Efficacy of Tildrakizumab for the Treatment of Difficult-to-Treat Areas: Scalp, Nail, Palmoplantar and Genital Psoriasis

Characterization of psoriasis patients in special body areas: real-world evidence from the Chinese Psoriasis Standardized Diagnosis and Treatment Center

BACKGROUND

While extensive research has provided a wealth of information on psoriasis in general, there remains a critical gap in understanding the unique characteristics of psoriasis in special body areas, such as the scalp, nails, palms, and genitals.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characterization and treatment of psoriasis patients in special body areas.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective analysis of patients with psoriasis enrolled in the Psoriasis Standardized Diagnosis and Treatment Center Project between January 2020 and September 2021.

RESULTS

The study encompassed 346 patients, 81% of them had psoriasis in at least two special body areas, with the nails as the most common area. Patients with genital psoriasis reported higher Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores. A higher propensity for scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis was noted in patients with genital psoriasis. The proportion of patients treated with biologics rose, as the number of specific areas involved increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with genital psoriasis are more likely to have scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis. This study highlights the significant escalation in the proportion of biologics when the involvement of special body areas was ≥2.

Apremilast as a Potential Targeted Therapy for Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Psoriasis: An Observational Analysis

Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that often presents with erythematous, sharply demarcated lesions. Although psoriasis is primarily a dermatological disease, its immune-mediated pathogenesis produces systemic effects and is closely associated with various comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and diabetes mellitus type II (DMII). Apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE-4) inhibitor, has shown promise in treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis and is associated with potential cardiometabolic benefits. In a 12-month prospective observational study involving 137 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, we assessed changes in psoriasis clinimetric scores and metabolic profiles from baseline (T0) to 52 weeks (T1) to evaluate the efficacy of apremilast. After 52 weeks of apremilast treatment, we documented a statistically significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels. Our findings even suggest a potential synergistic effect among patients treated with apremilast, alongside concomitant statin and/or insulin therapy. Although the results of our study must be validated on a larger scale, the use of apremilast in the treatment of psoriatic patients with cardio-metabolic comorbidities yields promising results.

Short-term efficacy of tildrakizumab on difficult-to-treat areas: a real-world experience

BACKGROUND

Novel biologics targeting the IL23/T-17 axis, such as tildrakizumab, have been developed to treat psoriasis. There is limited evidence on the use of tildrakizumab for the treatment of psoriasis in difficult-to-treat areas.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and with the involvement of difficult-to-treat areas.

METHODS

A multicentric retrospective study was conducted on patients who initiated tildrakizumab between July 2022 and July 2023. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI), Palmoplantar Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (ppPASI), and Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) were measured at baseline and after 16 weeks. The percentages of achieving a PASI75, PASI90, or PASI100 response were assessed. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Itch Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were measured simultaneously. Data about potential safety issues and adverse events were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 76 patients were included, and 59 (77.6%) were affected by psoriasis localized to the scalp (n = 32), palmoplantar locations (n = 13), or nails (n = 14). The mean PASI score decreased from 16.5 ± 9.8 at baseline to 1.9 ± 1.6 after 16 weeks. Tildrakizumab treatment resulted in the improvement of PSSI (19.9 ± 10.7 to 2.7 ± 4.2), ppPASI (15.4 ± 6.9 to 1.9 ± 2.3), and NAPSI (20.3 ± 16.9 to 7.6 ± 10.8) from baseline to 16 weeks, respectively. DLQI and Itch VAS also showed marked improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Tildrakizumab is a valuable option for treating difficult-to-treat psoriasis and pruritus, with rapid onset of action.

