Long-term Impact of Ixekizumab on Psoriasis Itch Severity: Results from a Phase III Clinical Trial and Long-term Extension

Acta Derm Venereol. 2018 Jan 12;98(1):98-102. doi: 10.2340/00015555-2801.

Abstract

Itching is a prevalent plaque psoriasis symptom. Ixekizumab, an IL-17A antagonist, has demonstrated rapid, significant improvements in itch severity over 12 weeks in Phase III psoriasis trials (UNCOVER-1, UNCOVER-2). We assessed the long-term (through 60 weeks) effect of ixekizumab maintenance therapy (80-mg ixekizumab every 4 weeks [IXEQ4W]) on itch severity, using the Itch Numeric Rating Scale, in psoriasis patients who received ixekizumab, placebo, or etanercept for 12 weeks in the Phase III UNCOVER-3 trial. After 12 weeks, patients either continued or switched to IXEQ4W. Mean improvements in itch severity achieved with 12 weeks of ixekizumab (-4.7 to -5.1) were maintained through 60 weeks with IXEQ4W (-4.9 to -5.0). Patients who initially received placebo or etanercept experienced rapid itch severity improvements after switching to ixekizumab at Week 12 (Week 12, placebo: -0.6; etanercept: -3.8; Week 60, placebo/IXEQ4W: -4.9; etanercept/IXEQ4W: -4.7). Ixekizumab maintenance therapy sustained improvements in itch severity through 60 weeks.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Etanercept / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maintenance Chemotherapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pruritus / drug therapy*
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Psoriasis / complications
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • ixekizumab
  • Etanercept