Certolizumab Pegol in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Preliminary Real-Life Data. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7:485-492. [PMID: 29139035 PMCID: PMC5698207 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-017-0208-z]

Certolizumab pegol effectiveness, survival and safety in patients with psoriasis: A multicenter retrospective analysis in daily clinical practice by the Spanish Psoriasis Group

BACKGROUND

Certolizumab is an Fc-free PEGylated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) inhibitor recently approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, although there is limited real-world evidence on the effectiveness and safety in patients with plaque psoriasis treated with certolizumab. The objective of this article is to determine the effectiveness, drug survival, and safety, including pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation, of certolizumab in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis under real-world conditions.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, multicenter, observational study performed in 15 hospitals in Spain. It evaluates the effectiveness and safety of certolizumab in plaque psoriasis in the clinical practice setting.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients (73% female) were evaluated with a mean baseline Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) of 8.9. At Week 12, the mean PASI was 2.3 (n = 67), 1.3 (n = 57) at Week 24 and 1.3 at Week 52 (n = 34). Absolute PASI < 3 was achieved in 69, 86, and 92% of patients at Weeks 12, 24, and 52, respectively, as observed. For its part, using the under-response imputation analysis, PASI < 3 at Weeks 12, 24, and 52 were achieved by 69, 73, and 49% of the patients, respectively. A total of 35 patients (52%) had concomitant psoriatic arthritis, and, in 24 of them, Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis Score (DAPSA) was recorded at baseline, with a mean value of 17.9 which decreased to 8.2 at Week 12 (n = 22) and to 3.6 at Week 24 (n = 18). Certolizumab treatment was discontinued in 14 out of 67 patients (21%), due to lack/loss of cutaneous or articular effectiveness (n = 11) or patient decision (n = 2) or adverse event in only one patient who developed active tuberculosis. A lower baseline PASI [hazard ratio (HR): 1.12 (1.02-1.23); P = 0.023] and a more significant reduction in PASI at Week 12 [HR: 1.16 (1.07-1.27); P < 0.001] and Week 52 [HR: 1.47 (1.11-1.96); P = 0.007] was shown to be significantly related with better survival for the entire follow-up period. Fourteen patients were treated during pregnancy and/or lactation without reporting adverse events in either the patient or the newborn.

CONCLUSIONS

Certolizumab consistently showed high effectiveness and drug survival rates in this real-life cohort. The safety demonstrated in clinical trials during pregnancy and lactation seems to be confirmed in clinical practice.

[Translated article] Risk-sharing agreement based on health outcomes for the treatment of moderate-severe psoriasis with certolizumab pegol

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence of the effectiveness of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in real clinical practice in adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in the context of a risk-sharing agreement (RSA).

METHODS

Retrospective observational study based on variables collected in the RSA for treatment with CZP of adult patients with moderate-severe plaque PsO. Ten Spanish hospitals where the RSA was implemented participated. The percentage of patients who achieved the target clinical response of the RSA at the follow-up visit (week 16) was evaluated: absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) value ≤3 for biologic naïve population, and ≤5 in case of previous failure to a single biologic drug. In addition, the improvement in the scores of other scales included in the study was analysed: Body Surface Area (BSA), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Physician's Global Assessment (PGA), and Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI). A descriptive analysis was performed for the total population and by patient subgroups (naive vs. non-naive to biologic, male vs. female, and with vs. without discontinuation).

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients were included, 12 men and 54 women. 90.9% achieved the target clinical response, with a mean reduction of 8 (-78.4%) absolute PASI points. Improvement was observed in BSA, PGA, NAPSI, and DLQI, with a reduction of 11.3 (-80.6%), 1.9 (-65.5%), 3.3 (-30.7%), and 9.0 (-66.4%) absolute value points, respectively. Despite not achieving the therapeutic target set in the RSA in 6 patients (9%) (the cost of the drug was assumed by the laboratory), only 2 (3%) discontinued treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that CZP is effective in real clinical practice in patients with moderate-severe plaque PsO, with an improvement in absolute PASI and DLQI, as well as other scales, both for the total population and in the subgroups analysed. Nearly 91% of patients reached the therapeutic target fixed in the RSA. Implementing this type of agreement can provide a direct or indirect benefit for all the agents involved in the process, providing valuable information for decision-making.

