Selective targeting of the IL23 pathway: Generation and characterization of a novel high-affinity humanized anti-IL23A antibody

Therapeutics targeting the IL-23 and IL-17 pathway in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by sharply demarcated erythematous and scaly skin lesions accompanied by systemic manifestations. Classified by WHO as one of the most serious non-infectious diseases, psoriasis affects 2-3% of the global population. Mechanistically, psoriatic lesions result from hyperproliferation and disturbed differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes that are provoked by immune mediators of the IL-23 and IL-17 pathway. Translational immunology has had impressive success in understanding and controlling psoriasis. Psoriasis is the first disease to have been successfully treated with therapeutics that directly block the action of the cytokines of this pathway; in fact, therapeutics that specifically target IL-23, IL-17, and IL-17RA are approved for clinical use and show excellent efficacy. Furthermore, inhibitors of IL-23 and IL-17 intracellular signalling, such as TYK2 or RORγt, are in clinical development. Although therapies that target the IL-23 and IL-17 pathway also improve psoriatic arthritis symptoms, their effects on long-term disease modification and psoriasis-associated comorbidities still need to be explored.

VHH antibody targeting the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 inhibits progression of atherosclerosis

CX3CR1 has been identified as a highly attractive target for several therapeutic interventions. Despite this potential, no potent antagonists, either small molecule or monoclonal antibody, have been identified. Here we describe the lead finding and engineering approach that lead to the identification of BI 655088, a potent biotherapeutic antagonist to CX3CR1. BI 655088 is a potent CX3CR1 antagonist that, upon therapeutic dosing, significantly inhibits plaque progression in the standard mouse model of atherosclerosis. BI 655088 represents a novel and highly selective biotherapeutic that could reduce inflammation in the atherosclerotic plaque when added to standard of care treatment including statins, which could result in a significant decrease in atherothrombotic events in patients with existing cardiovascular disease.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Risankizumab in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: Results from a Phase 2 Open-Label Extension Trial

INTRODUCTION

Although many biologic therapies are effective for clearing skin of patients with psoriasis, some lose effectiveness over time. This phase 2 open-label extension (OLE) trial was designed to investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of risankizumab.

METHODS

In the phase 2, double-blind, active comparator, predecessor trial (NCT02054481), patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis were treated for 24 weeks with subcutaneous (SC) risankizumab or ustekinumab, followed by a 24-week follow-up without treatment administration. Patients could enroll in the OLE (NCT02203851) when they experienced loss of treatment response (< 50% improvement in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index [PASI 50]) during follow-up) or at the end of follow-up if treatment response was ongoing. In the OLE, patients were treated every 12 weeks for at least 48 weeks with SC risankizumab 90 or 180 mg, beginning at week 12 (OLE visit 2), if the patient had not achieved PASI 90. Efficacy endpoints included the proportions of patients who achieved PASI 50/75/90/100 and static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) of clear or almost clear skin at week 48 (sPGA 0/1; OLE visit 5).

RESULTS

Of the 110 enrolled patients, 99 (90.0%) completed the OLE. No patients discontinued the study because of adverse events. At week 48, 74.1% of patients achieved PASI 90, whereas 98.1, 91.7, 53.7, and 67.6% achieved PASI 50/75/100 and sPGA 0/1, respectively. All efficacy results were consistent or slightly increased at OLE week 48 compared with week 12. No new safety findings were observed.

CONCLUSION

Risankizumab treatment was well tolerated with sustained clinical efficacy for at least 48 weeks.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier; NCT02203851.

A non-clinical comparative study of IL-23 antibodies in psoriasis

Four antibodies that inhibit interleukin (IL)-23 are approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Here, we present non-clinical data comparing ustekinumab, guselkumab, tildrakizumab and risankizumab with regard to thermostability, IL-23 binding affinity, inhibitory-binding mode, in vitro potency and in vivo efficacy. Risankizumab and guselkumab exhibited 5-fold higher affinity for IL-23 and showed more potent inhibition of IL-23 signaling than ustekinumab and tildrakizumab. Risankizumab and guselkumab completely blocked the binding of IL-23 to IL-23Rα as expected, whereas tildrakizumab did not. In vitro, risankizumab and guselkumab blocked the terminal differentiation of TH17 cells in a similar manner, while tildrakizumab had minimal impact on TH17 differentiation. In a human IL-23-induced ear-swelling mouse model, risankizumab and guselkumab were more effective than ustekinumab and tildrakizumab at reducing IL-17, IL-22, and keratinocyte gene expression. Our results indicate that the four clinically approved antibodies targeting IL-23 differ in affinity and binding epitope. These attributes contribute to differences in in vitro potency, receptor interaction inhibition mode and in vivo efficacy in preclinical studies as described in this report, and similarly may affect the clinical performance of these drugs.

IBI112, a selective anti-IL23p19 monoclonal antibody, displays high efficacy in IL-23-induced psoriasiform dermatitis

Psoriasis is a highly prevalent inflammatory skin disease. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, and the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis plays a key role in disease progression. In this article, we describe IBI112, a highly potent anti-IL-23 monoclonal antibody under clinical development, which efficiently neutralizes IL23p19, a subunit of IL-23, to abrogate IL-23 binding to its receptor and block downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. Specifically, IBI112 blocked IL-23 induced downstream IL-17 production from splenocytes. In addition, IBI112 administration reduced skin thickness in a psoriasis-like epidermal hyperplasia mouse model challenged by continuous hIL-23 injection. IBI112 showed synergism with an anti-IL-1R antibody in controlling disease progression in an imiquimod (IMQ) -induced psoriasis model. Moreover, with mutations in Fc fragment of IBI112, extended half-life was observed when compared to the wild-type IgG1 version in both human-FcRn-knock-in mice and cynomolgus monkeys. IBI112 was well tolerated after high dose administration in cynomolgus monkeys. In summary, we have developed an extended half-life, anti-IL-23p19 monoclonal antibody, IBI112, which efficiently neutralized IL-23, blocked IL-23-induced IL-17 production, and alleviated disease symptoms in two mouse models of psoriasis.

Efficacy and safety of risankizumab vs. secukinumab in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (IMMerge): results from a phase III, randomized, open-label, efficacy-assessor-blinded clinical trial

Background

Patients with plaque psoriasis treated with biologic therapies need more efficacious, safe and convenient treatments to improve quality of life. Risankizumab and secukinumab inhibit interleukin‐23 and interleukin‐17A, respectively, and are effective in adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis but have different dosing regimens.

