Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Up to 108 Weeks of Ixekizumab in Pediatric Patients With Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: The IXORA-PEDS Randomized Clinical Trial

Comparison of different approaches in handling missing data in longitudinal multiple-item patient-reported outcomes: a simulation study

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are important clinical outcomes widely used as primary and secondary endpoints in clinical studies. However, PRO data often suffers from missing values for various reasons, which pose challenges to data analysis. This simulation study aimed to compare the performance of existing state-of-the-art approaches in handling missing PRO data.

METHODS

Using a real and complete multiple-item PRO dataset, we generated various missing scenarios with different missing rates, mechanisms, and patterns. The performances of eight methods were compared, including a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) with and without imputation at the item level, multiple imputation by chained equations (MICE) at the composite score and item levels, and three control-based pattern mixture models (PPMs) and the last observation carried forward (LOCF) imputation at the item level.

RESULTS

We found that the bias (i.e., deviation of the estimated from the true value) in the treatment effect estimates increased, and the statistical power diminished as the missing rate increased, especially for monotonic missing data. Item-level imputation led to a smaller bias and less reduction in power than composite score-level imputation. Except for cases under missing-not-at-random mechanisms (MNAR) and with a high proportion of patients' entire questionnaire missing, MMRM imputation at the item level demonstrated the lowest bias and highest power, followed by MICE imputation at the item level. The PPM methods were superior to the other methods under MNAR mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

PPMs imputation at the item level was preferable for MNAR, whereas MMRM and MICE imputation at the item level were better for other scenarios. These findings provide valuable insight for selecting appropriate methods for handling missing PRO data.

Emerging treatments for dermatologic diseases in infants, children, and adolescents: a systematic review of clinical trials on biologics and small molecule inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Recent advancements in the treatment of paediatric dermatological conditions have emerged with the introduction of biologics and small molecule inhibitors (SMIs). These therapies target specific inflammatory pathways, which may enhance treatment outcomes for diseases like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and alopecia areata.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review seeks to assess the effectiveness and safety of biologics and SMIs for dermatologic conditions in children and adolescents, with an emphasis on randomised clinical trials.

METHODS

We performed an extensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies included in the review were those that analysed systemic treatments using biologics and SMIs in subjects under 18 years of age. We extracted data on participant demographics, treatment regimens, effectiveness outcomes, adverse effects, and follow-up details. The risk of bias in the studies was determined using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB2).

RESULTS

From an initial pool of 1,454 studies, 49 articles fitting the inclusion criteria were identified, encompassing 6372 cases. The review found that biologics such as Dupilumab, along with investigational JAK inhibitors like Abrocitinib and Upadacitinib, exhibited considerable efficacy in treating various conditions, particularly atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Dupilumab specifically demonstrated significant improvements in both disease severity and quality of life. While most reported adverse events were mild to moderate, some serious adverse events were noted with certain treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Biologics and SMIs show great promise as therapeutic options in paediatric dermatology, offering better efficacy compared to traditional treatments. Despite these encouraging findings, additional research is needed to verify their long-term safety, especially in relation to growth and development in younger patients. Future investigations should aim to include a broader range of patient demographics and dermatological conditions beyond those currently studied.

Consensus Statement from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) Psoriasis Working Group (SWG) and Pediatric Working Group (PWG) on the Management of Pediatric Psoriasis

JUSTIFICATION AND OBJECTIVES

The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) Psoriasis and Pediatric Working Groups (PSW and PWG) have developed a set of recommendations for the management of pediatric psoriasis based on the best available evidence and experts' opinion.

METHODOLOGY

The methodology of nominal groups was followed, with help from a scoping review. A coordinator was designated, and a group of experts was selected based on their experience and knowledge on the management of psoriasis. The coordinator defined both the objectives and the key points of the document. Then, with help from a documentalist, a systematic literature review was conducted across Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library until May 2023. Systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies were included. National and international clinical practice guidelines and consensus documents were reviewed. With this information, the coordinator proposed preliminary recommendations that were discussed and modified in a nominal group meeting with all experts. After several review processes, which included an external review, the final document was generated.