52-Week Mid-term Efficacy of Tildrakizumab in Moderate-to-severe Psoriasis: A Real-life Multicenter Experience

Tildrakizumab is an IL-23-inhibitor that has been approved to treat plaque psoriasis. However, few reports have become available on its efficacy profile in the real-world. Our objective was to study the mid-term efficacy of tildrakizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis in the Spanish routine clinical practice setting. This was a retrospective multicenter study that included a total of 91 psoriatic patients on tildrakizumab. The mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was 9.09 (SD, 5.30). The overall tildrakizumab survival rate was 93.47% for a mean treatment exposure of 30.18 weeks (SD, 16.57). No drug discontinuation was associated with drug tolerability, or adverse reactions. Absolute PASI ≤3 was reached by 91.3% and 96.5% of the patients on weeks 28 and 52, respectively. Response was not impacted by weight, age (>65), metabolic syndrome, presence of arthritis, or previous number of biological therapies used. Based on our own experience tildrakizumab is an effective strategy to treat plaque psoriasis and difficult-to-treat-areas.

52-Week Mid-term Efficacy of Tildrakizumab in Moderate-to-severe Psoriasis: A Real-life Multicenter Experience

Tildrakizumab is an IL-23-inhibitor that has been approved to treat plaque psoriasis. However, few reports have become available on its efficacy profile in the real-world. Our objective was to study the mid-term efficacy of tildrakizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis in the Spanish routine clinical practice setting. This was a retrospective multicenter study that included a total of 91 psoriatic patients on tildrakizumab. The mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was 9.09 (SD, 5.30). The overall tildrakizumab survival rate was 93.47% for a mean treatment exposure of 30.18 weeks (SD, 16.57). No drug discontinuation was associated with drug tolerability, or adverse reactions. Absolute PASI ≤3 was reached by 91.3% and 96.5% of the patients on weeks 28 and 52, respectively. Response was not impacted by weight, age (>65), metabolic syndrome, presence of arthritis, or previous number of biological therapies used. Based on our own experience tildrakizumab is an effective strategy to treat plaque psoriasis and difficult-to-treat-areas.

Effectiveness of guselkumab in patients with facial and/or genital psoriasis: Interim analysis results at Week 12 from the GULLIVER study

BACKGROUND

Facial (FP) and genital psoriasis (GP) significantly affect patients' quality of life. Despite the advances in treatments, limited data on efficacy and safety are available on these difficult-to-treat areas. Guselkumab is an interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitor which has been proven effective in treating patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this interim analysis was to report the efficacy and safety of guselkumab in the treatment of patients with FP and/or GP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GULLIVER is a 52-week Italian observational study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab in a real-life setting in patients with FP and/or GP. Adult patients with facial and/or genital moderate-to-severe psoriasis (sPGA score ≥ 3) were included. The primary endpoint of this analysis was the percentage of patients achieving a facial or genital sPGA score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear), at Week 12. The change in the score of the facial or genital sPGA components in patients with a score ≥3 for each sPGA component was assessed. PASI score in patients with a baseline PASI above or below 10 was evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 351 patients were included in the study; 83.3% of FP and 76.5% of GP patients achieved the primary endpoint. Similar response rates were observed for the facial or genital sPGA components in patients with a baseline facial or genital sPGA score ≥3 in each component. Among patients with a baseline PASI score >10, mean PASI score improved from 19.0 (SD 8.3) to 2.2 (SD 4.8). Forty-four AEs were observed in 32 patients; two mild and transient AEs (fatigue and nausea) were considered treatment related. No SAEs were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Guselkumab, showing to be effective and safe in treating FP and GP, may be a valid therapeutic option for patients with psoriasis localized in these difficult-to-treat areas.

Adult genital psoriasis: An updated review for clinicians

Genital psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that has been reported in up to 63% of patients with psoriasis on other parts of their skin. It has a profound impact on quality of life and sexual function which is often overlooked by current severity scores. Despite its prevalence and disease burden, genital psoriasis remains largely under-reported and under-treated. Historically, this was due to the impracticality and limited efficacy data of standard psoriasis treatments when applied to genital skin. However, there have been recent advancements with several new agents currently being developed and evaluated for genital psoriasis. This clinical review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence regarding the clinical features of genital psoriasis, available management options and tools for assessing patients' quality of life. Key takeaways from this review emphasise the recognition of genital psoriasis as a chronic and debilitating condition, unique in its impact on patients' quality of life, necessitating sensitive and attentive approaches to address their needs.

