Reimbursement Achievable for Biologics in Psoriasis

The January FDA clearance of Biogen Inc.'s Amevive (alefacept) for thetreatment of moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis officially usheredin the era of biologic treatments for dermatologists. Amgen Inc.'s biologic,Enbrel (etanercept), FDA-cleared for treating psoriatic arthritis, has alsobeen prescribed (off-label) for psoriasis. Amevive, administered by IM injectionor IV infusion in the physician's office, is purchased directly from Biogenby the physician or institution while self-injected Enbrel is purchasedby the patient at the pharmacy.