At Alpha Dermatology of Pennsylvania, where innovation meets personalized care, we lead the way in employing biological treatments for the management of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia, and prurigo nodularis. Here’s an overview of these cutting-edge therapies, focusing on their safety and efficacy:

Psoriasis:

  • Biologics like Adalimumab, Ustekinumab, TREMFYA® (guselkumab), TALTZ® (ixekizumab), and SKYRIZI® (risankizumab-rzaa): These medications target specific parts of the immune system involved in psoriasis. They have shown efficacy rates where over 75% of patients achieve significant skin clearance.

  • BIMZELX® (bimekizumab-bkzx):

    • Target and Mechanism: BIMZELX is unique as it targets both IL-17A and IL-17F, cytokines instrumental in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This dual action provides a comprehensive approach to reducing inflammation and skin manifestations.

      • Efficacy: Clinical trials have demonstrated that BIMZELX can achieve high rates of skin clearance, with significant numbers of patients reaching PASI 90 or even PASI 100 (complete skin clearance) within 16 weeks of treatment. This makes it one of the fastest-acting biologics for psoriasis.

      • Safety: Like other biologics, the main safety concerns include infections, particularly candidiasis due to its immunosuppressive effects. However, with proper patient selection and monitoring, it has been shown to have a favorable safety profile. There's also a noted risk of inflammatory bowel disease exacerbation in susceptible individuals, which underscores the importance of a thorough medical history review before initiating treatment.

  • SKYRIZI® (risankizumab-rzaa):

    • Target and Mechanism: SKYRIZI specifically targets IL-23, a key cytokine in the inflammatory pathway of psoriasis, offering a targeted approach to reducing skin inflammation and plaque formation.

      • Efficacy: SKYRIZI has been praised for its high efficacy, with clinical trials showing that a significant majority of patients achieve PASI 90, and many even reaching PASI 100, indicating nearly complete or complete clearance of psoriasis plaques. Its dosing schedule, typically every 12 weeks, makes it convenient for long-term management.

      • Safety: The safety profile of SKYRIZI includes common side effects like upper respiratory infections, headache, and injection site reactions. There's also a risk of infections, which is monitored through regular check-ups. Notably, liver function tests are recommended before starting treatment and periodically thereafter, especially in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, where SKYRIZI is also indicated.

Atopic Dermatitis:

  • Dupilumab: An interleukin-4 inhibitor, this biologic has revolutionized treatment by significantly reducing itch and improving skin appearance in a majority of patients. Clinical trials have shown improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores by up to 75%.

    • Dupilumab: DUPIXENT® (dupilumab)

    • Safety: Generally well-tolerated, with the main side effects being conjunctivitis and injection site reactions. The risk of serious infections is low, and benefits often outweigh the risks for those with severe symptoms.

  • Nemolizumab: Targets interleukin-31, reducing pruritus in atopic dermatitis. Its efficacy has been demonstrated in reducing itch intensity and improving quality of life.

    • Nemolizumab: NEMLUVIO (nemolizumab)

    • Safety: Side effects are mainly mild and include nasopharyngitis, headache, and upper respiratory tract infections, with no significant safety concerns in clinical trials.

Alopecia Areata:

  • Baricitinib and Ritlecitinib: These are JAK inhibitors that have shown promising results in promoting hair regrowth, with some studies indicating significant hair regrowth in up to 80% of patients after several months of treatment.

    • Baricitinib: OLUMIANT® (baricitinib)

    • Ritlecitinib: LITFULO™ (ritlecitinib)

    • Safety: While effective, JAK inhibitors carry risks of serious infections, blood clots, and potential cardiovascular events, necessitating careful patient selection and monitoring. However, when used appropriately, they can be safely integrated into treatment plans.

Prurigo Nodularis:

  • Nemolizumab: Also used in prurigo nodularis, this biologic has shown to significantly decrease itch and the number of nodules, improving patient quality of life.

    • Nemolizumab: NEMLUVIO®(nemolizumab)

    • Safety: Similar to its use in atopic dermatitis, the safety profile includes manageable side effects like upper respiratory infections and headache, with ongoing studies to further establish its long-term safety.

Why Choose Alpha Dermatology of Pennsylvania:

  • Pioneering Use: We are at the forefront of integrating these biological treatments into our practice, ensuring you receive the most up-to-date and effective care.

  • Expertise: Our team of Board Certified Dermatologists has extensive experience with these therapies, tailoring treatments to your unique medical history and needs.

  • Patient-Centric Care: We focus on the safety and efficacy of each treatment, continuously monitoring your progress to adjust therapies as needed, providing a holistic approach to your skin health.

At Alpha Dermatology of Pennsylvania, we commit to not only managing your condition but enhancing your quality of life, all while ensuring your treatment is as safe and effective as possible. Whether combating the persistent plaques of psoriasis, the relentless itch of atopic dermatitis, the emotional impact of alopecia, or the discomfort of prurigo nodularis, we're here to navigate your journey to clearer, healthier skin with confidence and care.

Alpha Dermatology is the leader in biological therapy for the treatment of psoriasis, alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis. Our providers have treated thousands of patients with biological therapy over the past twenty years. These therapies include: