A study on The British Association of Dermatologists’ Biologic Interventions Register (BADBIR): a web-based register of biologic and conventional systemic therapies for psoriasis has been published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Biologic therapies for psoriasis have been licensed for at least six years in the UK and there are currently four available. Biologics work by blocking key inflammatory immune responses important to the development of psoriasis. They are administered either by subcutaneous or intravenous injection at intervals ranging from twice weekly to four times per year. As with most drugs, there are risks and side effects. Because this type of drug is new these risks and side effects need to be monitored carefully. The primary function of the BADBIR is to monitor the long-term side effects to ensure patient safety.
The register is in its fourth year and will run until at least July 2018. It currently involves over 3,000 patients, with around two thirds receiving biologic therapies and another third (the control group) receiving conventional systemic therapies such as methotrexate. The BADBIR has created a robust, high-quality, web-based register of biologic and conventional therapy for psoriasis in the UK and Ireland.
It is the largest project undertaken by the BAD, currently 130 dermatology departments are involved. The data it will provide over the coming years will be invaluable for the safe use of biologics in clinical practice. A UK and Ireland -wide dermatology clinical research network has been established that provides a framework for future studies in other diseases. The patient database also provides a useful resource for further research into psoriasis and some new studies have already begun as a result of this.
Professor Chris Griffiths (University of Manchester), Chief Investigator on the project says:
“The BADBIR is a powerful, internationally-leading resource for study of the long-term, real-life risks and benefits of systemic therapies used for psoriasis. The information it will provide over the coming years will enable dermatologists to deliver the highest quality care for patients with psoriasis, It is particularly exciting to observe the enthusiasm with which dermatologists and their teams throughout Britain and Ireland have embraced the opportunity to participate in the BADBIR”
By the BAD running the registry, any bias should be avoided and so the results obtained from it must be recognised and acknowledged. Patients should be entitled to receive the most appropriate treatment for their psoriasis, and this registry will help to highlight both the positives and negatives in order for them to make an informed choice regarding their treatments.”