With the emergence of the COVID-19 viral pandemic, there is uncertainty whether biologic agents for psoriasis may place patients at a higher risk for infection or worsened disease course.

While there are currently no specific data for psoriasis biologics and COVID-19, data are presented here from phase III clinical trials of psoriasis biologics on rates of upper respiratory infection, influenza, and serious infection.

Factors that should be considered when deciding whether to start or continue biologics include severity of underlying psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis; COVID-19 risk factors such as older age, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, lung disease, diabetes, or cancer; concomitant immunosuppressive medications or conditions; and risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus based on geography, occupation, and living situation.

Ultimately, treatment decisions should be made on an individualized basis based on dialogue between patient and provider.