Over the last decade, the advent of biologic agents has greatly revolutionized therapeutic medicine in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohna (TM)s disease, and psoriasis. Elucidation of the complex web of cytokine network and the roles of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders provided one of the key catalysts for the advancement of targeted biologic therapy in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

TNF-alpha is known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory diseases. Elevated levels of TNF-alpha have been demonstrated in Crohna (TM)s disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting a role for TNF-alpha in their pathogenesis. Although TNF-alpha plays a critical role in the activation of innate and acquired immune responses, the persistence of the immune response and inappropriate production of TNF-alpha can produce pathological changes resulting from chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the development, pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of the currently available TNF-alpha inhibitors a" etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab. The most recent preclinical and clinical data is presented on this topic, which should be of interest to the preclinical researcher, the clinician, and the patient who wants to learn more about these therapies.

It has become increasingly clear that psoriatic disease, both of the skin and joints, can be a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the physician and a debilitating illness for the patient. Genetic and immunologic advances have increased our understanding of the pathophysiology of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and there is a need for practically oriented evidence based references to describe the management options open to clinicians. The speed at which developments are occurring in the field also necessitates a novel approach to keeping up with these changes in practice and the need is for a reference that that be updated regularly as the subject requires. Psoriasis is an incredibly fast-moving discipline within dermatology. Guidelines, treatment options and management all change at incredible speed. There is a requirement to provide a comprehensive reference resource to provide practical, user friendly information for the dermatology profession to aid in the decision-making process. Psoriasis is a graphical subdiscipline of medicine and therefore this will have copious illustrations. As a fast moving discipline the emphasis must be on annual updates to ensure that readers are kept up to date on the important areas of development.

Psoriasis is an inherited skin disease that has been diagnosed in 4.5 million adults in the United States. About 10 percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.

The book reviews the clinical manifestations of these two entities. The main focus is on the evolving paradigm of therapy. Topical and ultraviolet therapy are discussed first, followed by traditional systemic therapy. A major focus is on biologic therapies. New agents in development are also reviewed. The book concludes with an evaluation of the quality of life impact of this disease.

This volume provides an in-depth overview of the current state of psoriasis and its management. It is of interest to clinicians, researchers, and even patients who wish to learn more. It is also of interest to those in the pharmaceutical industry, and those in finance who cover the pharmaceutical field.