosimilars to market. There are often legal challenges with the patents, which has slowed the number of available biosimilars so far.
Questions to ask your doctor about biologics or biosimilars
Your doctor will likely review information about biologics with you, but keeping these questions in mind will help you leave your appointment with the key information.
- How often will I need to take this medication?
- Can I administer this medication myself, or will I need to schedule a medical appointment?
- What is the proper procedure for self-injection?
- What side effects can I expect from this medication, and how can I manage them?
- How long does it take to know if the medication is working?
- Is there a biosimilar available for this medication?
- Can my insurance switch me to a biosimilar without your approval?
- Is financial assistance available for this medication?
People with psoriasis are more likely to develop a type of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
With PsA, an overactive immune system response similar to the one that attacks the skin in psoriasis also targets the joints. Left unmanaged over time, this can lead to permanent joint damage.
Biologics can block the immune response that attacks the joints, preventing permanent joint damage from PsA.
Many biologic medications can help manage both psoriasis and PsA. Some biologics can also help people manage other inflammatory autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease.
Biologics work differently than other available psoriasis treatments. They calm inflammation in the body that contributes to psoriasis by targeting the overactive immune response.
Biologics are not for everyone. Work with your doctor to determine whether a biologic may be right for you.