Spotlight on ixekizumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: design, development, and use in therapy

Alessandro Giunta,1,* Alessandra Ventura,1,* Maria Sole Chimenti,2 Luca Bianchi,1 Maria Esposito1 1Department of Dermatology, 2Department of Rheumatology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy *These authors contributed equally to this manuscript Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting up to 3% of the general population, associated with discomfort and impaired quality of life. In recent years, the pathogenic cytokine network of psoriasis has been extensively studied leading to the development of new treatments that provide greater efficacy. Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) has been recognized as a crucial cytokine that mediates immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. Ixekizumab – indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis – is a subcutaneously administered humanized monoclonal antibody that targets IL-17A. A large percentage of patients affected by psoriasis achieved consistent benefits in terms of disease control and rapid onset of action during clinical trials. Overall, ixekizumab brought clinical improvement and a favorable safety profile in phase III trials. Ixekizumab is characterized by consistent efficacy and rapid onset of response; it is not influenced by previous exposure to biologics and has shown good results in areas that are difficult to treat and in severe clinical variants of psoriasis. Ixekizumab has shown significant improvements in the activity of the disease and in those physical functions that inhibit radiographic progression in patients with concomitant involvement of joints. Our data support ixekizumab as a successful therapeutic option for patients affected by moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis. Keywords: biologic therapies, IL-17, ixekizumab, psoriasis