Objectives

To compare directly the efficacy and safety of risankizumab vs. secukinumab over 52 weeks.

Methods

IMMerge was an international, phase III, multicentre, open‐label, efficacy–assessor‐blinded, active‐comparator study, in which adult patients with chronic, moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to treatment with risankizumab 150 mg or secukinumab 300 mg. Primary efficacy endpoints were the proportions of patients achieving ≥ 90% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90) at week 16 (noninferiority comparison with margin of 12%) and week 52 (superiority comparison).

Results

In total 327 patients from nine countries were treated with risankizumab (n = 164) or secukinumab (n = 163). Risankizumab was noninferior to secukinumab in the proportion of patients achieving PASI 90 at week 16 [73·8% vs. 65·6%; difference of 8·2%, 96·25% confidence interval (CI)−2·2 to 18·6; within the 12% noninferiority margin] and superior to secukinumab at week 52 (86·6% vs. 57·1%; difference of 29·8%, 95% CI 20·8–38·8; P < 0·001), thus meeting both primary endpoints. All secondary endpoints (PASI 100, static Physician's Global Assessment 0 or 1, and PASI 75) at week 52 demonstrated superiority for risankizumab vs. secukinumab (P < 0·001). No new safety concerns were identified.

Conclusions

At week 52, risankizumab demonstrated superior efficacy and similar safety with less frequent dosing compared with secukinumab.

What is already known about this topic?

The need remains for treatments with sustained efficacy and a more convenient dosing schedule in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Risankizumab and secukinumab are indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis and target interleukin‐23 and interleukin‐17, respectively.

To date, risankizumab and secukinumab have not been directly compared.

What does this study add?

IMMerge directly compared the safety and efficacy of risankizumab and secukinumab in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis using ≥ 90% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index at weeks 16 (noninferiority) and 52 (superiority) as primary endpoints.

In terms of efficacy risankizumab was noninferior to secukinumab at week 16 and superior to secukinumab at week 52 of treatment based on primary endpoint analyses. The two medications had a similar safety profile.

Linked Comment:Schmitt-Egenolf. Br J Dermatol 2021; 184: 3–4.

Plain language summary available online

Population Pharmacokinetics of Risankizumab in Healthy Volunteers and Subjects with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Integrated Analyses of Phase I-III Clinical Trials

Background and Objective

Risankizumab is an anti-interleukin (IL)-23 monoclonal antibody being developed for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This study provided a comprehensive analysis of risankizumab pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects and patients with plaque psoriasis using data across phase I–III clinical trials.

Methods

Plasma pharmacokinetic data from 1899 subjects, including 13,123 observations, who received single or multiple intravenous or subcutaneous doses of risankizumab (0.01–5 mg/kg intravenous [IV], 200–1200 mg IV, 0.25–1 mg/kg subcutaneous [SC], and 18–300 mg SC) across the phase I–III clinical program were analyzed using a non-linear mixed-effects modeling approach. The developed model was qualified and the clinical relevance of covariates statistically correlated with risankizumab clearance (CL) was evaluated using simulation analyses.

Results

Risankizumab pharmacokinetics were best described using a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination. Risankizumab CL, volume of distribution at steady state (V_ss), and terminal-phase elimination half-life (t_½) were estimated to be approximately 0.31 L/day, 11.2 L, and 28 days, respectively, for a typical 90 kg psoriatic subject, approaching steady-state plasma exposures by week 16 of dosing. Absolute SC bioavailability (F) was 89%. Bodyweight, anti-drug antibody (ADA) titers ≥ 128 (detected in only 1% of ADA-evaluable subjects in phase III studies), baseline serum albumin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and serum creatinine were statistically correlated with risankizumab CL; however, they had no clinically relevant impact on exposure.

Conclusion

Risankizumab is characterized by dose-proportional, bi-exponential disposition with no difference in exposure between healthy subjects and patients with psoriasis. None of the covariates identified as being statistically correlated with risankizumab CL has a clinically meaningful impact on its exposure with the proposed psoriasis clinical regimen of 150 mg administered SC at weeks 0 and 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers

NCT01577550, NCT02054481, NCT02596217, NCT02684370, NCT02672852, NCT02684357, NCT02694523.

Lack of Effect of 12-Week Treatment with Risankizumab on the Pharmacokinetics of Cytochrome P450 Probe Substrates in Patients with Moderate to Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of risankizumab on the in vivo activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A in psoriasis patients using a cocktail approach.

METHODS

Patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis (n = 21) received single oral doses of sensitive probe substrates for CYP1A2 (caffeine 100 mg), CYP2C9 (warfarin 10 mg), CYP2C19 (omeprazole 20 mg), CYP2D6 (metoprolol 50 mg), and CYP3A (midazolam 2 mg) on day 1, followed by 12 weeks of subcutaneous risankizumab treatment of 150 mg once every 4 weeks from day 8 to day 92, and again the same cocktail of substrates on day 98. Serial blood samples were collected for determination of the CYP probe drugs and metabolites with and without risankizumab. Trough samples were collected for risankizumab.

RESULTS

The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity (AUC_∞) ratios for the CYP probe substrates administered with risankizumab versus without risankizumab were within the default 0.8-1.25 equivalence bounds. Similar results were observed for maximum plasma concentration (C_max), except for omeprazole, for which the lower bound of the 90% CI for C_max (0.73) extended slightly below the default equivalence limit. No differences were observed in metabolite-to-parent drug C_max or AUC ratios with risankizumab versus without risankizumab. Risankizumab trough plasma concentrations significantly exceeded those of the phase III regimen of risankizumab in psoriasis (150 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4 and every 12 weeks thereafter).

CONCLUSIONS

Risankizumab did not affect the in vivo activity of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A enzymes in patients with moderate or severe plaque psoriasis and therefore has no potential for drug interactions through these enzymes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02772601.

A Bispecific DLL3/CD3 IgG-Like T-Cell Engaging Antibody Induces Antitumor Responses in Small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most lethal and aggressive subtype of lung carcinoma characterized by highly chemotherapy-resistant recurrence in the majority of patients. To effectively treat SCLC, we have developed a unique and novel IgG-like T-cell engaging bispecific antibody (ITE) that potently redirects T-cells to specifically lyse SCLC cells expressing Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), an antigen that is frequently expressed on the cell surface of SCLC cells, with no to very little detectable expression in normal tissues.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The antitumor activity and mode of action of DLL3/CD3 ITE was evaluated in vitro using SCLC cell lines and primary human effector cells and in vivo in an SCLC xenograft model reconstituted with human CD3⁺ T-cells.