Risk-sharing agreement based on health outcomes for the treatment of moderate-severe psoriasis with certolizumab pegol

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence of the effectiveness of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in real clinical practice in adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in the context of a risk-sharing agreement (RSA).

METHODS

Retrospective observational study based on variables collected in the RSA for treatment with CZP of adult patients with moderate-severe plaque PsO. Ten Spanish hospitals where the RSA was implemented participated. The percentage of patients who achieved the target clinical response of the RSA at the follow-up visit (week 16) was evaluated: absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) value ≤3 for biologic naïve population, and ≤5 in case of previous failure to a single biologic drug. In addition, the improvement in the scores of other scales included in the study was analyzed: Body Surface Area (BSA), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Physician's Global Assessment (PGA), and Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI). A descriptive analysis was performed for the total population and by patient subgroups (naive vs. non-naive to biologic, male vs. female, and with vs. without discontinuation).

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients were included, 12 men and 54 women. 90.9% achieved the target clinical response, with a mean reduction of 8 (-78.4%) absolute PASI points. Improvement was observed in BSA, PGA, NAPSI and DLQI, with a reduction of 11.3 (-80.6%), 1.9 (-65.5%), 3.3 (-30.7%) and 9.0 (-66.4%) absolute value points, respectively. Despite not achieving the therapeutic target set in the RSA in six patients (9%) (the cost of the drug was assumed by the laboratory), only two (3%) discontinued treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that CZP is effective in real clinical practice in patients with moderate-severe plaque PsO, with an improvement in absolute PASI and DLQI, as well as other scales, both for the total population and in the subgroups analyzed. Nearly 91% of patients reached the therapeutic target fixed in the RSA. Implementing this type of agreement can provide a direct or indirect benefit for all the agents involved in the process, providing valuable information for decision-making.

Comparing clinical trial population representativeness to real-world users of 17 biologics approved for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: An external validity analysis of 66,639 biologic users from the Italian VALORE project

To date, no population-based studies have specifically explored the external validity of pivotal randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of biologics simultaneously for a broad spectrum of immuno-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). The aims of this study were, firstly, to compare the patients' characteristics and median treatment duration of biologics approved for IMIDs between RCTs' and real-world setting (RW); secondly, to assess the extent of biologic users treated for IMIDs in the real-world setting that would not have been eligible for inclusion into pivotal RCT for each indication of use. Using the Italian VALORE distributed database (66,639 incident biologic users), adult patients with IMIDs treated with biologics in the Italian real-world setting were substantially older (mean age ± SD: 50 ± 15 years) compared to those enrolled in pivotal RCTs (45 ± 15 years). In the real-world setting, certolizumab pegol was more commonly used by adult women with psoriasis/ankylosing spondylitis (F/M ratio: 1.8-1.9) compared to RCTs (F/M ratio: 0.5-0.6). The median treatment duration (weeks) of incident biologic users in RW was significantly higher than the duration of pivotal RCTs in almost all indications for use and most biologics (4-100 vs. 6-167). Furthermore, almost half (46.4%) of biologic users from RW settings would have been ineligible for inclusion in the respective indication-specific pivotal RCTs. The main reasons were: advanced age, recent history of cancer and presence of other concomitant IMIDs. These findings suggest that post-marketing surveillance of biologics should be prioritized for those patients.

Durability and long-term outcomes of biologic therapies in psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

Significant advances in psoriasis treatment have taken place since the introduction of biologics. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors were the first class of biologics approved and at that time greatly improved psoriasis treatment. However, newer biologics, directed to interleukin(IL)-23/IL-17 pathways central to psoriasis pathogenesis, have improved complete or nearly complete clearance rates and are characterized by an excellent safety profile.Real-world setting experiences have generally confirmed the results of clinical trials, but real-world data regarding newer biologics is relatively scarce.