RESULTS

Practical recommendations on the evaluation and management of patients with pediatric psoriasis are presented in association with other AEDV documents. The evaluation of the pediatric patient, the definition of the therapeutic objectives, the criteria for indication and selection of treatment are addressed. Practical issues such as therapeutic failure, response maintenance, comorbidity and risk management are also included.

[Translated article] Consensus Statement From the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) Psoriasis Working Group (SWG) and Pediatric Working Group (PWG) on the Management of Pediatric Psoriasis

JUSTIFICATION AND OBJECTIVES

The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) Psoriasis and Pediatric Working Groups (PSW and PWG) have developed a set of recommendations for the management of pediatric psoriasis based on the best available evidence and experts' opinion.

METHODOLOGY

The methodology of nominal groups was followed, with help from a scoping review. A coordinator was designated, and a group of experts was selected based on their experience and knowledge on the management of psoriasis. The coordinator defined both the objectives and the key points of the document. Then, with help from a documentalist, a systematic literature review was conducted across Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library until May 2023. Systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies were included. National and international clinical practice guidelines and consensus documents were reviewed. With this information, the coordinator proposed preliminary recommendations that were discussed and modified in a nominal group meeting with all experts. After several review processes, which included an external review, the final document was generated.

RESULTS

Practical recommendations on the evaluation and management of patients with pediatric psoriasis are presented in association with other AEDV documents. The evaluation of the pediatric patient, the definition of the therapeutic objectives, the criteria for indication and selection of treatment are addressed. Practical issues such as therapeutic failure, response maintenance, comorbidity and risk management are also included.

Ixekizumab as a successful treatment in pediatric generalized pustular psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) is an autoinflammatory, multisystemic disease, characterized by widespread eruption of neutrophilic pustules on erythematous base, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, leukocytosis, arthralgia, and general malaise. Globally, the disease is rare, particularly in children. If not adequately diagnosed and treated, systemic inflammation and multiorgan involvement can be life-threatening. The pathogenesis of GPP mainly involves the innate immune system, with inflammatory processes and neutrophil activation driven primarily by IL-36, but also by IL-1, TNF-alpha, IL-17 A. In particular, IL-17 A acts as a potent inducer of neutrophil recruitment. We report the case of a 7-years-old girl with GPP successfully treated with Ixekizumab, an IL-17 A antagonist.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 7-years-old girl with an history of plaque psoriasis came to our attention for the sudden appearance of erythematous patches surmounted by pustules on the trunk and lower limbs, following repeated episodes of purulent tonsillitis. We started therapy with cyclosporine at a dosage of 3,5 mg/kg/day, with no clinical benefit and progression of manifestations to a sub-erythrodermic state after 2 weeks. Blood tests showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, and the patient experienced hyperpyrexia and malaise. Since ixekizumab was recently approved for pediatric use in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, we started therapy with 80 mg Ixekizumab, combined with prednisone at a dosage of 12.5 mg/day, gradually tapered until discontinuation after 15 days. A second dose of Ixekizumab 40 mg was administered at week-4, according to the indication of ixekizumab in pediatric plaque psoriasis. At week-8 the patient achieved complete remission of skin manifestations and normalization of blood count. After achieving a stable remission, at week 36 we decided to increase the administration interval to 6 weeks. The patient is still on therapy with ixekizumab 40 mg every 6 weeks, maintaining complete remission during a 52-week follow-up, without safety concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

This report supports the use of ixekizumab as a safe and effective option, both in the short and long-term, in the treatment of GPP, even at pediatric age. Larger studies are needed to confirm this positive, real-life experience.

Biologics and Small Molecule Targeted Therapies for Pediatric Alopecia Areata, Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Hidradenitis Suppurativa in the US: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

The management of pediatric dermatological conditions such as alopecia areata (AA), psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has significantly evolved with the introduction of biologics and small molecule targeted therapies. The advancement in understanding the immunopathogenesis of these chronic skin conditions has led to the development and approval of novel biologics and small molecule therapies. Initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults, most of these therapies are now being evaluated in clinical trials for safety and efficacy in adolescents and children, expanding new treatment options for pediatric patients. The role of the FDA in drug approval is multifaceted from drug inception, ensuring that research, data, and evidence show that the proposed drug is effective and safe for the intended use.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this review article is to provide an overview of the recently FDA-approved and potential biologic and oral small molecule therapies in clinical trials for AA, psoriasis, AD, and HS in pediatric patients.

