Due to the recent pandemic, there is concern about the immunomodulatory effects of biologic therapy in the context of coronavirus (COVID-19), the American Academy of Dermatology stated.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have no guidelines on the use of biologics during the pandemic.

No data on the specific risk of COVID-19 infection with biologic therapy

In addition, there is no data on the specific risk of COVID-19 infection with biologic therapy.

Specifically, we do not have direct evidence to support any preferred biologic class or mechanism-of-action with regard to COVID-19 infection risk at this moment; although we will continue to monitor the situation as more data become available. A main priority for dermatologists, at this point, is to keep our patients out of emergency rooms and urgent care so as to not tax the healthcare system unnecessarily.

Patients should not stop biologic therapy without consulting their physicians

Dermatologists must delicately balance the risk of immunosuppression with the risk of disease flare requiring urgent intervention. Therefore, the Academy strongly recommends that patients should not stop biologic therapy without consulting their physicians. To better serve patients and their physicians, the Academy has created interim recommendations. (PDF, updated 3/19/20).

Read the interim recommendations HERE