TNF inhibitors for psoriasis

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α has been identified as a key cytokine mediating cutaneous inflammation in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The TNF inhibitors (TNFi’s) infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept are efficacious, Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Each drug has a unique pharmacological profile that can have therapeutic implications when choosing a particular TNFi for a patient. An understanding of these idiosyncrasies can help guide therapeutic decisions for patients with psoriasis that also have inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, latent tuberculosis, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and heart failure. It can also help when selecting the right treatment for pregnant patients, children and adolescents, or those with insurance constraints or compliance issues.