METHODS

The search for this review included keywords in ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, and Google Scholar for the latest research and clinical trials relevant to these conditions and treatments without the PRISMA methodology.

RESULTS

For pediatric AA, ritlecitinib is FDA-approved, while baricitinib and updacitinib are in phase 3 clinical trials for pediatric approval. The FDA-approved drugs for pediatric psoriasis include secukinumab, ustekinumab, ixekizumab, etanercept, and apremilast. Other phase 3 clinical trials for pediatric psoriasis include risankizumab, guselkumab, tildrakizumab, brodalumab, and deucravacitinib. For pediatric AD, the FDA-approved drugs are dupilumab, tralokinumab, abrocitinib, and upadacitinib, with many other drugs in phase 3 trials. Adalimumab is an FDA-approved biologic for pediatric HS, with various clinical trials ongoing for adults. The approved biologics and small molecule therapies had higher efficacy and improved safety profiles compared to traditional medications.

CONCLUSIONS

With numerous ongoing trials, the success of these clinical trials could lead to their inclusion in treatment guidelines for these chronic skin conditions. Biologics and small molecule therapies offer new avenues for effective disease management, enabling personalized therapeutic interventions and improving pediatric health outcomes.

Satisfaction with the Injection Experience of a New, Citrate-Free Formulation of Ixekizumab

INTRODUCTION

A new, citrate-free ixekizumab formulation, which is bioequivalent to the original formulation, was associated with significant reduction in injection site pain. This study evaluates patient satisfaction with the first injection experience of citrate-free ixekizumab in a real-world setting.

METHODS

A non-interventional, observational, web-based survey of adults (≥ 18 years) with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or axial spondyloarthritis was conducted between August 2022 and March 2023. Patients enrolled in the Taltz US Customer Support Program were identified as receiving either the original ixekizumab or initiating citrate-free ixekizumab. Patients receiving original ixekizumab completed one survey at baseline to assess satisfaction with the formulation and one survey after switching to assess satisfaction, willingness to continue using and recommending citrate-free ixekizumab, and formulation preference. Participants previously exposed to ixekizumab completed one survey to assess their satisfaction and willingness to continue using and recommending citrate-free ixekizumab. Descriptive and comparative statistics are reported for patients that switched from original to citrate-free ixekizumab (n = 361); and descriptive statistics are reported for patients not previously exposed to ixekizumab (n = 90).

RESULTS

A total of 451 patients were included in the analysis. Significantly more patients were satisfied with their first injection with citrate-free ixekizumab compared to original ixekizumab (83.9% vs. 71.7% respectively; p = 0.0001). Almost all patients who switched from original ixekizumab were definitely or mostly willing to continue using and recommending citrate-free ixekizumab (93.9% and 93.4%, respectively). Additionally, 94.2% of patients who switched from original to citrate-free ixekizumab preferred citrate-free ixekizumab or had no preference. Three-fourths of patients not previously exposed to ixekizumab were satisfied with their first injection with citrate-free ixekizumab and 94.5% were definitely or mostly willing to continue using citrate-free ixekizumab.

CONCLUSION

The citrate-free ixekizumab formulation was preferred and well accepted by most patients who switched from the original ixekizumab formulation. Similar findings were seen for those newly initiating citrate-free ixekizumab.

A Practical Guide to Using Biologics in Pediatric Dermatology

Psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), atopic dermatitis (AD), and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), are common, immune-mediated, chronic, inflammatory skin diseases that can affect the pediatric population. While there is adequate evidence supporting the use of biologics in pediatric patients, concerns regarding safety and efficacy amongst healthcare providers are not uncommon. However, new emerging evidence in this population highlights the safety of biologic therapy, making it crucial to review and establish a practical guide for their use. This article describes a methodological framework for initiating biologics in the management of pediatric psoriasis, HS, AD, and CSU, with a special focus on baseline work-up, monitoring, dosing, and considerations in this population.

