Beyond anti-TNF-α agents in psoriatic arthritis

Abstract

The IL-23/IL-17 pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The potential beneficial effect of Th-17A antagonism has been investigated by a randomized controlled trial in PsA patients with secukinumab, a fully human, high-affinity, monoclonal antibody in a cohort of patients with active PsA. Although this Phase II study presents bias that limits the ability of this drug to meet the primary and some secondary end points, the authors suggest that secukinumab may have biological effects and some clinical benefits in PsA patients. Further studies are required to demonstrate if the rationale to use drugs acting on the IL-23/IL-17 pathway is associated with relevant efficacy and safety in the treatment of PsA.