RESULTS

Selective binding of DLL3/CD3 ITE to DLL3-positive tumor cells and T-cells induces formation of an immunological synapse resulting in tumor cell lysis and activation of T-cells. In a human T-cell engrafted xenograft model, the DLL3/CD3 ITE leads to an increase in infiltration of T-cells into the tumor tissue resulting in apoptosis of the tumor cells and tumor regression. Consistent with the mode of action, the DLL3/CD3 ITE treatment led to upregulation of PD-1, PD-L1, and LAG-3.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the ability of the DLL3/CD3 ITE to induce strictly DLL3-dependent T-cell redirected lysis of tumor cells and recruitment of T-cells into noninflamed tumor tissues leading to tumor regression in a preclinical in vivo model. These data support clinical testing of the DLL3/CD3 ITE in patients with SCLC.

Population Pharmacokinetics of the Interleukin-23 Inhibitor Risankizumab in Subjects with Psoriasis and Crohn's Disease: Analyses of Phase I and II Trials

Background and Objectives

Risankizumab is a humanized anti-interleukin-23 monoclonal antibody in development for the treatment of several inflammatory diseases. This work characterized the pharmacokinetics of risankizumab and evaluated covariates that may affect its exposures using phase I and II trial data in subjects with psoriasis and Crohn’s disease.

Methods

Plasma concentration measurements from a phase I study and a phase II study in subjects with psoriasis (n = 157; single doses of 0.01–5 mg/kg intravenously, 0.25–1 mg/kg subcutaneously, and 18 mg subcutaneously, and multiple doses of 90 and 180 mg subcutaneously), and a phase II study in subjects with Crohn’s disease (n = 115; doses of 200 or 600 mg intravenously every 4 weeks followed by 180 mg subcutaneously every 8 weeks) were analyzed using non-linear mixed-effects modeling. The model was qualified using bootstrap and simulation-based diagnostics.

Results

A two-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination described the pharmacokinetics of risankizumab. Considering the body weight and baseline albumin central tendency differences between disease populations, risankizumab clearance, steady-state volume of distribution, and terminal-phase elimination half-life were estimated to be approximately 0.35 L/day, 11.7 L, and 27 days, respectively, for a typical 90-kg subject with psoriasis with an albumin level of 42 g/L, and 0.31 L/day, 8.45 L, and 22 days, respectively, for a typical 65-kg subject with Crohn’s disease with an albumin level of 37 g/L. Risankizumab absolute subcutaneous bioavailability and absorption rate constant were 72% and 0.18 day⁻¹, respectively. Inter-individual variability for clearance was 37%.

Conclusions

Risankizumab displayed pharmacokinetic characteristics typical for an IgG1 monoclonal antibody with no apparent target-mediated disposition. Accounting for the effects of body weight and baseline albumin explained the small differences in the pharmacokinetics of risankizumab between psoriasis and Crohn’s disease, with no further differences between the patient populations.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40262-018-0704-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Virus-Like Particle-Mediated Vaccination against Interleukin-13 May Harbour General Anti-Allergic Potential beyond Atopic Dermatitis

Virus-like particle (VLP)-based anti-infective prophylactic vaccination has been established in clinical use. Although validated in proof-of-concept clinical trials in humans, no VLP-based therapeutic vaccination against self-proteins to modulate chronic disease has yet been licensed. The present review summarises recent scientific advances, identifying interleukin-13 as an excellent candidate to validate the concept of anti-cytokine vaccination. Based on numerous clinical studies, long-term elimination of IL-13 is not expected to trigger target-related serious adverse effects and is likely to be safer than combined targeting of IL-4/IL-13. Furthermore, recently published results from large-scale trials confirm that elimination of IL-13 is highly effective in atopic dermatitis, an exceedingly common condition, as well as eosinophilic esophagitis. The distinctly different mode of action of a polyclonal vaccine response is discussed in detail, suggesting that anti-IL-13 vaccination has the potential of outperforming monoclonal antibody-based approaches. Finally, recent data have identified a subset of follicular T helper cells dependent on IL-13 which selectively trigger massive IgE accumulation in response to anaphylactoid allergens. Thus, prophylactic IL-13 vaccination may have broad application in a number of allergic conditions.

Interleukin-23 Blockers: Born to be First-line Biologic Agents in Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Over the past decades, the advent of anti-TNF agents has dramatically changed the treatment algorithms for IBD. However, primarily and more importantly, secondary loss of response to anti-TNF agents, is often observed. Thus, new treatment options have been actively explored and some have already been incorporated in the current clinical practice. Among the class of anti-cytokine agents, the anti-IL12/IL23 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been first presented, in clinical practice, by the anti-p40 mAb ustekinumab in Crohn's disease (CD). More selective anti-IL23 agents (anti-p19) have shown efficacy and are being further developed, in contrast to agents inhibiting IL-17 downstream, which have failed in IBD clinical trials despite their clear efficacy in psoriasis.

Emerging treatments for inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is characterized by chronic inflammation, a relapsing and remitting clinical course, requirement for lifelong medication and often, significant morbidity. While multiple effective therapeutic options exist for the treatment of IBD, a proportion of patients will either fail to respond or lose response to therapy. Advances in therapeutics, such as the gut-specific anti-integrins, now offer patients an alternative option to systemic immunosuppression. Anti-interleukin 12 (anti-IL-12)/IL-23 agents offer new and effective treatment options for CD, while the oral small molecules now offer an oral alternative for the treatment of moderate-to-severe disease, previously requiring subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion. Alternatives to pharmacological treatment such as stem-cell transplant and faecal microbiota transplant are also showing some promise in the treatment of both CD and UC.

Effects of Anti-Cytokine Antibodies on Gut Barrier Function

Anti-cytokine antibodies are used in treating chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatic diseases. Patients with these diseases often have a compromised gut barrier function, suggesting that anti-cytokine antibodies may contribute to the re-establishment of gut barrier integrity, in addition to their immunomodulatory effects. This paper reviews the effects of anti-cytokine antibodies on gut barrier function and their mechanisms.

