Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) Psoriasis Update 2018: What it means for dermatologists treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

The Institute of Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) issued an updated report regarding the clinical efficacy, value, and budget impact of various psoriasis immunomodulators in August 2018. Specifically, the update included information on two new biologics, guselkumab and certolizumab in the context of their relative cost-effectiveness. Using analyses based on sequential implementation of specific first- and second-line therapies, the ICER found that initiating biologic therapy with an IL-17 inhibitor or guselkumab results in the most clinical improvement, but is also associated with higher costs. This report demonstrates a need for more consensus guidelines for the use of biologics in the treatment of psoriasis, and perhaps consideration of costs within these guidelines.