While most medications are made by putting chemicals together, biologics are
created by living human and animal cells. Biologics are proteins that work by
changing interactions between cells that are causing the condition or disease.
They can be tailor-made to treat a variety of different conditions. Although
biologics have been around for decades, biologics designed to treat psoriasis
are new.
Psoriasis is believed to be caused by an overactivity of certain immune system
cells called T cells and messenger cells. It starts when some T cells receive
a false message that makes them become "activated," move to the skin,
and behave as if they were fighting an infection. This causes the skin to become
inflamed (red, warm, irritated) and to overproduce skin cells. The extra skin
cells build up and form plaques.
Biologics for psoriasis target only those parts of the immune system that are
overactive. Some work by stopping T cells from becoming activated and/or from
moving to the skin, or by reducing the number of activated T cells. Other biologics
work by blocking immune system messengers involved in skin cell overproduction.
Unlike most of the oral medications to treat psoriasis, biologics do not work
by suppressing the immune system in general. Instead, they act specifically
on the areas that are overactive. This may decrease the risk of infection, liver
damage, and kidney damage. Another difference between some biologics and other
psoriasis treatments is that the effects of some biologics (those that inhibit
T cells that cause psoriasis), continue after the treatment has been stopped.
This allows people to take "drug holidays" where they do not have
to use the medication.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2026. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Psoriasis-Treatment-Biologics