Tildrakizumab: the value of a personalized and flexible approach for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in patients with high body weight or high disease burden

INTRODUCTION

The introduction of biologics for the treatment of plaque psoriasis is one of the major therapeutic advances of the last decades in dermatology. The efficacy of this class of drugs can be influenced by multiple factors including obesity, being overweight, prior treatment failures, and disease severity.

AREAS COVERED

Most of the currently available approved biologics are limited by their lack of dosing flexibility for adapting the therapy to the complexity of real-world patients with psoriasis. Among the class of anti-interleukin-23, tildrakizumab allows a greater dosing flexibility, increasing clinical benefits of patients with high burden of the disease or body weight >90 kg.

EXPERT OPINION

This meta-opinion discusses the clinical data that were foundational for tildrakizumab dosage flexibility, elaborates on the definition of high burden of disease specifically linked to tildrakizumab dosage, and profiles the ideal patient that could benefit from treatment with the higher approved tildrakizumab dosage of 200 mg.

Guselkumab in Patients with Scalp Psoriasis: A post hoc Analysis of the VOYAGE 2 Phase III Randomized Clinical Trial

Scalp psoriasis affects approximately 80% of patients with psoriasis and can negatively impact their quality of life. This post hoc analysis of the VOYAGE 2 Phase III randomized clinical trial evaluated scalp response to guselkumab treatment and its association with skin response and patient-reported outcomes. The study included patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and baseline scalp psoriasis who were initially randomized to receive guselkumab. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their achievement of a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 90 response at week 28: responder continuation, non-responder continuation and responder withdrawal. In all 3 groups, mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index head and scalp-specific Investigator's Global Assessment scores improved through week 28. In the responder withdrawal group, these scores worsened after treatment withdrawal at week 28, but remained stable through week 48 in both continuation groups. Trends in Dermatology Life Quality Index and Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary itch scores mirrored those of mean scalp-specific Investigator's Global Assessment scores through week 48. Within-subject correlations were 0.83 between scalp-specific Investigator's Global Assessment and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index head scores and 0.78 between scalp-specific Investigator's Global Assessment and Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary itch scores. Through week 252, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index head scores remained stable in the responder continuation group, improved in the non-responder continuation group and rapidly improved by week 84 in the responder withdrawal group after retreatment.

Nail psoriasis and nail lichen planus: Updates on diagnosis and management

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory diseases of the nail, including nail psoriasis and nail lichen planus, are associated with significant disease burden and have a negative impact on quality of life. Diagnosis is often delayed, especially when patients present without cutaneous findings. Therefore, recognizing clinical signs and symptoms of inflammatory nail diseases, and initiating timely and appropriate treatment, is of utmost importance.

OBJECTIVE

We review recent studies on diagnostic techniques, discuss severity grading and scoring systems, and describe consensus treatment recommendations for nail psoriasis and nail lichen planus.

METHODS

An updated literature review was performed using the PubMed database on studies assessing diagnostic techniques or treatment modalities for nail psoriasis and nail lichen planus.

RESULTS

Recent studies on diagnostic techniques for inflammatory nail disease have focused on use of dermoscopy, capillaroscopy, and ultrasound modalities. Treatment of these conditions is dichotomized into involvement of few (≤3) or many (>3) nails. Recent psoriatic therapeutics studied for nail outcomes include brodalumab, tildrakizumab, risankizumab, deucravacitinib, and bimekizumab, while emerging treatments for nail lichen planus include JAK inhibitors and intralesional platelet rich plasma injections.

CONCLUSIONS

We emphasize the need for increased awareness and expanded management strategies for inflammatory nail diseases to improve patient outcomes.