Meta-Analyses of Clinical Efficacy of Risankizumab and Adalimumab in Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: Supporting Evidence of Risankizumab Superiority

Risankizumab, an anti‐interleukin‐23 monoclonal antibody, achieved significantly (P < 0.001) greater Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) clear or almost clear (0/1) responses than adalimumab in a phase III trial in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. Meta‐analyses of the PASI 50, PASI 75, PASI 90, PASI 100, and sPGA0/1 responses after 16 weeks of treatment from eight (three for risankizumab and five for adalimumab) randomized, placebo‐controlled trials were conducted to estimate the efficacy difference between risankizumab and adalimumab. For PASI 75, PASI 90, PASI 100, and sPGA0/1 responses, the estimated effect differences (95% confidence interval) between risankizumab and adalimumab were 15.2% (10.1%, 20.4%), 23.7% (15.7%, 31.2%), 20.8% (13.0%, 28.7%), and 20.1% (13.7%, 26.1%), respectively. These results were consistent with the observed efficacy difference from the head‐to‐head phase III trial, which was not included in the meta‐analyses, providing independent, confirmatory evidence of the superior efficacy of risankizumab compared with adalimumab for treatment of moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Risankizumab in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting multiple organ systems affecting approximately 2% of the population worldwide. The etiology is multifactorial etiology with multiple co-morbidities complicating the disease. Therapeutic options for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis have made tremendous strides since the turn of the century and biologic agents are now generally considered to be safe, efficacious and common options for these patients. However, some patients remain recalcitrant to the current treatment options. Risankizumab is a newly US FDA-approved biologic therapy that inhibits IL-23p19 subunit, which is specific to IL-23. Risankizumab has proven rapid onset, safety and efficacy in moderate-to-severe psoriasis and is currently being studied in other diseases utilizing the IL-23 pathway.

Risankizumab for the treatment of psoriasis

Introduction: The interleukin （IL）-23 and IL-17 pathway is closely related to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This pathway is considered to be an important target for treating psoriasis. Risankizumab can selectively inhibit IL-23p19 subunit and for the treatment of psoriasis. This article aims to review risankizumab and provides reference for clinicians. Areas covered: The chemical property, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety of risankizumab was introduced in this paper. A PubMed search using the terms 'risankizumab,' 'IL-23,' 'p19 subunit,' and 'psoriasis,' was performed, and the results were screened for the most relevant English language publications. Expert opinion: Risankizumab is a humanized IgG monoclonal antibody that binds to the p19 subunit of IL-23 and inhibits its interaction with the IL-23 receptor. Clinical trials showed that risankizumab was significantly more effective than ustekinumab. Risankizumab was well tolerated, upper respiratory tract infection was the common adverse reactions. Therefore, the market of risankizumab provides an important therapeutic means for psoriasis.

Risankizumab compared with adalimumab in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (IMMvent): a randomised, double-blind, active-comparator-controlled phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 100 million people worldwide, and is a disease that can be ameliorated by anti-cytokine treatment. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of risankizumab with adalimumab in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

IMMvent was a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, active-comparator-controlled trial completed at 66 clinics in 11 countries. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 using interactive response technology to receive 150 mg risankizumab subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4 or 80 mg adalimumab subcutaneously at randomisation, then 40 mg at weeks 1, 3, 5, and every other week thereafter during a 16-week double-blind treatment period (part A). For weeks 16-44 (part B), adalimumab intermediate responders were re-randomised 1:1 to continue 40 mg adalimumab or switch to 150 mg risankizumab. In part A, participants and investigators were masked to study treatment. Randomisation was stratified by weight and previous tumour necrosis factor inhibitor exposure. Co-primary endpoints in part A were a 90% improvement from baseline (PASI 90) and a static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) score of 0 or 1 at week 16, and for part B was PASI 90 at week 44 (non-responder imputation). Efficacy analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population and safety analyses were done in the safety population (all patients who received at least one dose of study drug or placebo). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02694523.

FINDINGS

Between March 31, 2016, and Aug 24, 2017, 605 patients were randomly assigned to receive either risankizumab (n=301, 50%) or adalimumab (n=304, 50%). 294 (98%) of patients in the risankizumab group and 291 (96%) in the adalimumab group completed part A, and 51 (96%) of 53 patients re-randomised to risankizumab and 51 (91%) of 56 patients re-randomised to continue adalimumab completed part B. At week 16, PASI 90 was achieved in 218 (72%) of 301 patients given risankizumab and 144 (47%) of 304 patients given adalimumab (adjusted absolute difference 24·9% [95% CI 17·5-32·4]; p<0·0001), and sPGA scores of 0 or 1 were achieved in 252 (84%) patients given risankizumab and 252 (60%) patients given adalimumab (adjusted absolute difference 23·3% [16·6-30·1]; p<0·0001). In part B, among adalimumab intermediate responders, PASI 90 was achieved by 35 (66%) of 53 patients switched to risankizumab and 12 (21%) of 56 patients continuing adalimumab (adjusted absolute difference 45·0% [28·9-61·1]; p<0·0001) at week 44. Adverse events were reported in 168 (56%) of 301 patients given risankizumab and 179 (57%) of 304 patients given adalimumab in part A, and among adalimumab intermediate responders, adverse events were reported in 40 (75%) of 53 patients who switched to risankizumab and 37 (66%) of 56 patients who continued adalimumab in part B.

INTERPRETATION

Risankizumab showed significantly greater efficacy than adalimumab in providing skin clearance in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. No additional safety concerns were identified for patients who switched from adalimumab to risankizumab. Treatment with risankizumab provides flexibility in the long-term treatment of psoriasis.

FUNDING

AbbVie and Boehringer Ingelheim.