AREAS COVERED

We provide an extensive review of real-world survival of biologic treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis.

EXPERT OPINION

There is growing and consistent evidence of higher drug survival of IL-23 inhibitors, possibly due to their favorable efficacy and safety profiles, dosing convenience and persistence of response despite treatment interruption; eventual confirmation of their potential role as modifiers of the natural history of psoriasis might provide additional reasons for therapeutic persistence of this class of biologics.

Current and emerging prospects in the psoriatic treatment

Psoriasis is an autoimmune chronic disorder that causes inflammation and a scaly epidermis. The exact pathogenesis of the disease is not known yet. According to the studies, psoriasis is considered an immune-mediated disease. Until now it is believed that genetic and environmental factors are responsible for the disease. There are many comorbidities associated with psoriasis which increases difficulties as patients in some cases get addicted to drugs, alcohol, and smoking which reduces their quality of life. The patient may face social ignorance or suicidal thoughts which may arise in the patient's mind. Due to the undefined trigger of the disease, the treatment is not fully established but by considering the severe impact of the disease researchers are focusing on novel approaches for successful treatment. which has succeeded to a large extent. Here we review pathogenesis, problems faced by psoriatic patients, the need for the development of new treatments over conventional therapies, and the history of psoriatic treatments. We thoroughly focus on emerging treatments like biologics, biosimilars, and small molecules which are now showing more efficacy and safety than conventional treatments. Also, this review article discusses novel approaches which are now in research such as drug repurposing, treatment by stimulation of the vagus nerve, regulation of microbiota, and autophagy for improving disease conditions.

Psoriatic disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease shared pathogenesis review

Psoriatic disease (PD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) potentially share disease pathways given the numerous inflammatory pathways involved in both diseases and a higher prevalence of NAFLD in PD patients.  Metabolic syndrome and obesity are a key link between the two diseases, but even when controlling for this, associations between both diseases are still seen. Therapeutics that impact metabolic or inflammatory pathways may be impactful in both PD and NAFLD. In this review, we describe common inflammatory pathways contributing to both PD and NAFLD and critically review the potential impact of treatments for and on both diseases.

Certolizumab Pegol Use in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Real-World Data From Two Canadian Centers

BACKGROUND

Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is a TNF-ɑ inhibitor used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in adult patients, including women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) and patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). There are currently limited real-world data on CZP for treatment of PsO.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the use of CZP for treatment of PsO in clinical practice at two dermatology clinics in Canada.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart analysis of 59 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis receiving CZP. Clinical efficacy was measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA), and Physician Global Assessment (PGA). Drug survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier plots.

RESULTS

Of the 59 patients, 36 (61%) were female, of whom 23 (63.9%) were WOCBP. Twenty-three (39.0%) patients received CZP as their first biologic treatment. The main reasons for choosing CZP were its efficacy in both PsO and PsA, and for WOCBP due to little or no cross-placental transfer. Improvement of symptoms was observed after 3 months of treatment and was maintained for the 12-month analysis period. After 12 months of treatment, the patients' mean PASI score decreased from 13.0 (±5.8) at baseline to 2.3 (±4.3), mean BSA score from 13.1% (±6.7%) to 1.7% (±2.6%), and mean PGA score from 3.0 (±0.6) to 0.8 (±0.6). Overall CZP drug survival rate was 76.3% at 12 months, with no difference between biologic-naive and biologic-experienced patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CZP was effective and well tolerated in this cohort of patients with moderate-to-severe PsO in a real-world setting.

Prevalence of Atherosclerosis in Psoriatic Patients Detected with Epiaortic Color Doppler Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Angiography

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis (PsO), a chronic inflammatory, multisystemic, and multifactorial disease can cause endothelial dysfunction, artery calcification, and atherosclerotic disease. A higher incidence of vascular occlusive events has been observed in psoriatic patients compared to healthy controls, and multiple studies confirm the association between moderate-severe PsO and atherosclerosis, coronary artery calcification, and higher cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to analyze atherosclerotic disease prevalence in epiaortic vessels of psoriatic and non-psoriatic patients to understand if PsO could represent an independent risk factor predisposing to atherosclerotic disease.

