Biologic Therapy for Psoriasis: BAD 2020 Guidelines

• Biologic therapy for psoriasis should be initiated and supervised only by specialist physicians who are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. The routine monitoring can be delegated to other healthcare professionals, such as clinical nurse specialists. Other relevant healthcare professionals should be consulted in cases that involve psoriatic arthritis or other multiple comorbidities.
• Coordination of care providers, along with the patient, is necessary with regard to arrangements for drug administration, monitoring, and follow-up.
• Ensure that people with psoriasis who are starting biologic therapy have an opportunity to participate in long-term safety registries.

Criteria for Use of Biologic Therapy

• Criteria for offering biologic therapy are as follows:
• Psoriasis requiring systemic therapy
• Failure of, intolerance to, or contraindications for methotrexate and cyclosporine
• Psoriasis has significant impact on physical, psychological, or social functioning: Extensive (>10% body surface area or Psoriasis Area and Severity Index ≥10) and/or psoriasis is severe at localized sites and is associated with significant functional impairment
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• Criteria for considering biologic therapy are as follows:
• Psoriasis that fulfills disease severity criteria and is accompanied by active psoriatic arthritis
• Psoriasis that is persistent (eg, relapses rapidly) when off therapy that cannot be continued long term