Psoriasis Drug Deemed Safe, Effective for Long-Term Use

The monoclonal antibody ixekizumab (IXE) is a safe and effective treatment option for up to 3 years of use in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, according to new findings.

Researchers arrived at this conclusion following an analysis of psoriasis patients from the UNCOVER-3 study who participated in a long-term extension period.
_________________________________________________________________________________

RELATED CONTENT
JAK Inhibitor Shows Long-term Efficacy for Plaque Psoriasis
FDA Expands Indication of Psoriasis Drug
_________________________________________________________________________________

Patients who were initially randomly assigned to IXE every 2 weeks or 4 weeks, etanercept twice weekly, or placebo were switched to a recommended dose regimen of 160 mg IXE at baseline, 80 mg IXE every 2 weeks until week 12, and 80 mg IXE every 4 weeks thereafter.

The efficacy and safety of the drug were examined through 156 weeks of use. As-observed, multiple imputation (MI), and modified nonresponder imputation (mNRI) methods were used to summarize efficacy data.

Results of the study indicated that 156-week response rates were 80.5% for a Psoriasis Activity Severity Index score of 75 (PASI 75), 66.0% for PASI 90, and 45.1% for PASI 100, based on the mNRI method.

When using the as-observed and MI methods, response rates were 97.2% and 86.2%, respectively, for PASI 75.

The researchers noted similar response rates in patients who had scalp, nail, or palmoplantar involvement at baseline.

“Ixekizumab sustained high responses with clearance of skin and nail lesions, with no new safety concerns through 3 years,” the researchers concluded.

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Leonardi C, Maari C, Philipp S, et al. Maintenance of skin clearance with ixekizumaab treatment of psoriasis: three-year results from the UNCOVER-3 study [Published online May 24, 2018]. J Am Acad Dermatol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.05.032.