J Drugs Dermatol
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Review
Biologic therapy for psoriasis--the first wave: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, and alefacept.
Over the last several years, a new generation of therapies for psoriasis has been in development. These biologic therapies target the activity of T lymphocytes and cytokines responsible for the inflammatory nature of this disease. In this review, we present an update on the progress of the four biologic agents in the forefront: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, and alefacept. The mechanism of each drug will be reviewed, as well as the most recent efficacy and safety data.
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Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease. IgG directed against desmoglein-1 induces acantholysis in the superficial epidermis, leading to the classic presentation of crusted erosions in a seborrheic distribution. We report a case of a 51-year-old African-American man with an 8-year history of PF, who developed multiple hyperpigmented, 'stuck-on' appearing verrucous papules and plaques on the back, chest, and neck. ⋯ The patient was treated by adding oral gold (auranofin) to his regimen of prednisone and discontinuing hydroxychloroquine. After six months of follow-up his erosions healed. This is the first report of treating pemphigus foliaceus with oral gold.