Text Mining and Drug Discovery Analysis: A Comprehensive Approach to Investigate Diabetes-Induced Osteoporosis

Purpose: Osteoporosis (OP) and diabetes are prevalent diseases in orthopedic and endocrinology departments, with OP potentially arising as a complication of diabetes. However, the mechanism underlying diabetes-induced osteoporosis (DOP) remains enigmatic, and drug discovery in this domain is restricted, hindering research into the DOP's etiology and treatment. With the ultimate goal of preventing OP in diabetic patients, the objective of this study is to mine the genes and pathways linked to DOP using bioinformatics and databases. Method: The present study employed text mining as the initial approach to retrieve genes commonly associated with diabetes and OP. Subsequently, functional annotation was conducted to investigate the roles and functionalities. In order to explore the interactions between proteins relevant to DOP, we constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Furthermore, to obtain key genes and candidate drugs for DOP treatment, we conducted drug-gene interaction (DGI) analysis, complemented by a thorough examination of transcriptional factors (TFs)-miRNA co-regulation. Results: The results through text mining revealed 110 genes that are commonly associated with both diabetes and OP. Subsequent enrichment analysis narrowed down the list to 95 symbols that were involved in PPI analysis. After DGI analysis, we identified 7 genes targeted by 11 drugs, which represent candidates for treating DOP. Conclusion: This study unveils ANDECALIXIMAB, SILTUXIMAB, OLOKIZUMAB, SECUKINUMAB, and IXEKIZUMAB as promising potential drugs for DOP treatment, demonstrating the significance of utilizing text mining and pathway analysis to investigate disease mechanisms and explore existing therapeutic options.

Management Strategies for Pediatric Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Spotlight on Biologics

Although psoriasis onset has been reported at any ages, in up to one-third of cases, it begins during childhood, with an estimated prevalence of about 2% in pediatric population. The management of moderate-to-severe forms of childhood psoriasis may represent a challenge for dermatologists, especially for parents' concerns about the need of systemic treatments. However, a prompt safe and effective treatment is mandatory in these patients, due to the significative impact that psoriasis may have on their quality of life, with well-known consequences on psychological health of both patients and caregivers. Due to the relatively frequent parents' refusal of systemic treatments, probably due to the fear of eventual adverse events, difficulties of oral or injective route, the management of moderate-to-severe forms still represents a challenge. Herein, we report a narrative review, aiming to resume the systemic treatments for pediatric psoriasis, focusing on the use of biologics and small molecules in the pediatric ages. The most widely used therapeutic strategies today for the pediatric population with moderate-severe psoriasis are traditional systemic therapies, while more innovative drugs such as biologics and small molecules now represent a somewhat unexplored but certainly promising field for unresponsive patients.

Ixekizumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: the first septennium

Ixekizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically inhibits IL-17A. It has been approved for the treatment of adult and pediatric psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthropathies by the US FDA and the EMA. Phase III trials, post hoc analyses and real-life data have reported its efficacy, effectiveness and safety. This review summarizes the latest evidence on the clinical efficacy, pharmacology and safety profile of ixekizumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. A literature search was performed for articles published through December 2022. Ixekizumab is one of the most efficacious biologics for psoriasis, with a rapid onset of response, favorable long-term outcomes and an adequate safety profile.

A Comprehensive Review of Ixekizumab Efficacy in Nail Psoriasis from Clinical Trials for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Nail psoriasis is a difficult-to-treat manifestation of psoriatic disease affecting up to 80% of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and 40-60% of patients with plaque psoriasis (PsO). Ixekizumab (IXE), a high-affinity monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-17A, is approved for the treatment of patients with PsA and patients with moderate-to-severe PsO. This narrative review aims to summarize nail psoriasis data generated from IXE clinical trials in patients with PsA (SPIRIT-P1, SPIRIT-P2, and SPIRIT-H2H) and/or moderate-to-severe PsO (UNCOVER-1, -2, -3, IXORA-R, IXORA-S, and IXORA-PEDS) with an emphasis on head-to-head clinical trial data. Across numerous trials explored, IXE treatment was associated with greater improvement in resolution of nail disease versus comparators at week 24, results which were maintained up to and beyond week 52. Additionally, patients experienced higher rates of resolution of nail disease versus comparators at week 24 and maintained high levels of resolution up to week 52 and beyond. In both PsA and PsO, IXE demonstrated efficacy in treating nail psoriasis, and therefore may be an effective therapy option. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier UNCOVER-1 (NCT01474512), UNCOVER-2 (NCT01597245), UNCOVER-3 (NCT01646177), IXORA-PEDS (NCT03073200), IXORA-S (NCT02561806), IXORA-R (NCT03573323), SPIRIT-P1 (NCT01695239), SPIRIT-P2 (NCT02349295), SPIRIT-H2H (NCT03151551).

