Off-label uses of biologic agents in dermatology: a 2006 update

The introduction of a number of biologic therapies into the market has revolutionized the practice of dermatology. These therapies include adalimumab, alefacept, efalizumab, etanercept, infliximab, IVIg, omalizumab, and rituximab. Most dermatologists are familiar with the indications of these medications that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration; however, numerous off-label uses have evolved. To update the reader on more recent uses of the biologics for off-label dermatologic use, this article will emphasize more recent published data from 2005 through the date of submission in May 2006.