An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science of the Immune System: A Tale in Four Lives

by Matt Richtel

I went to the company’s website, and that’s where I found additional disclosures. The FAQ on Otezla states: The exact way in which Otezla works in people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis is not completely understood. Based on laboratory studies, what is known is that Otezla blocks the activity of an enzyme inside the body called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). PDE4 is found inside the inflammatory cells in the body and is thought to affect the process of inflammation. By blocking PDE4, Otezla is thought to indirectly affect the production of inflammatory molecules, helping to reduce inflammation inside the body. To Dr. Dinarello, the issue of the side effects of these medicines underscores a simple message: “It reveals how sensitive the immune system is to suppression.” Buyer beware. Be aware. Take care. You tinker with the immune system at your own risk.