Pharmacokinetics of Risankizumab in Asian Healthy Subjects and Patients With Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis, Generalized Pustular Psoriasis, and Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Risankizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-23 p19 subunit, was developed for the treatment of psoriasis. This work characterizes risankizumab pharmacokinetics in Japanese and Chinese healthy subjects compared with white healthy subjects and in Japanese patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, generalized pustular psoriasis, or erythrodermic psoriasis. A phase 1, single-dose study evaluated risankizumab pharmacokinetics and safety/tolerability in healthy white (18 and 300 mg subcutaneous [SC]), Japanese (18, 90, and 300 mg SC and 200, 600, and 1200 mg intravenous [IV]), and Chinese (18, 90, and 300 mg SC) subjects; pharmacokinetic data were analyzed using noncompartmental methods. Risankizumab pharmacokinetic data from phase 2/3 studies in Japanese patients with plaque psoriasis, generalized pustular psoriasis, or erythrodermic psoriasis following multiple SC doses of 75 mg or 150 mg were analyzed using a population pharmacokinetic approach along with data from the phase 1 and global phase 1 to 3 studies. Risankizumab plasma exposures (peak plasma concentration and area under the concentration-time curve) were approximately dose-proportional across 18- to 300-mg SC or 200- to 1200-mg IV doses. Risankizumab terminal elimination half-life (harmonic mean 27-34 days) was comparable across doses and ethnicities. Risankizumab exposures were approximately 20% to 30% higher in Japanese and Chinese healthy subjects compared with white healthy subjects or in Japanese patients compared with non-Japanese patients. After accounting for body-weight differences, risankizumab exposures were comparable across ethnicities. Overall, there was no ethnic impact on risankizumab pharmacokinetics, and the small difference in exposure due to body weight has no clinical relevance.

Risankizumab in the treatment of psoriasis - literature review

Risankizumab is a humanized, monoclonal antibody directed against subunit p19 of interleukin 23 (IL-23). In February 2019, risankizumab was approved for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. The aim of the work is to collect up-to-date information on risankizumab and present its mechanism of action and recent clinical trials in which it was applied. This work also compares the mechanisms of action of risankizumab and ustekinumab and their importance in the treatment of psoriasis and describes the role of IL-23 in the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis. The work also refers to the effectiveness of risankizumab treatment and its safety profile. The results of molecular and histological studies that show changes in psoriatic skin after risankizumab treatment are also described.

Selective Interleukin-23 p19 Inhibition: Another Game Changer in Psoriasis? Focus on Risankizumab

The history of psoriasis treatment has been marked by several milestones. Corticosteroids, cyclosporine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors and, more recently, interleukin (IL)-17A inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of psoriasis, each in its own way and time. The IL-23/IL-17 axis is currently considered to be crucial in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and selective IL-23p19 inhibition may bring several advantages with respect to IL-12/23p40 inhibition, or distal blockade of IL-17A or its receptor. In fact, IL-12 axis inhibition does not appear to be essential in psoriasis and IL-12 inhibition may even have a negative effect in the treatment of psoriasis and have potential risks in tumor immune surveillance and in host defense against intracellular pathogens. On the other hand, contrary to IL-17 inhibition, IL-23p19 blockade does not increase the risk of candida infection, nor is it associated with inflammatory bowel disease worsening. Several IL-23p19 inhibitors are currently being developed for the treatment of psoriasis, such as tildrakizumab, guselkumab, and risankizumab. Although clinical data on risankizumab is still scarce, it has shown characteristics that signify a major advance in the treatment of this disease, offering comparable or higher efficacy than IL-17 inhibitors, without the safety concerns of this therapeutic class, combined with the excellent dosing regimen of ustekinumab. Currently, only phase II trial data is available; thus, the results of the large phase III trials will be essential to establish the efficacy and safety profile of risankizumab and its value in the biological armamentarium for the treatment of psoriatic patients.

Selective IL-23 Inhibition by Risankizumab Modulates the Molecular Profile in the Colon and Ileum of Patients With Active Crohn's Disease: Results From a Randomised Phase II Biopsy Sub-study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of action of risankizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-23 p19 subunit, previously reported to induce clinical and endoscopic remission in a randomised phase II study in patients with active Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Ileum and colon biopsies obtained at screening and Week 12 from a subgroup of patients [n = 106] in the risankizumab phase II study were analysed by transcriptome-wide RNA-Seq profiling. Univariate associations were assessed using linear modelling.

RESULTS

By Week 12, risankizumab significantly decreased [p < 0.005] the expression of 1880 and 765 genes in the colon [false-discovery rate = 0.02] and ileum [false-discovery rate = 0.05], respectively. These genes were associated with the IL-23/IL-17 axis, Th1 pathway, innate immunity, and tissue turnover. Colonic transcriptomic profiles following risankizumab treatment reflected the transcriptomic changes observed in patients achieving endoscopic response and remission at Week 12 and were significantly different from placebo [p < 0.005]. The colonic transcriptomic profile, significantly modulated by risankizumab at Week 12, was indicative of suppression of pathways associated with epithelial biology. Furthermore, pathways associated with Crohn's disease modulated by risankizumab treatment included second messenger-mediated signalling, immune response, lymphocyte and leucocyte activation, lymphocyte differentiation and cell-cell adhesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic remission and response observed with risankizumab in patients with active Crohn's disease was associated with significant transcriptomic changes in the colon, compared with placebo. Differentiated expression of genes associated with the IL-23/IL-17 axis was observed in the colon and ileum 12 weeks after risankizumab treatment.

Risankizumab, an IL-23 inhibitor, for ankylosing spondylitis: results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept, dose-finding phase 2 study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of risankizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23), in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHODS

A total of 159 patients with biological-naïve AS, with active disease (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score of ≥4), were randomised (1:1:1:1) to risankizumab (18 mg single dose, 90 mg or 180 mg at day 1 and weeks 8, 16 and 24) or placebo over a 24-week blinded period. The primary outcome was a 40% improvement in Assessment in Spondylo Arthritis International Society (ASAS40) at week 12. Safety was assessed in patients who received at least one dose of study drug.

RESULTS

At week 12, ASAS40 response rates were 25.5%, 20.5% and 15.0% in the 18 mg, 90 mg and 180 mg risankizumab groups, respectively, compared with 17.5% in the placebo group. The estimated difference in proportion between the 180 mg risankizumab and placebo groups (primary endpoint) was -2.5% (95% CI -21.8 to 17.0; p=0.42). Rates of adverse events were similar in all treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with risankizumab did not meet the study primary endpoint and showed no evidence of clinically meaningful improvements compared with placebo in patients with active AS, suggesting that IL-23 may not be a relevant driver of disease pathogenesis and symptoms in AS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02047110; Pre-results.

