Perceptions over biologics for psoriasis after 5 years of access in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Biologic therapies have transformed psoriasis management, and their incorporation into Brazil's public healthcare system (SUS) in 2019 expanded access nationwide. However, real-world utilization and perceptions remain incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate perceptions, barriers, and prescription patterns regarding biologic therapy among Brazilian dermatologists and patients five years after universal incorporation, while quantifying the prevalence of undertreatment.

METHODS

We conducted two independent cross-sectional online surveys throughout 2024 among dermatologists (n = 225) and patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (n = 1,001). Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and perceived barriers were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 64.9% of dermatologists prescribed biologics, with higher prescribing rates among younger physicians (p = 0.022), those with fewer years of practice (p = 0.013), higher patient volumes (p < 0.001), and practice in tertiary centers (p = 0.001). Only 25.5% of patients were receiving biologics, strongly associated with psoriatic arthritis (p < 0.001), with no difference between public and private care. Key barriers included perceptions that conventional therapies are sufficient (59.5%), insufficient training (38.0%), and administrative burden (45.5%), while patients mainly reported safety (45.7%) and cost (30.9%) concerns. Undertreatment was prevalent, affecting over 50% of patients with moderate-to-severe disease. While 71.3% of non-users were willing to start biologics, only 28.0% had received a medical recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent educational and structural barriers continue to limit optimal biologic use despite formal availability, highlighting the need for targeted education, streamlined care pathways, and improved physician-patient communication to achieve equitable outcomes.