We report the content of the “PEAU’se dermatologique” meeting of October 26,2016, concerning biological treatments in dermatology. Light was also shed on biosimilars. Doctor Pierre-Dominique Ghislain shared his clinical experience and provided practical guidelines for using biological treatments in dermatology. Lastly, several unusual indications of biological treatments have been illustrated based on clinical cases from the dermatology department of the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
What is already known about the topic?
Biologic treatments are increasingly used in in dermatology, with several new molecules currently commercialized. It should be stressed that these innovative agents enable us to obtain a better control of diseases like psoriasis. However, the abundance of information about biological, in addition to the number of new agents available, may confuse dermatologists who are not yet used dealing with these molecules. Moreover, biosimilars have been recently authorized in Belgium.
What does this article bring up for us?
- A clear and precise summary of the biologicals available in Belgium for the treatment of dermatological diseases, including psoriasis.
- A clear definition of biosimilars, as well as on outline of what can expected from them.
- Several unusual biological agents for managing severe or recalcitrant dermatologic conditions.
Key Words
Biological treatment, biosimilar, bio-original, psoriasis, omalizumab, anakinra, rituximab, tocilizumab, ustekinumab, dupilumab