Two cases of generalized pustular psoriasis successfully treated with bimekizumab

Effectiveness of long-term bimekizumab treatment and predictive factors for responders in moderate-to-severe psoriasis: A 52-week real-world study

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease in which the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis plays a central role. Bimekizumab is a novel antibody that targets both IL-17A and IL-17F. This retrospective study aimed to assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of 52-week treatment with bimekizumab, and to identify predictive factors for short- (16 weeks) and long-term (52 weeks) responders (i.e., achievers of a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of 100) to bimekizumab in Japanese patients with psoriasis. The study was conducted on 56 Japanese patients (aged ≥ 15 years) with moderate-to-severe psoriasis treated with bimekizumab from May 2022 to March 2024. The therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated by the transition of PASI scores during treatment. Baseline characteristics and clinical and laboratory indexes were compared between responders and poor responders. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were recorded to assess the safety of the treatment. At week 52, the achievement of PASI 100, static Physician's Global Assessment 0/1, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index 0/1 were 72.4%, 94.7%, and 93.3%, respectively. Short-term responders showed lower baseline values of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and systemic inflammatory response index compared to poor responders. Long-term responders showed younger age and lower MLR compared to poor responders. TEAEs were mild or moderate, without serious adverse events. Long-term treatment with bimekizumab is effective and safe for psoriasis patients. Lower MLR and younger age might predict long-term response to treatment with bimekizumab, aiding in personalized treatment strategies.

Effectiveness of bimekizumab for genital, nail, and scalp lesions with psoriasis: A 24-week real-world study

Psoriasis is a complex, chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QOL), especially in cases of genital, nail, and scalp psoriasis. Bimekizumab is an inhibitor of interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F and used for the treatment of psoriasis. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bimekizumab through in treating genital, nail, and scalp lesions with psoriasis over 24 weeks. The study was conducted from May 2022 and February 2024 on 52 psoriasis patients treated with bimekizumab. The therapeutic effects of bimekizumab were evaluated by the achievement of Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) rates of 0/1 on the genitals (genital-PGA), fingernails (PGA-F), scalp-specific PGA (ss-PGA), static PGA (sPGA), and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at weeks 4, 16, and 24. Bimekizumab treatment significantly improved genital, nail, and scalp lesions with psoriasis. At week 24, the achievement rate of genital-PGA 0/1, PGA-F 0/1, ss-PGA 0/1 was 96.2%, 66.7%, or 93.9%, and that of sPGA 0/1 or DLQI 0/1 was 93.9% or 83.3%, respectively. Bimekizumab was effective for genital, nail, and scalp lesions with psoriasis, difficult-to-treat lesions, and simultaneously improved QOL in a real-world clinical practice.

Clinical advances in biological therapy for generalized pustular psoriasis: a review

INTRODUCTION

In 2022, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first biologics, intravenous spesolimab, for acute flare of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). The drug works by blocking IL-36 signaling, the key pathway of GPP. Among the known mutations causing GPP, IL36RN mutations are most common, and the presence of IL36RN mutations had been found to affect the clinical manifestations and treatment response of GPP.

AREAS COVERED

Literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant studies discussing biologic treatment for GPP with special emphasis on larger studies, pediatric group, pregnant women, and the influence of IL36RN mutation on the effectiveness of biologics.

EXPERT OPINION

The approval of spesolimab for GPP flare treatment marks a new era. However, whether spesolimab will be placed as the treatment of choice remains unknown, considering its higher cost, lack of direct comparison with existing biologics, and uncertain effects on co-existing plaque-type psoriasis. However, the demonstration of numerically better efficacy for patients carrying pathogenic IL36RN mutations suggests the role of pharmacogenetics in the choices of GPP treatment. Future randomized studies are warranted to investigate the effectiveness and safety of biologics for GPP in pediatric and pregnant groups.

Knowledge Mapping and Research Hotspots of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2003 to 2023

Background

Generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. We aimed to visualize the research hotspots and trends of GPP using bibliometric analysis to enhance our comprehension of the future advancements in both basic science and clinical research.

Methods

Relevant publications from July 2003 to July 2023 were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection on July 12, 2023. The analysis of countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords associated with this subject was conducted through the utilisation of CiteSpace 6.2.R4, VOSviewer 1.6.18, and Microsoft Excel 2019.

Results

A total of 578 papers were analyzed, authored by 2758 researchers from 191 countries/regions and 1868 institutions, published in 174 academic journals. There was an overall upward trajectory in the volume of annual publications, accompanied by a gradual intensification of research interest in GPP. The United States, UDICE-French Research Universities, and Akiyama M of Nagoya University were the most productive and influential country, institution, and author, respectively. The Journal of Dermatology ranked first with the highest publications, and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology received the most citations. High-frequency keywords included "generalized pustular psoriasis", "psoriasis, interleukin-36", "plaque psoriasis", "skin-disease", and "antagonist deficiency". Recent research focuses have included "safety", "secukinumab", "spesolimab", "ap1s3 mutations", and "interleukin-36". Burst detection analysis of keywords showed that "moderate", "ixekizumab treatment", "mutations", "efficacy", and "safety" are current research frontiers in this field.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis delineated the landmark publications in GPP that have defined current research hotspots and development trends, notably the applications, efficacy, and safety of biological agents. Future research endeavors are warranted to explore other biological therapeutic options for both acute GPP and the long-term management of chronic GPP.