Biological therapies for the treatment of psoriasis in pediatrics

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is a multifactorial, immune-mediated condition with predominant skin involvement. It may develop at any age. In one-third of patients, the first symptoms of psoriasis start during childhood or adolescence. A marked impairment of the quality of life of patients and their caregivers is often associated.

AREAS COVERED

Databases including PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov were used to identify clinical studies involving pediatric patients with psoriasis. In the last few years, the implementation of therapy with drugs targeting cytokines like interleukin (IL)-12/23 and IL-17A has expanded the number of available therapeutic options in pediatric psoriasis. This review focuses on the latest evidence on the clinical efficacy and safety profile of drugs licensed for severe pediatric psoriasis.

EXPERT OPINION

Increasing knowledge about the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying pediatric psoriasis is leading to an improvement in disease management. Effective treatment is crucial in patients affected with moderate to severe disease to reduce the burden of the disease and avoid stigmatization. The treatment of pediatric psoriasis remains challenging for specific clinical subtypes, when difficult areas are involved, after resistance to multiple treatments, and when psoriatic arthritis is associated. A personalized approach and a thorough understanding of the disease are required to advance pediatric psoriasis care.

Nail lichen planus treatment safety

AREAS COVERED

Topical therapies for nail lichen planus (clobetasol propionate, topical tacrolimus, bath-PUVA), intralesional treatment (triamcinolone), and systemic treatment (corticosteroids, retinoids, small molecule inhibitors (jak/stat inhibitors)), TNF-alpha inhibitors (etanercept), systemic immunomodulators (oral calcineurin inhibitors, mycophenolate mophetil), and antimalarials (chloroquine), each with unique safety profiles and considerations. Herein, we discuss common and uncommon adverse events, as well as utilization for special populations, including pregnant and pediatric patients.

Risk Factors of Ixekizumab-Induced Injection Site Reactions in Patients with Psoriatic Diseases: Report from a Single Medical Center

Ixekizumab (Taltz^®) is a humanized anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Despite the favorable efficacy and safety, ixekizumab is also known for its high incidence of injection site reactions (ISRs), ranging from 6% to 55% in different studies according to different definitions and studied population. However, specific risk factors for ixekizumab-induced injection site reactions in patients with psoriatic diseases had not been well studied. In this retrospective study, we found that overweight or obesity might be a protective predictor for the occurrence of ixekizumab-induced ISRs in patients with psoriatic disease. Meanwhile, having a positive family history of psoriasis might be a potential risk factor. Last but not least, patients with diarrhea following ixekizumab injection were associated with a higher risk of developing ISRs. Future high-quality studies with larger samples are warranted to verify the relationship.

[Psoriasis in children and adolescents : Short update and guideline-based treatment]

Psoriasis is nowadays regarded as a multifactorial, inflammatory, immune-mediated systemic condition with predominant involvement of the skin. It starts in about one third of cases in childhood and adolescence and is often accompanied by marked impairment of the quality of life of sufferers and their parents. Aside from genetic disposition, trigger factors such as streptococcal infections are notably involved in manifestation and in exacerbations. The harmful role of comorbidities even in the young, particularly of obesity, has been well documented. Treatment options have considerably improved following the approval of five biologic agents in childhood but are still insufficiently used. The present article gives a short overview of current knowledge and the recommendations of the updated German guideline. Besides frequent types, unusual presentations such as pustular psoriasis, psoriasis dermatitis, and paradoxical psoriasis induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are addressed.

