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Review
. 2016 Mar;6(1):25-37.
doi: 10.1007/s13555-016-0102-0. Epub 2016 Feb 24.

Ixekizumab for the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Review of Phase III Trials

Benjamin Farahnik  1 , Kourosh Beroukhim  2 , Tian Hao Zhu  3 , Michael Abrouk  4 , Mio Nakamura  5 , Rasnik Singh  2 , Kristina Lee  5 , Tina Bhutani  5 , John Koo  5
Affiliations
Review

Ixekizumab for the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Review of Phase III Trials

Benjamin Farahnik et al. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016 Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: Interleukin-17 inhibitors are the newest class of monoclonal antibodies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of psoriasis. Preclinical and Phase II studies of ixekizumab, a high-affinity anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody, have proved promising.

Methods: We conducted an extensive literature search using the PubMed database to assess the efficacy and safety profile of ixekizumab. The search included the following key words: "psoriasis" and "IL-17" or "ixekizumab." We also reviewed citations within articles to identify relevant sources.

Results: By week 12, the percentage of patients achieving a 75% improvement from baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) was comparable among the three Phase III trials (UNCOVER-1, 89%; UNCOVER-2, 90%; UNCOVER-3, 87%). Ixekizumab continued to be efficacious through 60 weeks of treatment. The safety profile of ixekizumab was favorable; the most frequently reported adverse events consisted of nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, injection-site reaction, and headache.

Conclusion: Overall, ixekizumab demonstrated rapid clinical improvement and favorable short-term safety profile in Phase III trials. The results support ixekizumab as an effective therapeutic option for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis.

Keywords: Anti-interleukin-17; Biologics; Interleukin 17; Ixekizumab; Phase III; Psoriasis; UNCOVER.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Percentage of patients achieving PASI 75, PASI 90, PASI 100, and sPGA 0 or 1 at the most efficacious Phase III dosage for each drug, week 12. Disclaimer: Data were tabulated from independent studies that were not conducted in a head-to-head manner. PASI psoriasis area and severity index, Q2W every 2 weeks, Q4W every 4 weeks, sPGA static physician global assessment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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