Targeted Therapies for Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases: A Comprehensive Guide

The major categories of targeted therapy for immune-mediated skin diseases are:

1. Biologic agents: These are drugs that target specific molecules involved in the immune response. Examples include:

• Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, such as adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel), used for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
• Interleukin (IL) inhibitors, such as ustekinumab (Stelara) and secukinumab (Cosentyx), used for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

2. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: These drugs block the activity of JAK enzymes, which play a role in the immune response. Examples include:

• Tofacitinib (Xeljanz), used for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
• Baricitinib (Olumiant), used for atopic dermatitis.

3. Immunosuppressants: These drugs suppress the immune system to reduce inflammation. Examples include:

• Methotrexate, used for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
• Cyclosporine, used for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

4. Phototherapy: This involves using ultraviolet light to treat skin conditions. Examples include:

• Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, used for psoriasis and eczema.
• Excimer laser therapy, used for psoriasis and vitiligo.