Efficacy and safety of biologics and small molecules for psoriasis in pediatric and geriatric populations. Part I: focus on pediatric patients

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis management is challenging, especially in pediatric age for different factors. The introduction of biologic drugs and oral small molecules (OSM) revolutionized the armamentarium of available weapons in psoriasis treatment. Despite the use of these drugs in adult patients has been widely investigated, pediatric patients have often been unconsidered in clinical trials and real-life studies. However, the high efficacy and speed of action, the safety profile and the ease-to-use administration make these innovative drugs an invaluable therapeutic opportunity.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this manuscript is to perform a review of the current literature examining data on the effectiveness and safety of biologic drugs and OSM for the management of psoriasis in pediatric patients in order to put the basis for universally shared treatment algorithm following available evidence. PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines were used for the literature research.

EXPERT OPINION/COMMENTARY

Our review based on currently available evidence suggests biologics and OSM as an ideal treatment option for pediatric patients, with an excellent profile in terms of efficacy and safety as compared to traditional systemic drugs.

[Psoriasis in children and adolescents]

Psoriasis is nowadays regarded as a multifactorial, inflammatory, immune-mediated systemic condition with predominant involvement of the skin. It starts in about one third of cases in childhood and adolescence and is often accompanied by marked impairment of the quality of life of sufferers and their parents. Aside from genetic disposition, trigger factors such as streptococcal infections are notably involved in manifestation and in exacerbations. The harmful role of comorbidities even in the young, particularly of obesity, has been well documented. Treatment options have considerably improved following the approval of five biologic agents in childhood but are still insufficiently used. The present article gives a short overview of current knowledge and the recommendations of the updated German guideline. Besides frequent types, unusual presentations such as pustular psoriasis, psoriasis dermatitis, and paradoxical psoriasis induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are addressed.

Understanding efficacy-safety balance of biologics in moderate-to-severe pediatric psoriasis

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting both adults and children. To better understand the efficacy-safety profile of biologics in children with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, this study aimed to analyze efficacy and safety data of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed in pediatric psoriasis and to compare efficacy outcomes in children with those in adults.

Methods

RCTs investigating biologics in children with moderate-to-severe psoriasis were identified in a systematic literature review. PASI75/90 treatment responses at weeks 11/12 were analyzed comparing biologics with control arms. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were analyzed at the end of each study. Efficacy data from RCTs in adults with psoriasis were selected for the same biologics. Risk ratios (RR) of selected RCTs were pooled together in a statistical random effects model using the inverse variance method.

Results

For children, there were 1 etanercept, 2 secukinumab, 1 ixekizumab and 1 ustekinumab placebo-controlled RCTs and 1 adalimumab RCT using methotrexate as reference arm at weeks 11/12. For adults, out of 263 RCTs, 7 adalimumab and 15 etanercept (TNF inhibitors) and 4 ixekizumab and 12 ustekinumab (IL-17 and IL-12/23 inhibitors) RCTs reported PASI75/90 efficacy responses at weeks 11/12. Regarding efficacy, all biologics showed improved PASI responses over control arms. RRs ranges were 2.02-7.45 in PASI75 and 4.10-14.50 in PASI90. The highest PASI75 responses were seen for ustekinumab 0.375 mg/kg (RR = 7.25, 95% CI 2.83-18.58) and ustekinumab 0.75 mg/kg (RR = 7.45, 95% CI 2.91-19.06) in the CADMUS study. The highest PASI90 response was seen for ixekizumab (RR = 14.50, 95% CI 4.82-43.58) in the IXORA-PEDS study. SAE incidences in pediatric and adult arms with biologics were 0 to 3% except for a pediatric arm with adalimumab 0.40 mg/kg (8%). For adults, pooled RR also showed improved PASI responses over placebo for all biologics, with highest PASI75 response observed for ixekizumab (pooled RR = 16.18, 95% CI 11.83-22.14).

Conclusion

Both adults and children with psoriasis show superior efficacy with biologics compared to control arms after 3 months of treatment with SAE incidences in the low percentages. Additional longer-term clinical studies are warranted to fully understand the overall efficacy-safety profile of biologics in children with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.