Efficacy and safety of risankizumab in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (UltIMMa-1 and UltIMMa-2): results from two double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled and ustekinumab-controlled phase 3 trials

BACKGROUND

Risankizumab is a humanised IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to the p19 subunit of interleukin-23, inhibiting this key cytokine and its role in psoriatic inflammation. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of risankizumab compared with placebo or ustekinumab in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

UltIMMa-1 and UltIMMa-2 were replicate phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active comparator-controlled trials done at 139 sites in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, and the USA. Eligible patients were 18 years or older, with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. In each study, patients were stratified by weight and previous exposure to tumour necrosis factor inhibitor and randomly assigned (3:1:1) by use of interactive response technology to receive 150 mg risankizumab, 45 mg or 90 mg ustekinumab (weight-based per label), or placebo. Following the 16-week double-blind treatment period (part A), patients initially assigned to placebo switched to 150 mg risankizumab at week 16; other patients continued their originally randomised treatment (part B, double-blind, weeks 16-52). Study drug was administered subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4 during part A and at weeks 16, 28, and 40 during part B. Co-primary endpoints were proportions of patients achieving a 90% improvement in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI 90) and a static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) score of 0 or 1 at week 16 (non-responder imputation). All efficacy analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. These trials are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, numbers NCT02684370 (UltIMMa-1) and NCT02684357 (UltIMMa-2), and have been completed.

FINDINGS

Between Feb 24, 2016, and Aug 31, 2016, 506 patients in UltIMMa-1 were randomly assigned to receive 150 mg risankizumab (n=304), 45 mg or 90 mg ustekinumab (n=100), or placebo (n=102). Between March 1, 2016, and Aug 30, 2016, 491 patients in UltIMMa-2 were randomly assigned to receive 150 mg risankizumab (n=294), 45 mg or 90 mg ustekinumab (n=99), or placebo (n=98). Co-primary endpoints were met for both studies. At week 16 of UltIMMa-1, PASI 90 was achieved by 229 (75·3%) patients receiving risankizumab versus five (4·9%) receiving placebo (placebo-adjusted difference 70·3% [95% CI 64·0-76·7]) and 42 (42·0%) receiving ustekinumab (ustekinumab-adjusted difference 33·5% [22·7-44·3]; p<0·0001 vs placebo and ustekinumab). At week 16 of UltIMMa-2, PASI 90 was achieved by 220 (74·8%) patients receiving risankizumab versus two (2·0%) receiving placebo (placebo-adjusted difference 72·5% [95% CI 66·8-78·2]) and 47 (47·5%) receiving ustekinumab (ustekinumab-adjusted difference 27·6% [16·7-38·5]; p<0·0001 vs placebo and ustekinumab). In UltIMMa-1, sPGA 0 or 1 at week 16 was achieved by 267 (87·8%) patients receiving risankizumab versus eight (7·8%) receiving placebo (placebo-adjusted difference 79·9% [95% CI 73·5-86·3]) and 63 (63·0%) receiving ustekinumab (ustekinumab-adjusted difference 25·1% [15·2-35·0]; p<0·0001 vs placebo and ustekinumab). In UltIMMa-2, 246 (83·7%) patients receiving risankizumab versus five (5·1%) receiving placebo (placebo-adjusted difference 78·5% [95% CI 72·4-84·5]) and 61 (61·6%) receiving ustekinumab achieved sPGA 0 or 1 at week 16 (ustekinumab-adjusted difference 22·3% [12·0-32·5]; p<0·0001 vs placebo and ustekinumab). The frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events in UltIMMa-1 and UltIMMa-2 was similar across risankizumab (part A: 151 [49·7%] of 304 and 134 [45·6%] of 294; part B: 182 [61·3%] of 297 and 162 [55·7%] of 291), placebo (part A: 52 [51·0%] of 102 and 45 [45·9%] of 98), ustekinumab (part A: 50 [50·0%] of 100 and 53 [53·5%] of 99; part B: 66 [66·7%] of 99 and 70 [74·5%] of 94), and placebo to risankizumab (part B: 65 [67·0%] of 97 and 61 [64·9%] of 94) treatment groups throughout the study duration.

INTERPRETATION

Risankizumab showed superior efficacy to both placebo and ustekinumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Treatment-emergent adverse event profiles were similar across treatment groups and there were no unexpected safety findings.

FUNDING

AbbVie and Boehringer Ingelheim.

Design and characterization of Zweimab and Doppelmab, high affinity dual antagonistic anti-TSLP/IL13 bispecific antibodies

Patients with severe Th2 type asthma often have a steroid resistant phenotype and are prone to acute exacerbations. Current novel therapies have only marginal therapeutic effects. One of the hypotheses for lack of major efficacy in most patients is targeting only one redundant pathway leaving others active. Hence, we have designed and developed novel highly potent bispecific anti-TSLP/IL13 antibodies called Zweimabs (monovalent bispecific) and Doppelmabs (bivalent bispecific) that concurrently inhibits the signaling by these two cytokines.

Inhibition of interleukin-12 and/or interleukin-23 for the treatment of psoriasis: What is the evidence for an effect on malignancy?

Immune cells and cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23 promote cellular responses mediated by T cells, which contribute to an inflammatory loop responsible for the induction and maintenance of psoriatic plaques. Antibodies that inhibit IL-12/23 or IL-23 are key treatment options for patients with psoriasis. IL-12 and IL-23 also play a key role in immune responses to infections and tumors. A growing body of information from clinical trials, cohort studies, postmarketing reports, genetic studies and animal models provides insights into the potential biological relationships between IL-12/23 inhibition and malignancies. We summarize this information in tables and provide some context for the interpretation of these data with the goal of informing dermatologists who are using IL-12/23 or IL-23 inhibitors to treat patients with psoriasis.

Role of the IL-23/IL-17 Axis in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: The Clinical Importance of Its Divergence in Skin and Joints

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease causing erythematosus and scaly skin plaques; up to 30% of patients with psoriasis develop Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), which is characterised by inflammation and progressive damage of the peripheral joints and/or the spine and/or the entheses. The pathogenic mechanisms driving the skin disorder in psoriasis and the joint disease in PsA are sustained by the activation of inflammatory pathways that can be overlapping, but also, at least partially, distinct. Cytokines members of the IL-23/IL-17 family, critical in the development of autoimmunity, are abundantly expressed within the cutaneous lesions but also seem to be involved in chronic inflammation and damage of the synovium though, as it will be here discussed, not in all patients. In this review, we will focus on the state of the art of the molecular features of psoriatic skin and joints, focusing on the specific role of the IL-23/IL-17 pathway in each of these anatomical districts. We will then offer an overview of the approved and in-development biologics targeting this axis, emphasising how the availability of the “target” in the diseased tissues could provide a plausible explanation for the heterogeneous clinical efficacy of these drugs, thus opening future perspective of personalised therapies.

