Etanercept is a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor approved for the treatment of psoriasis. Etanercept is a soluble version of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) that neutralizes the proinflammatory activity of TNF-alpha, a molecule central to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Patients receiving etanercept continuously during both 12 and 24 weeks show a significant reduction in the signs of psoriasis. Further, higher doses of etanercept provide better efficacy. Both clinical trial and postmarketing experience with etanercept is extensive and, thus, etanercept has a well-defined safety and tolerability profile. With appropriate patient selection and follow-up, etanercept therapy has a very good benefit-to-risk ratio and represents a convenient option for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.