Infliximab (Remicade) in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis

Philip Mease

Seattle Rheumatology Associates, Division of Rheumatology Research, Swedish Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA

Abstract: Elucidation of the cellular immunopathology and cytokine profile of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic inflammatory disease associated with psoriasis, has resulted in the development of a number of novel biologic therapies. Among these biologics, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-á) inhibitors have been used successfully to treat patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. The pivotal role of TNF-á in the pathogenesis and progression of PsA suggested that anti-TNF-á agents could be effective in controlling PsA. The results from two large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients with moderate to severe PsA indicated that the anti-TNF- inhibitor, infliximab, can control both the joint and skin manifestations of the disease. This review focuses on the clinical development of infliximab as a treatment for PsA. The development of other anti-TNF-á biologics is also discussed.

Keywords: psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, spondyloarthropathies, TNF inhibition, biologics