PAEDIATRIC | ADULT | SURGERY
Biologics injections, also known as large-molecule drugs, are one of the newer treatment options in Singapore for dermatologic conditions. The increased hype of biologics is substantiated by various studies supporting its efficacy in the long run. Unlike other medications that are chemically synthesised, biologics injections are harvested from living cells in the lab, thus the name acquired. Biologics may be derived from humans, animals, and microorganisms through a complex process of biotechnology.
Biologics injection works to address the overproduction of specific protein cells known as cytokines. Biologics will target the specific makeup of the immune system that is causing said-inflammatory response (manifestation of eczema or psoriasis) and block its action. It is also a systematic medication which will travel throughout the whole body via the bloodstream.
Below are a list of biologics injections to treat eczema and psoriasis and the specific cytokines targeted:
| Condition | Drug | Target | Mechanism |
| Psoriasis | Risankizumab (Skyrizi®) | IL-23 blocker | Attaches to and blocks IL23 proteins in the body, thus controlling inflammation. |
Secukinumb (Cosentxy®) Ixekizumab (Taltz®) | IL-17 blocker | Stops the overproduction of cytokine which causes inflammation. | |
| Ustekinumab (Stelara®) | IL–12/23 blocker | Controls the overactivation of cytokine which contributes to immune-mediated diseases. | |
| Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) | Dupilumab (Dupixen®) | IL-4 and IL-13 blockers | Limits the overreaction of the immune system to reduce symptoms of eczema. |
Abrocitinib (Cibinqo®) Upacitinib (Rinvoq® Barocitinib (Olumiant® | Jak inhibitors | Blocks the JAK proteins and disrupts one of the main pathways that lead to inflammation and itch in eczema |
Biologics are administered as oral tablets or injections. Depending on the type of medication, you can self-administer them or may be required to visit our clinic within a set time interval. The fundamental objective of biologics injections is to reduce immune response and inflammation. Ultimately, the outcome one can expect is reduced progression of your skin’s condition and improved quality of life.
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While our clinic specifically treats skin conditions. Biologics injections are used in different fields of medicine for various other conditions.
Biologics are capable of treating:
Many patients are quick to be disheartened after biologics treatment as the results are not immediate. However, conditions will improve gradually, thus, patience and persistence are highly encouraged. Biologics have shown improvement in physical conditions among many patients. Additionally, psychological relief has also been observed as patients’ sleep quality and sexual function improve upon drug administration. Overall one can expect an improved quality of life and long-term efficacy when persistent with the treatment of biologics.
Depending on your condition, severity and type of biologics used, frequency of treatment would vary. On average, if patients require injections, the frequency may vary between few weeks to few months.
Reminders will be sent and our staff will contact you to ensure appointments are arranged. Additionally, if you have plans to move overseas, medical reports and referral letters will be provided accordingly to ensure your treatment is not impeded.
Many patients are eager to try out biologics in the hopes of improving their dermatological condition. However, there are various prerequisites to fulfil before patients can start their biologics injection treatment.
Like any other medication, biologics do come with potential risks and side effects. Though rare, these may include:
Despite its rarity, one should be prepared to be proactive if adverse symptoms present themselves. Upon treating the symptoms of negative reaction, your dermatologist may attempt to administer a different type of biologics injection or completely discontinue the medication if you are deemed an unfit candidate.
After prolonged use, a very small percentage of patients find that their conditions return and that biologics injections are not as effective as they used to be. This could be due to development of antibodies against the biologic, hence rendering it ineffective. This is also known as biologic failure. Depending on the cause of failure, you will be advised to switch to another class of biologic or stop treatment.
MBBS(NUS, SINGAPORE), MRCP(RCP, UNITED KINGDOM)
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