METHODS

We evaluated 47 psoriatic patients without cardiovascular risk factors with color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS). If atheromatous plaques were detected, a computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed. We evaluated 47 non-psoriatic patients without cardiovascular risk factors with CDUS. Atherosclerosis prevalence in both groups were statistically analyzed. CDUS performance was compared to CTA.

RESULTS

In the psoriatic group (mean age 50.9 years), 6 had atheromatous plaques and 12 had an intima-media thickness (IMT) > 1 mm (overall prevalence of atherosclerotic disease: 38.2%). All plaques detected with CDUS were confirmed at CTA. In the control group (mean age 51.3 years), CDUS revealed atheromatous plaques in 4 patients and IMT > 1 mm in 4 ones (overall prevalence of 17%). The difference of atherosclerotic disease prevalence between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight that PsO could be considered a predisposing factor for atherosclerotic disease development in epiaortic vessels, as it causes an increased IMT, that is also considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor.

Certolizumab pegol in the treatment of psoriasis: Real-life data

Certolizumab pegol (CZP), the only Fc-free, PEGylated anti-tumor necrosis factor biologic agent. This study aims to investigate the effect and safety of CZP in moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. We performed a retrospective observational analysis of the moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients under ceratolizumab pegol therapy. Primer endpoints were efficacy of CZP, defined as statistically significant improvement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Physician's Global Assessment (PGA), and clinical Disease Activity index for Psoriatic Arthritis (cDAPSA) in the 24 week of therapy. Secondary endpoints were safety of CZP especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Fifty-six moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients treated with CZP were evaluated retrospectively. We observed a rapid and significant reduction of PASI, PGA, and cDAPSA scores in W4. After loading dose, we observed loss of clinical efficacy of CZP in eight patients and optimized therapy by increasing the dosing of CZP. Dose escalation of CZP permitted the achievement and long-term maintenance of clinical improvement in these patients. We compare the clinical efficacy of CZP between naive and patients who has been treated with other biologic agents. There were no statistical differences in efficacy between these two groups. No side effects were observed during CZP treatment. There were no cases of death from COVID-related disease in our study population or patients hospitalized for COVID-19 related disease. Our results demonstrate that CZP is an effective and safe therapeutic option for patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

Efficacy of certolizumab pegol in naïve versus multi-treated patients affected by psoriatic arthritis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol over 52 weeks was compared in two groups of patients: Group 1 comprised patients naïve to biologic treatments; Group 2 comprised patients previously treated with one or more antitumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and/or anti-interleukin (IL) agents.

METHODS

We reported results in 50 patients affected by both mild psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Primary endpoint was a reduction from baseline at week 52 of Disease Activity Score (DAS44-ESR) in both groups of patients. Secondary endpoints were a reduction from baseline at week 52 of Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), Visual Analog Scale for Pain (PAIN VAS), ESR, CRP, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

RESULTS

We observed a statistically significant improvement of both cutaneous and rheumatic disease in all patients, with a consistent reduction of DAS44-ESR, PASI, and PAIN VAS from baseline to week 52. DAS44-ESR decreased from 3.9 at BL to 1.5 at W52 (Group 1), and from 3.8 to 1.7 at W52 (Group 2). Mean PASI Score decreased from 3.2 at baseline (BL) to 0.4 at W52 (Group 1), and from 5.4 to 0.7 at W52 (Group 2). Mean PAIN-VAS decreased from a value of 73.5 at BL to 2.5 at W52 (Group 1), and from a value of 62.4 at BL to 9.2 at W52 (Group 2). We also found a reduction in ESR, CRP and DLQI values for each time point.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm that CZP can be administered safely and effectively to treat both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis irrespective of previous treatments with biologic agents.

