Etanercept for the Treatment of Dermatological Diseases

Inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α has been shown to be an effective strategy for treating inflammatory dermatoses. Etanercept competitively inhibits the interaction of TNF, interrupting the proinflammatory cytokine cascade and preventing TNF mediated cellular responses. The success of etanercept in a wide range of dermatologic conditions especially in psoriasis gives a new hope in dermatological therapy field. This article reviews the pharmacokinetic properties, safety profile, administration route and efficacy in different dermatological conditions of etanercept.