Biologicals in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis: Drug Selection by Means of the SOJA Method

Janknegt R

doi:10.4172/2376-0419.1000114

Abstract

The treatment of plaque psoriasis is changing because of the introduction of new treatment options. The goal of this article is to allow a transparent and rational choice of medicines by means of the System of Objectified Judgement Analysis. The following selection criteria (relative weight) were applied: approved indications (40), drug interactions (60), clinical efficacy (400), safety (300), dosage frequency (100) and documentation (100). Acquisition cost was not taken into consideration to allow a preselection on quality aspects only. Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and ustekinumab were compared on these criteria. Infliximab and ustekinumab showed the highest scores and are the most suitable medicines for the treatment of severe plaque psoriasis. Of course, cost will play a key role in the final selection in individual hospitals.

Highlights

The treatment of plaque psoriasis is changing because of the introduction of new treatment options
Adalimumab can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate
Adalimumab in combination with methotrexate is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, in children and adolescents from the age of 2 years who have had an inadequate response to one or more Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

Summary

Introduction

The treatment of plaque psoriasis is changing because of the introduction of new treatment options. The goal of this SOJA is to allow a transparent and rational choice of medicines. The SOJA method is a model for rational drug selection. The relevant selection criteria for a certain group of drugs are defined and judged (Table 1). The ideal properties for each selection criterion are determined and each drug is scored as a percentage of the relative weight for all selection criteria. The criteria, which were used in the present SOJA method and the weighting of the authors, are presented below. The drugs with the highest total score are most suitable for formulary inclusion [1]

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Conclusion