Ixekizumab for the treatment of psoriasis: an update on new data since first approval

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease with a multifactorial etiology. Studies have shown that the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a key mediator in the pathogenesis. Targeted biologics have changed the outcome for patients in a variety of diseases including psoriasis. Ixekizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against IL-17A and it has been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and recently also psoriatic arthritis. Areas covered: In this review, we summarize the latest clinical study results on ixekizumab. Long-term Phase III study data on efficacy and safety are now available for both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Additionally, new indications for ixekizumab are under investigation. Expert commentary: Overall, the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab are promising. In plaque psoriasis, the efficacy of ixekizumab was superior to etanercept and ustekinumab, while the efficacy was comparable to adalimumab in psoriatic arthritis. The safety profile has also been found very tolerable and similar to other biologics; however, vigilance regarding non-invasive Candida infections is necessary. Also, caution is advised when treating patients with concomitant inflammatory bowel disease, since ixekizumab could cause exacerbations. Long-term studies in real-life treatment settings are needed to decide the actual potential and safety of ixekizumab.