An Overview of Contemporary and Future Therapeutic Strategies for Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a common manifestation of psoriasis that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. About 80% of cases of psoriasis involve the scalp, making it the most frequently affected area of the body. The treatment of scalp psoriasis is particularly crucial because of its hard-to-treat nature and substantial adverse impacts on overall well-being. Along with the physical symptoms of discomfort and itching, psoriasis, especially when it affects the scalp, can cause severe psychological damage. Treating scalp psoriasis can be challenging due to its location and associated symptoms, such as scaling and pruritus, which is why various drugs have become widely used for refractory cases. Topical treatments like corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs manage scalp psoriasis by reducing inflammation and regulating skin cell growth. Tar-based shampoos, salicylic acid solutions, and moisturizers control scaling. Phototherapy with UVB light reduces inflammation. Severe cases may require systemic medications such as oral retinoids and immunosuppressants. While various therapies are accessible for scalp psoriasis, concerns arise due to their limited advantages and the absence of controlled studies assessing their effectiveness. Considering these challenges, there is a clear demand for innovative approaches to address this condition effectively. Recent advancements in topical therapies, phototherapy, systemic agents, and complementary therapies have shown promising results in managing scalp psoriasis. Also, the advent of biologics, specifically anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-23 drugs for scalp psoriasis, has seen significant improvements. The review highlights the lack of well-tolerated and effective treatments for scalp psoriasis and underscores the importance of further research in this area. The objective of this review is to clarify the different treatment options currently available or being investigated in clinical trials for managing scalp psoriasis.

Network meta-analyses comparing the efficacy of biologic treatments for achieving complete resolution of nail psoriasis at 24-28 and 48-52 weeks

BACKGROUND

Available network meta-analyses (NMAs) comparing the efficacy of biologics in nail psoriasis (NP) have not included recently approved biologics such as bimekizumab nor have they provided comparisons up to 1 year.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted two NMAs that update and extend results from a previous NMA comparing biologics for achieving complete resolution of NP.

METHODS

Bayesian NMAs were performed using a generalized linear model with a logit link to model the binary outcome of nail clearance at weeks 24-28 and 48-52.

RESULTS

For the NMA at weeks 24-28, which included seven biologics and placebo, the absolute probability of achieving complete resolution of NP was highest for ixekizumab (46.4%; 95% credibility interval [CrI] 35.2-58.0), followed by brodalumab (37.1%; 95% CrI 17.1-62.2) and bimekizumab (30.3%; 95% CrI 12.7-53.9). For the NMA at weeks 48-52, which included six biologics, the absolute probability was highest for ixekizumab (77.2%; 95% CrI 51.1-93.4), followed by adalimumab (75.6%; 95% CrI 61.5-87.3) and brodalumab (71.9%; 95% CrI 38.4-93.2).

CONCLUSION

Among biologics included in these two NMAs, ixekizumab has the highest absolute probability of achieving complete resolution of NP. Results may help to inform treatment decisions for patients with NP.

Effectiveness and Safety After a Switch to Tildrakizumab: A Real World Multicenter Italian Study in Psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

Tildrakizumab is a humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody targeting the p19 subunit of interleukin (IL)-23, approved in 2018 for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and survival of tildrakizumab in the medium term (48 weeks) in psoriatic patients failure to previous biologic treatment in a real world setting.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, multicenter observational study that included adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, failure to previous biologic therapy, consecutively treated with tildrakizumab. Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) values were recorded at baseline, at 12 and 48 weeks of treatment. Safety and tolerability of tildrakizumab were investigated by examining the presence of any adverse events.

RESULTS

Overall 51 patients were enrolled. Baseline disease severity was moderate to severe with a mean PASI score of 19.2 ± 8.5, mean BSA of 16 ± 10.4, and mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) of 18.2 ± 6.8. A significant reduction in the mean PASI score was detected at 12 weeks of tildrakizumab therapy (3.5 ± 2.7, P < 0.001), with a further improvement at week 48 (0.6 ± 1.5, P < 0.001). At week 12, there was a great improvement in BSA score for all groups (P <0.001) with further increase at week 48. The effectiveness was confirmed also by DLQI assessment, with a significant decrease at week 12 and even more at week 48 (P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the effectiveness of tildrakizumab in daily clinical practice in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Efficacy and Safety of Nail Psoriasis Targeted Therapies: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Nail changes are frequent clinical findings in patients with cutaneous psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, often causing significant impairments in quality of life. Numerous targeted therapies have been previously studied for treatment of nail psoriasis, however, newer agents have not been captured in prior systematic reviews. With over 25 new studies published since 2020, the landscape of nail psoriasis systemic treatments is rapidly evolving, warranting analysis of recently approved therapies.

