Learning From Success and Failure: Biologics for Non-Approved Skin Diseases

The document reviewed the use of biologics for non-approved skin diseases, highlighting both successes and failures. It discussed various biologics like adalimumab, secukinumab, ustekinumab, omalizumab, TNF-α inhibitors, and dupilumab in treating conditions such as alopecia areata, vitiligo, hidradenitis suppurativa, systemic lupus erythematosus, mastocytosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, lichen planus, bullous pemphigoid, and prurigo nodularis. Some treatments, like IL-12/IL-23p40 cytokine antagonism for alopecia areata and dupilumab for atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, showed promise, while others, like anti-TNF therapy for vitiligo, had adverse effects or lacked efficacy. The findings underscored the potential of biologics in dermatology but emphasized the need for further research to establish their effectiveness and safety across different skin conditions.