NOVELTIES IN DERMATOLOGY Methotrexate: New Therapeutic Approaches

Although the first study on the efficacy of methotrexate in the treatment of psoriasis was reported in 1958, scientific evidence for this indication has been scant until quite recently. We now have new data on the pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action of methotrexate and new subcutaneous formulations that have improved the bioavailability, efficacy, and ease of administration of the drug. The results of recent clinical trials comparing methotrexate with several biologic agents have shown it to be the first-line therapy among the classic systemic treatments for psoriasis. Moreover, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for subcutaneous methotrexate has been shown to be superior to that of ciclosporin, adalimumab, and infliximab.