A Closer Look at IL-17 Inhibitors in Psoriasis
Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, and James Song, MD, discuss how IL-17 plays a key role in plaque psoriasis by driving inflammation. IL-17 inhibitors differ in targeting IL-17A, IL-17RA, or IL-17A/F, impacting efficacy and safety. These agents offer rapid skin clearance, improve patients’ quality of life, and require patient-specific selection based on clinical and real-world factors, including dosing, safety, and long-term data.
EP. 1: The Role of IL-17 in Psoriasis Pathogenesis
March 21st 2025Panelists discuss how IL-17 is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine in plaque psoriasis pathogenesis. It stimulates keratinocyte proliferation, promotes neutrophil recruitment, induces antimicrobial peptides, and up-regulates other inflammatory mediators, creating a self-perpetuating inflammatory cascade in lesional skin.
EP. 2: Mechanism of Action Differences Among IL-17 Inhibitors
March 21st 2025Panelists discuss how IL-17 inhibitors differ in their targets within the IL-17 pathway. Secukinumab and ixekizumab block IL-17A, reducing inflammation in psoriasis and arthritis. Brodalumab inhibits IL-17RA, affecting multiple IL-17 cytokines, but carries suicide risk warnings. Bimekizumab targets IL-17A and IL-17F, potentially enhancing efficacy but with added risk of infections. These differences impact efficacy, safety, and patient selection in inflammatory diseases.
EP. 3: Clinical Attributes of IL-17 Inhibitors in Psoriasis
March 28th 2025Panelists discuss how IL-17 inhibitors are biologics that target the inflammatory cytokine IL-17 pathway. They demonstrate rapid onset of action, with measurable improvement in most patients within 2 to 4 weeks and peak efficacy by 12 to 16 weeks. They achieve high rates of skin clearance in psoriasis patients and maintain efficacy with long-term use.
EP. 4: IL-17 Inhibitor Treatment Impact on Quality of Life in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
March 28th 2025Panelists discuss how inhibition of IL-17 in psoriasis treatment significantly improves quality of life by reducing inflammation, skin lesions, itching, and pain. Patients report better psychological well-being, increased social confidence, and improved daily functioning as inflammatory pathways are interrupted.
