Navigating Targeted Therapeutics in Dermatology: Biologics and Small Molecules

Dermatology is entering an exciting era with new, targeted immune-modulating medications for treating a variety of dermatologic conditions including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), and hidradenitis suppurativa. Previously, mainstay treatments consisted of topical corticosteroids or broad systemic immunosuppressants. Recently, our understanding of cytokine signaling cascades has grown, presenting new opportunities to target skewed immune responses. Two major classes are biologics and small molecules. Herein, we highlight the similarities and differences between these two categories of targeted medications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(12):1330-1332.