| Abstract: | Summary: Anti‐TNF‐α agents including etanercept, a fusion protein of the p75 TNF receptor and IgG1 and infliximab, a chimeric human‐mowie monoclonal antibody. They have been approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and/or Crohn's disease. New understanding of the importance of the inlammatory cytokine TNF‐α in the pathophysiology of psoriasis led to the use in open‐label and randomized studies in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Although larger randomized trials are needed to confirm early results, both anti‐TNF‐α agents, have demonstrated activity in improving the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. Further investigations will fully elucidate the role of infliximab in these and other dermatological diseases. |
