Meagan Alberts, MPA-S, PA-C, clinical assistant professor of physician assistant studies, recently presented at the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, held in Pittsburgh.

 

She spoke on the use of biologic therapies in the field of dermatology, with a focus on the treatment of plaque psoriasis. She presented a review of clinical findings and diagnostic criteria, as well as the underlying pathophysiology of psoriasis. 

 

Alberts facilitated a discussion on recent literature, the mechanism of action and varying side effect profiles of biologic therapies, including TNF-alpha inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, and IL-12/23 inhibitors. 

 

She discussed the ever-expanding biologic landscape, as well as the importance of clinically identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from these systemic therapies.