METHODS

An updated systematic review of all PubMed and OVID database studies assessing efficacy and safety of targeted therapies for nail psoriasis was performed, with the goal of incorporating clinical data of recent trials and newer agents, namely brodalumab, risankizumab, and tildrakizumab. Eligibility criteria included clinical human studies reporting at least one of the nail psoriasis clinical appearance outcomes (Nail Psoriasis Severity Index, modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index).

RESULTS

A total of 68 studies on 15 nail psoriasis targeted therapeutic agents were included. Biological agents and small molecule inhibitors included TNF-alpha inhibitors (adalimumab, infliximab, etanercept, certolizumab, golimumab), IL-17 inhibitors (ixekizumab, brodalumab, secukinumab), IL-12/23 inhibitors (ustekinumab), IL-23 inhibitors (guselkumab, risankizumab, tildrakizumab), PDE-4 inhibitors (apremilast), and JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib). These agents all demonstrated statistically significant improvements in nail outcome scores, compared with placebo or with baseline values, at weeks 10-16 and weeks 20-26, with some studies assessing efficacy up to week 60. Safety data for these agents were acceptable and consistent with known safety profiles within these timepoints, with nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections, injection site reactions, headache, and diarrhea being the most reported adverse events. Specifically, the newer agents, brodalumab, risankizumab, and tildrakizumab, showed promising outcomes for treatment of nail psoriasis on the basis of current data.

CONCLUSION

Numerous targeted therapies have shown significant efficacy in improving nail findings in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Data from head-to-head trials have shown greater efficacy of ixekizumab over adalimumab and ustekinumab, as well as brodalumab over ustekinumab, while prior meta-analyses have demonstrated superiority of ixekizumab and tofacitinib to other included agents at various assessed timepoints. Further studies on the long-term efficacy and safety of these agents, as well as randomized controlled trials involving comparison with placebo arms, are needed to fully analyze differences in efficacy of newer agents compared with previously established therapies.

Nail Psoriasis: An Updated Review of Currently Available Systemic Treatments

Background

Nail psoriasis (NP) has a prevalence that ranges from 10 to 82% among patients with psoriasis (PsO) and is one of the most common difficult to treat site of psoriasis. We performed a thorough review of the literature, exploring evidence regarding all available NP systemic treatments, describing also in detail NP dedicated clinical trials.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase prior to February 2023 using a combination of the terms "nail" AND "psoriasis" AND "systemic therapy" AND/OR "systemic treatment". A total of 47 original studies and case reports were reviewed in this article.

Results

Systemic therapies should be considered when the disorder involves more than 3 nails, has extensive skin and joint involvement, and has a significant impact on QoL, due to their best long-term efficacy. In detail, conventional and biologic systemic drugs demonstrated efficacy in recent trials, including acitretin, methotrexate, cyclosporine, apremilast, adalimumab, infliximab, etanercept, certolizumab, golimumab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab, bimekizumab, guselkumab, risankizumab and tildrakizumab.

Conclusion

Several therapies have demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment of NP; however, the choice of treatment depends not only on the severity of the nail involvement, but also on whether PsA is present, the patient's comorbidities other than PsA, previous treatment history, and the patient's drug preferences.

Updates in treatment and impact of nail psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

Nail psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder without a potential scarring outcome, but the nail signs, even the milder ones, can cause discomfort to patients and severely affect their quality of life. Nail psoriasis may be associated with psoriatic arthritis and when it starts during infancy, it may be a predictor of a more severe disease course in adulthood. All these issues contribute to the high economic burden of psoriasis.

AREAS COVERED

Nail psoriasis is notoriously difficult to treat, even though new treatments are in continuous development. This paper provides an update on new treatments and address the current gaps in care of nail psoriasis.