Certolizumab pegol for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis

Introduction: Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is an Fc-free PEGylated TNF-α inhibitor approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and plaque psoriasis in many countries. It demonstrated favorable results in PsA in terms of improvement in peripheral arthritis, dactylitis, and enthesitis in a phase III trial (RAPID-PSA) and in real-life experiences. Recently, three phase III randomized clinical trials (CIMPASI-1, CIMPASI-2, CIMPACT) showed significant and sustained improvements in signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis as well as in quality of life parameters as compared to placebo and etanercept.Areas covered: We reviewed the structure and the mechanism of action of CZP, and critically analyzed data from clinical trials and real-life, concerning its efficacy and safety in all aspects of the psoriatic disease. We designed a comprehensive literature search on this topic, by a review of published articles in indexed international journals up until 31 July 2019.Expert opinion: CZP demonstrated positive results in several domains of psoriatic disease, also in patients previously exposed to other TNF-α inhibitors and in patients receiving re-treatment after treatment interruption. The peculiar chemical structure, along with its well-established efficacy and safety, support CZP as the drug of choice in specific subgroups of patients with psoriatic disease, in particular patients with comorbidities and pregnant or breastfeeding female patients.

Case report: Treating a co-existence of hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis with different therapeutic approaches

Hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis are considered chronic inflammatory diseases suggesting the existence of common pathogenetic pathways. We present two cases of comorbid psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa, treated with certolizumab pegol and brodalumab due to failure of response to other conventional therapies. Monoclonal antibody therapies have revolutionized the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Given the good clinical response to anti-IL-17 and anti-tumor necrosis factor agents in patients undergoing psoriasis and hidradenitis treatment, investigations on this direction could represent the starting point in new therapeutic approach for revolutionary treatment in these difficult-to-treat diseases.

Joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with biologics

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory multisystem disease that affects up to 3.2% of the US population. This guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise in psoriasis management and care, providing recommendations based on the available evidence. The treatment of psoriasis with biologic agents will be reviewed, emphasizing treatment recommendations and the role of the dermatologist in monitoring and educating patients regarding benefits as well as associated risks.

Successful Certolizumab Pegol Treatment of Chronic Anterior Uveitis Associated with Psoriasis Vulgaris

This report presents details on a 45-year-old male Japanese patient with chronic and refractory anterior uveitis associated with psoriasis vulgaris who was administered certolizumab pegol (CZP), which is an anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) monoclonal antibody. Although CZP has only been formally approved for rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Japan, a clinical trial allowed us to assess CZP effectiveness in this patient. The grade 3+ anterior chamber inflammation (for both the cells and flare) observed at baseline improved to grade 0 at 3 months post-treatment. Dermatologically, the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score was 25.4, while the body surface area (BSA) was 88% at baseline. At 3 months after treatment, the scores improved to 2.8 for PASI and less than 1% for BSA. After the treatment, remission has lasted for at least 9 months. No adverse events were seen during the CZP treatment. These findings suggest that CZP could be an effective therapeutic alternative in some refractory anterior uveitis patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

Positioning of old and new biologicals and small molecules in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

The past decade has brought substantial advances in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The introduction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, evidence for the value of combination therapy, the recognition of targeting lymphocyte trafficking and activation as a viable treatment, and the need for early treatment of high-risk patients are all fundamental concepts for current modern IBD treatment algorithms. In this article, authors review the existing data on approved biologicals and small molecules as well as provide insight on the current positioning of approved therapies. Patient stratification for the selection of specific therapies, therapeutic targets and patient monitoring will be discussed as well. The therapeutic armamentarium for IBD is expanding as novel and more targeted therapies become available. In the absence of comparative trials, positioning these agents is becoming difficult. Emerging concepts for the future will include an emphasis on the development of algorithms which will facilitate a greater understanding of the positioning of novel biological drugs and small molecules in order to best tailor therapy to the patient. In the interim, anti-TNF therapy remains an important component of IBD therapy with the most real-life evidence and should be considered as first-line therapy in patients with complicated Crohn’s disease and in acute-severe ulcerative colitis. The safety and efficacy of these ‘older’ anti-TNF therapies can be optimized by adhering to therapeutic algorithms which combine clinical and objective markers of disease severity and response to therapy.