Maronese CA, Moltrasio C, Genovese G, Marzano AV. Biologics for Hidradenitis suppurativa: evolution of the treatment paradigm.
Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024;
20:525-545. [PMID:
38130204 DOI:
10.1080/1744666x.2023.2298356]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an autoinflammatory skin disease with a high unmet need for effective medical management. Clinically, it is characterized by inflammatory nodules that may progress into abscesses, draining tunnels and extensive scarring, mainly affecting apocrine gland-bearing areas.
AREAS COVERED
Treatment options include topical and systemic medications and a variety of surgical procedures. The anti-TNF-α antibody adalimumab and the anti-IL-17 secukinumab are the only two approved biologics for HS, showing moderate efficacy. HS research is a rapidly growing field, with a wide range of agents leveraging distinct mechanisms of action currently under development. Drugs targeting the IL-17 and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways are the most advanced in both ongoing and completed Phase 3 studies, promising deeper levels of response. Use of other, off-label biologics is also discussed.
EXPERT OPINION
A therapeutic algorithm is proposed based on comorbidities and existing evidence. Patient-tailored combinations between biologics and other biologics or small molecules will hopefully allow clinicians to target most events in HS pathophysiology in a complementary way while obtaining a meaningful effect on their devastating manifestations.
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