Ixekizumab demonstrates long-term efficacy

Ixekizumab (Taltz, Eli Lilly) demonstrated sustained efficacy in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, according to multiple long-term and post-hoc analyses.

Eli Lilly shared results from the extension period of UNCOVER-3 at the 29th annual European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress. The results demonstrated a five-year sustained efficacy of ixekizumab in patients with psoriasis in treating challenging body areas, such as the scalp, nails, palms and soles.

"Finding an effective long-term treatment option that can clear hard-to-treat body areas that patients find particularly burdensome, such as the scalp and nails, is one of the most important considerations when treating psoriasis," says Andrew Blauvelt, M.D., M.B.A., a board-certified dermatologist, president of Oregon Medical Research Center, and lead author of the UNCOVER-3 five-year disclosure. "These data demonstrate that ixekizumab was able to provide sustained responses in these challenging skin areas and should help physicians make informed treatment decisions for their psoriasis patients."

In the UNCOVER-3 study, adult patients were initially randomized across four treatment arms to receive placebo, ixekizumab 80 mg every two weeks or every four weeks following an initial dose of ixekizumab 160 mg, or etanercept (Enbrel, Amgen) 50 mg twice weekly in the 12-week induction period. At Week 12, eligible patients entered the long-term extension period and received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved dose of ixekizumab for psoriasis – 80 mg every four weeks. This analysis examines the patients who received the label-approved dose of ixekizumab. For these patients, Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI), the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) and/or the Palmoplantar Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PPASI) were assessed through 264 weeks, according to a company press release.¹

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In the study, ixekizumab demonstrated sustained efficacy in adult psoriasis patients with baseline scalp, nail and palmoplantar (skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet) involvement. At five years (Week 264), 83%, 73% and 89% of ixekizumab patients reported complete clearance in scalp, nail and palmoplantar psoriasis, respectively. Also, patients reported mean percent improvements of 89%, 88% and 95% from baseline in scalp, nail and palmoplantar psoriasis, respectively.

The safety profile of ixekizumab over five years remained consistent with previous reports, with no unexpected safety outcomes and no new adverse events. The majority of the treatment–emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild to moderate with nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infection the most frequently reported.

"These long-term studies provide healthcare providers and people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis valuable information regarding the effectiveness of ixekizumab in helping patients achieve and sustain complete skin clearance, even in these particularly burdensome skin areas," said Lotus Mallbris, M.D., Ph.D., vice president of immunology development at Lilly. "The data presented across Lilly's dermatology portfolio at this year's virtual EADV Congress reflect our commitment to continuously improving the standard of care for the treatment of psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions."

Reference:

E. (2020, October 29). New Data at EADV 2020 Confirm Taltz® (ixekizumab) Demonstrates Sustained Long-Term Efficacy in Patients with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved November, 2020, from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-data-at-eadv-2020-confirm-taltz-ixekizumab-demonstrates-sustained-long-term-efficacy-in-patients-with-psoriasis-and-psoriatic-arthritis-301162144.html