TB Research

Severe paradoxical generalized pustular psoriasis induced by adalimumab biosimilar successfully treated with brodalumab

Angela Fico, Edoardo Mortato, Claudia Paganini, Marina Talamonti, Cosimo Di Raimondo, Dionisio Silvaggio, Luca Bianchi, Marco Galluzzo

Dermatology Reports · 2025-05

Abstract

Paradoxical psoriasis is a rare but increasingly recognized adverse effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) therapy, characterized by the onset or exacerbation of psoriatic lesions in patients treated for other immune-mediated conditions. We report the case of a 47-year-old woman with chronic plaque psoriasis who developed severe generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) after six months of treatment with an adalimumab biosimilar. Given the extent and severity of the eruption and following inadequate response to previous conventional therapies, the patient was treated with brodalumab, an interleukin-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) inhibitor. Rapid and complete remission of both pustular and plaque psoriasis was achieved and maintained for over 60 weeks. This case supports the efficacy of IL-17 pathway blockade in managing paradoxical GPP and highlights the importance of prompt recognition and appropriate therapeutic switching in severe biologic-induced psoriasis.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Adalimumab
  • Psoriasis
  • Generalized pustular psoriasis
  • Exacerbation
  • Dermatology
  • Biosimilar
  • Paradoxical reaction
  • Pustular psoriasis
  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Adverse effect
  • Etanercept