How biologics work

Biologic drugs are developed from living cells. They're effective against many types of inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis and eczema (atopic dermatitis). These drugs target different parts of the immune system to help the body fight diseases. They're usually administered weekly, either via injection or an IV infusion.

So far, the drugs infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira) show the most promise in treating hidradenitis suppurativa. Adalimumab is the first biologic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. These drugs work by neutralizing an immune system protein known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which stimulates inflammation in the body. You might be a good candidate for these drugs if your hidradenitis suppurativa doesn't respond to any other form of treatment.

Research suggests that biologic drugs can improve the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa. However, some studies found that after treatment stopped, skin lesions returned (relapse). More research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of biologic drugs as a treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa.