By Shane Reeves, CEO, TwelveStone Health Partners
Although Psoriasis is considered a skin disease, it begins in the immune system, caused by an overactive immune response that speeds skin-cell growth, so cells collect in thick, inflamed plaques instead of shedding normally. Psoriasis isn’t contagious, but it’s chronic.1 Because of that, the overall effects of psoriasis don’t stop at the skin. Persistent itching disrupts sleep, while cracked skin and nail changes make routines, such as getting dressed or even using your hands, painful and frustrating. Severe joint pain could signal psoriatic arthritis, a related condition in which the inflammation affects the joints. This wider set of symptoms means treatment needs to move beyond the skin and address the immune response driving the disease.
When Psoriasis Treatment Needs to Reach Deeper
For mild psoriasis, clinicians will start with medicine applied to the skin. These topical treatments act where they’re applied. If there’s more skin involvement, high-impact locations, and disruption to daily life, that signals that topical treatment alone is not providing enough control. That’s why clinicians consider alternatives such as phototherapy or medication that works throughout the body2. Systemic psoriasis treatment options include oral medicines and biologic therapy, both of which work throughout the body, with biologics targeting specific areas.
With IV biologic treatment, the medicine’s role determines its target.
- Infliximab (Remicade® and biosimilars) blocks an inflammatory protein involved in plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Clinicians use it for psoriatic arthritis and chronic severe plaque psoriasis when systemic options are less appropriate. Spesolimab (Spevigo®) treats flares of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) that produce widespread pus-filled blisters and carry a risk of life-threatening complications.3 These distinct uses place infusion therapy in a specialized role, particularly as newer biologic treatments have shifted toward self-injection.
Who May Benefit from Infusion Therapy?
Healthcare providers consider infusion therapy for people with chronic severe plaque psoriasis that affects large areas of skin or hasn’t responded well to topical or oral medication. Infliximab also treats psoriatic arthritis. For someone experiencing a flare of GPP, IV Spesolimab provides specific treatment for that potentially life-threatening form of the disease. A healthcare provider reviews the diagnosis, previous treatments, and overall health to determine whether infusion therapy is appropriate.4
The Future of Infusion Therapy
A biologic prescription doesn’t automatically lead to an infusion center. Patients inject most newer IL-23 and IL-17 biologics under the skin, including Skyrizi®, Tremfya®, Bimzelx®, Cosentyx®, and Taltz®. The two IV options are Infliximab for chronic plaque psoriasis and IV Spesolimab for GPP flares. Knowing your options gives you a better idea of where treatment will take place.3
What Treatment at TwelveStone Looks Like
Once your dermatologist sends the referral, TwelveStone reviews the order and manages the insurance approval. Your prescriber also orders lab work and infection screening to safeguard your health.
On treatment day, your nurse will check for new symptoms and vital signs before starting the IV and will monitor your response throughout the infusion. The duration of your visit and your return schedule depend on your medication and dose. Before leaving, the team will explain symptoms to watch for and what to expect at your next appointment.
If psoriasis continues to impact your daily life despite treatment, discuss options with your dermatologist. TwelveStone coordinates each step of your infusion therapy, keeping care close to home.5
Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general educational information and doesn’t replace medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment options. Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
