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Assessment of the efficacy of biological treatment in acne inversa

Aleksandra Anioła1, Sandra Ważniewicz1, Aleksandra Jonkisz1, Magdalena Płotast1, Magdalena Jałowska1

Abstract

Acne inversa is a chronic, progressive inflammatory skin disease. It is characterized by the occurrence of relapsing, painful, deep-seated nodules, abscesses, fistulae, sinus tracts, and scars in the axilla, inguinal area, submammary folds, and perianal area. The disease significantly affects patients’ quality of life and is often associated with severe, debilitating pain and depression. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, interleukin 17 (IL-17), IL-23, IL-12, IL-1α, and IL-1β play a significant role in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa. Treatment is difficult and often ineffective, based on both surgical and pharmacological methods. Biologic drugs in hidradenitis suppurativa are the subject of many clinical trials and may be effective in patients for whom other therapies have failed. The first biological drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa was the TNF-α inhibitor — adalimumab. The advancement of knowledge of immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa has allowed the development of clinical trials of new therapeutic targets. In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the IL-17 inhibitor — secukinumab as the second biological drug in hidradenitis suppurativa. The aim of this review is an update of the biological treatment and its effectiveness in hidradenitis suppurativa.

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