Cimzia (Certolizumab Pegol) - New Biologic Approved for Psoriasis in Scotland

The SMC approves Cimzia (Certolizumab Pegol) for the treatment of psoriasis in adults in Scotland.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has today published its decision to recommend the biologic medicine Cimzia (also known by its generic name, Certolizumab Pegol) as a treatment option for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in Scotland.

Cimzia may be prescribed to adult patients who have not responded to standard systemic treatments (including ciclosporin, methotrexate and phototherapy), or who cannot tolerate these treatments.

How does Cimzia work?

Cimzia blocks tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), a chemical ‘messenger’ in the immune system that signals other cells to cause inflammation. There is too much TNF alpha in the skin of people with psoriasis which causes inflammation and can lead to tissue and joint damage. TNF alpha can also lead to increased activity of the immune system by switching on certain white blood cells in the body, called T Cells. Once T cells become overactive they can trigger inflammation and other immune responses, encouraging the development of psoriasis.

Cimzia helps lower the amount of TNF alpha to more normal levels, and switches off the inflammatory cycle of psoriasis. This leads to improvement in symptoms for many people who take it.

How is Cimzia used?

Individuals take Cimzia at home by giving themselves an injection under the skin via a pre-filled ‘pen’ device. Most people will be trained by a nurse to give the injection to themselves. After the ‘starting dose’ of two injections (400mg) at weeks 0, 2 and 4, patients take one injection (200mg) of Cimzia every two weeks. Cimzia can be prescribed by itself or is sometimes used in combination with methotrexate.

People taking Cimzia will have regular blood tests every three to six months - usually carried out by Dermatology or Rheumatology Nurses, or by their own GP - to monitor for infections or other possible effects of the treatment. People taking Cimzia should have an annual flu jab, but should check with a doctor or nurse before having any other vaccinations or taking other medication.

For more information on Cimzia, have a read of our information sheet.