Biologic Therapy and Novel Molecular Targets of Severe Asthma

Treatment options for severe or uncontrolled asthma are increasing, especially pertaining to novel biologic therapies. The 2 primary asthma endotypes, T2 high and T2 low, are defined by the level of type 2 T helper and innate lymphoid cell activity and mediators. Most therapies for severe asthma target T2 high asthma, including the 3 biologics approved for use in the United States and Europe: omalizumb, mepolizumb, and reslizumab. Other biologics, with various molecular targets, are under investigation. Unfortunately, treatment options for T2 low asthma are limited. Although these therapies may improve asthma symptoms, exacerbation rates, and lung function parameters, they have not been shown to modify the disease process or provide lasting benefits after discontinuation. Biomarkers identified thus far to help guide individualized therapy in severe asthma are helpful, but imperfect discriminators for picking the best option for individual patients. This review will discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, and therapeutic effects of currently available and emerging biologics for the treatment of severe or uncontrolled asthma.

Functional variants in the LRRK2 gene confer shared effects on risk for Crohn's disease and Parkinson's disease

Crohn's disease (CD), a form of inflammatory bowel disease, has a higher prevalence in Ashkenazi Jewish than in non-Jewish European populations. To define the role of nonsynonymous mutations, we performed exome sequencing of Ashkenazi Jewish patients with CD, followed by array-based genotyping and association analysis in 2066 CD cases and 3633 healthy controls. We detected association signals in the LRRK2 gene that conferred risk for CD (N2081D variant, P = 9.5 × 10-10) or protection from CD (N551K variant, tagging R1398H-associated haplotype, P = 3.3 × 10-8). These variants affected CD age of onset, disease location, LRRK2 activity, and autophagy. Bayesian network analysis of CD patient intestinal tissue further implicated LRRK2 in CD pathogenesis. Analysis of the extended LRRK2 locus in 24,570 CD cases, patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and healthy controls revealed extensive pleiotropy, with shared genetic effects between CD and PD in both Ashkenazi Jewish and non-Jewish cohorts. The LRRK2 N2081D CD risk allele is located in the same kinase domain as G2019S, a mutation that is the major genetic cause of familial and sporadic PD. Like the G2019S mutation, the N2081D variant was associated with increased kinase activity, whereas neither N551K nor R1398H variants on the protective haplotype altered kinase activity. We also confirmed that R1398H, but not N551K, increased guanosine triphosphate binding and hydrolyzing enzyme (GTPase) activity, thereby deactivating LRRK2. The presence of shared LRRK2 alleles in CD and PD provides refined insight into disease mechanisms and may have major implications for the treatment of these two seemingly unrelated diseases.

Targeting IL-23 in psoriasis: current perspectives

The recent advances in the understanding of psoriasis pathogenesis have clarified the pivotal role of interleukin (IL)-23. It is a heterodimeric cytokine consisting of two subunits, the unique p19 and the p40, which are shared with IL-12. The basic role of IL-23 in psoriasis is the activation and maintenance of the T-helper 17 pathway. New research findings indicate that IL-23 is more important than IL-12 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Based on that background, the selective targeting of the IL-23p19 subunit emerged as an attractive therapeutic option and led to the development of a new category of biologic agents. Three monoclonal antibodies that selectively inhibit the IL-23p19 subunit, guselkumab, tildrakizumab, and risankizumab, are in the pipeline for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. In this article, we review the most recent efficacy and safety data regarding these IL-23p19 inhibitors.

Next generation of biologics for the treatment of Crohn's disease: an evidence-based review on ustekinumab

The limited efficacy of the currently available medical therapies in a proportion of patients with Crohn’s disease has led to the research and development of molecules that can block new inflammatory pathways. Ustekinumab is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody which targets the common p40 subunit of the cytokines interleukin-12 as well as interleukin-23. Consequently, the Th1 and Th17 inflammatory responses are inhibited. Ustekinumab has been recently approved for its use in patients with Crohn’s disease. Its efficacy and safety was initially proved in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. More recently, three Phase III trials have confirmed its efficacy in patients with Crohn’s disease refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. This biologic agent appears safe, with no increased risk of infectious or malignant complications, and a low immunogenic profile.

Generation and functional characterization of anti-human and anti-mouse IL-36R antagonist monoclonal antibodies

Deficiency of interleukin (IL)-36 receptor antagonist (DITRA) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in IL36RN. IL-36R is a cell surface receptor and a member of the IL1R family that is involved in inflammatory responses triggered in skin and other epithelial tissues. Accumulating evidence suggests that IL-36R signaling may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Therapeutic intervention of IL-36R signaling offers an innovative treatment paradigm for targeting epithelial cell-mediated inflammatory diseases such as the life-threatening psoriasis variant called generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). We report the discovery and characterization of MAB92, a potent, high affinity anti-human IL-36 receptor antagonistic antibody that blocks human IL-36 ligand (α, β and γ)-mediated signaling. In vitro treatment with MAB92 directly inhibits human IL-36R-mediated signaling and inflammatory cytokine production in primary human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. MAB92 shows exquisite species specificity toward human IL-36R and does not cross react to murine IL-36R. To enable in vivo pharmacology studies, we developed a mouse cross-reactive antibody, MAB04, which exhibits overlapping binding and pharmacological activity as MAB92. Epitope mapping indicates that MAB92 and MAB04 bind primarily to domain-2 of the human and mouse IL-36R proteins, respectively. Treatment with MAB04 abrogates imiquimod and IL-36-mediated skin inflammation in the mouse, further supporting an important role for IL-36R signaling in epithelial cell-mediated inflammation.

