Biologics for hidradenitis suppurativa: an update

• Published in: Immunotherapy Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 45 - 59
• Main Authors: W odarek, Katarzyna, Ponikowska, Ma gorzata, Matusiak, ukasz, Szepietowski, Jacek C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Future Medicine Ltd 01-01-2019
• Subjects: Abscesses; Acne; acne inversa; biologic drugs; biologic therapy; Biological activity; biologics; Clinical trials; Crohns disease; Cytokines; Etanercept; hidradenitis suppurativa; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Inflammation; Inflammatory bowel disease; Infliximab; management; Monoclonal antibodies; Neutrophils; Nodules; Pathogenesis; Patients; Psoriasis; Skin; therapy; treatment; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; Tumor necrosis factor-α
• ISSN: 1750-743X; 1750-7448
• DOI: 10.2217/imt-2018-0090

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis characterized by an occurrence of nodules, abscesses, sinus tracks and scarring. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and still not fully understood, therefore, current systemic therapies still remain a serious challenge. Increased levels of several proinflammatory cytokines have been reported in patients suffering from HS, therefore biologics appear as a new approach to therapy for this condition. Adalimumab is the only one internationally registered agent and should be considered first after the conventional therapies appear insufficient. The efficacy and safety profile of some preparations, like infliximab and etanercept was confirmed so far in randomized trials, but there are some new biologics which are still being evaluated and require more rigorous examination.