The role of IL 23 in the treatment of psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

The IL-23/IL-17 axis is currently considered to be crucial in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Human IL-23 is primarily produced by antigen-presenting cells and induces and maintains differentiation of Th17 cells and Th22 cells, a primary cellular source of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-17 and IL-22, which mediate the epidermal hyperplasia, keratinocyte immune activation and tissue inflammation inherent in psoriasis. Agents that target the p40 subunit common to both IL-12 and IL-23 have shown robust clinical activity, but selectivity for IL-23p19 could offer advantages in efficacy and safety with respect to anti-p40 blockade. Areas covered: Relevant references regarding the role of the IL-23/IL-17 pathway in the pathogenesis of psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis and clinical trials with IL-23p40 and IL-23p19 blocking agents were obtained through a literature search in MEDLINE/Pubmed for articles published until November 2016. Moreover, ongoing registered clinical trials (RCTs) of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis were searched through clinicaltrials.gov website, and a manual search was made for pertinent communications at the 2016 American Academy of Dermatology and European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology meetings. Expert commentary: There are potential advantages in selective blockade of the IL23-specific p19 subunit with respect to distal blockade of IL-17A or its receptor. Acting upstream in the IL-23/IL-17 cytokine pathway is likely to reduce the expression of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines acting on keratinocytes -including IL-17F, IL-21 and IL-22-, in addition to IL-17A. On the other hand, safety data thus far suggest that these drugs might be devoid of some adverse effects of IL-17A blockade that seem to be class related, such as mucocutaneous Candida infections or triggering or worsening of inflammatory bowel disease. Specific IL-23p19 blockade with high-affinity monoclonal antibodies seems to be able to induce long-term remissions of the activity in psoriasis and might eventually represent a paradigm change in the treatment of psoriasis. The results of phase III and comparative head-to-head trials with these agents are eagerly awaited.

Induction therapy with the selective interleukin-23 inhibitor risankizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study

BACKGROUND

The interleukin-23 pathway is implicated genetically and biologically in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of risankizumab (BI 655066, Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim, Germany), a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the p19 subunit of interleukin-23, in patients with moderately-to-severely active Crohn's disease.

METHODS

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study, we enrolled patients at 36 referral sites in North America, Europe, and southeast Asia. Eligible patients were aged 18-75 years, with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease for at least 3 months, assessed as moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease at screening, defined as a Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) of 220-450, with mucosal ulcers in the ileum or colon, or both, and a Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) of at least 7 (≥4 for patients with isolated ileitis) on ileocolonoscopy scored by a masked central reader. Patients were randomised 1:1:1 using an interactive response system to a double-blind investigational product, and stratified by previous exposure to TNF antagonists (yes vs no). Patients received intravenous 200 mg risankizumab, 600 mg risankizumab, or placebo, at weeks 0, 4, and 8. The primary outcome was clinical remission (CDAI <150) at week 12 (intention-to-treat population). Safety was assessed in patients who received at least one dose of study drug. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02031276.

FINDINGS

Between March, 2014, and September, 2015, 213 patients were screened, and 121 patients randomised. At baseline, 113 patients (93%) had been previously treated with at least one tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist (which had failed in 96 [79%]). At week 12, 25 (31%) of 82 risankizumab patients (pooled 41 patients in 200 mg and 41 patients in 600 mg arms) had clinical remission versus six (15%) of 39 placebo patients (difference vs placebo 15·0%, 95% CI 0·1 to 30·1; p=0·0489). Ten (24%) of 41 patients who received 200 mg risankizumab had clinical remission (9·0%, -8·3 to 26·2; p=0·31) and 15 (37%) of 41 who received the 600 mg dose (20·9%, 2·6 to 39·2; p=0·0252). 95 (79%) patients had adverse events (32 in the placebo group, 32 randomised to 200 mg risankizumab, 31 randomised to 600 mg risankizumab); 18 had severe adverse events (nine, six, three); 12 discontinued (six, five, one); 24 had serious adverse events (12, nine, three). The most common adverse event was nausea and most common serious adverse event was worsening of underlying Crohn's disease. No deaths occurred.

INTERPRETATION

In this short-term study, risankizumab was more effective than placebo for inducing clinical remission in patients with active Crohn's disease. Therefore, selective blockade of interleukin-23 via inhibition of p19 might be a viable therapeutic approach in Crohn's disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim.

Genetic risk variants as therapeutic targets for Crohn's disease

The pathogenesis of Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is multifactorial, with interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Despite the existence of genetic factors being largely demonstrated by epidemiological data and several genetic studies, only a few findings have been useful in term of disease prediction, disease progression and targeting therapy. Areas covered: This review summarizes the results of genome-wide association studies in Crohn's disease, the role of epigenetics and the recent discovery by genetic studies of new pathogenetic pathways. Furthermore, it focuses on the importance of applying genetic data to clinical practice, and more specifically how to better target therapy and predict potential drug-related toxicity. Expert opinion: Some genetic markers identified in Crohn`s disease have allowed investigators to hypothesize about, and in some cases, prove the usefulness of new specific therapeutic agents. However, the heterogeneity and complexity of this disease has so far limited the daily clinical use of genetic information. Finally, the study of the implications of genetics on therapy, either to predict efficacy or avoid toxicity, is considered still to be in its infancy.

Biological therapy targeting the IL-23/IL-17 axis in inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

As many inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients do not benefit from long-term anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment, new anti-inflammatories are urgently needed. After the discovery of the interleukin (IL) 23/17 axis being pivotal in IBD pathogenesis, many different compounds were developed, targeting different components within this pathway. Areas covered: A literature search to March 2016 was performed to identify the most relevant reports on the role of the IL-23/IL-17 axis in IBD and on the different molecules targeting this pathway. First, the authors briefly summarize the immunology of the IL-23/IL-17 pathway to elucidate the mode of action of all different agents. Second, they describe all different molecules targeting this pathway. Besides discussing efficacy and safety data, they also explore immunogenicity, exposure during pregnancy and pharmacokinetics. Expert opinion: A new era in IBD treatment has recently been initiated: besides immunomodulators and TNF-antagonists, anti-adhesion molecules and monoclonal antibodies targeting the IL-23/IL-17 pathway have been developed. Biomarkers for personalized medicine are urgently needed. This therapeutic (r)evolution will further improve disease-related and patient-reported outcome, though a lot of questions should still be addressed in future years.

A Review of Biologic Therapies Targeting IL-23 and IL-17 for Use in Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis

The development of several highly effective biologic drugs in the past decade has revolutionized the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. With increased understanding of the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis, the emphasis has turned toward more specific targets for psoriasis drugs. Although the complex immunological pathway of psoriasis is not yet completely understood, current models emphasize the significant importance of interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-17. Several biologic drugs targeting these cytokines are now in various stages of drug development. Drugs targeting IL-23 include BI-655066, briakinumab, guselkumab, tildrakizumab, and ustekinumab. Drugs targeting IL-17 include brodalumab, ixekizumab, and secukinumab. While many of these have shown safety and good efficacy in clinical trials of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, long-term safety is still to be established.