EXPERT OPINION

A better understanding of the disease pathogenesis and more 'real-life' studies will definitely be helpful to improve treatment results. A lower level of heterogeneity should be advisable among trials when evaluating nail psoriasis. Moreover, the relationship between nail psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis should be the focus of unbiased studies in order to better define the real risk that nail psoriasis patients have to develop arthritis.

Clinical effectiveness of IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors on difficult-to-treat psoriasis areas (scalp, genital, and palmoplantar sites): a retrospective, observational, single-center, real-life study

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis affecting the genital, palmoplantar, and scalp regions is recognized as difficult-to-treat, and data on the efficacy of biologics in these areas remains limited.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This single-center study evaluated the effectiveness of anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-23 agents on scalp, genital, and palmoplantar psoriasis. We retrospectively analyzed data from all patients with psoriasis being treated with IL inhibitors at our clinic. Effectiveness was evaluated at 16, 28, and 52 weeks, according to the achievement of relative and mean PSSI, PGA-G, and ppPASI.

RESULTS

In all, 308 patients showed involvement of the scalp, 136 in the genital area, and 94 in the palmoplantar regions. On scalp psoriasis, anti-IL-17 agents demonstrated superiority in disease control compared to anti-IL-23 agents. PSSI100 at week 16 was reached by 59% of patients on an anti-IL17 vs 39.8% on an anti-IL-23 (p < 0.003). At genital sites, no significant differences between anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-23 agents were observed, and all classes achieved PGA-G 0/1. No significant differences between anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-23 agents were observed in palmoplantar areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data support the utility of both anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-23 agents for the treatment of difficult-to-treat areas in patients with psoriasis. Anti-IL-17 agents achieved better control of scalp psoriasis.

Tildrakizumab in Complex Psoriatic Patients: An Experience in Emilia-Romagna (Italy)

Background

IL-23 inhibitors are the latest class of biologic drugs approved for moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Objectives

to investigate real-life safety and efficacy of tildrakizumab.

Methods

demographic data, medical history, psoriasis disease history, PASI, DLQI, BSA, NAPSI were recorded at weeks 0, 12, 24, 36.

Results

PASI, BSA, DLQI and NAPSI all decreased rapidly during the 36 week follow-up period. PASI score reduced from 12.28 to 4.65 by week 12, followed by a further decrease to 1.18 at week 36 Multiple logistic regression showed that smoking, BMI ≥30, ≥3 comorbidities, previous systemic traditional or biologic drugs, psoriatic arthritis nor difficult-to-treat areas influenced the reduction of PASI and NAPSI scores during treatment with tildrakizumab ( P > .05).

Conclusions

we assessed a good performance of tildrakizumab in patients with multiple comorbidities, multi-failure, elderly patients, and in subjects with psoriatic arthritis.

Safety of current systemic therapies for nail psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

A discussion of safety of systemic treatments for nail psoriasis is lacking, particularly in reference to approval of new therapies assessed for nail outcomes. A review of safety profiles for agents commonly utilized for treatment of nail psoriasis is warranted to help inform treatment choices. The PubMed database was searched on 5 April 20235 April 2023, with articles discussing safety of nail psoriasis systemic therapies identified and reviewed.

AREAS COVERED

Systemic treatments for nail psoriasis include biologic therapies (tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, interleukin-17 inhibitors, interleukin-23 inhibitors, interleukin-12/23 inhibitors), small molecule inhibitors (apremilast, tofacitinib), and oral systemic immunomodulators (methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin), each with unique safety profiles and considerations. Herein, we discuss adverse events, contraindications, drug-drug interactions, screening/monitoring guidelines, as well as utilization for special populations, including pregnant, older, and pediatric patients.

EXPERT OPINION

The advent of targeted therapies, including biologic treatments and small molecule inhibitors, has revolutionized outcomes for nail psoriasis patients, but warrant review and monitoring for potential adverse events. Oral systemic immunomodulators have demonstrated moderate efficacy for nail psoriasis treatment, but are notable for frequent contraindications and drug-drug interactions. Further study of these agents and their use in special populations is needed to elucidate safety profiles for long-term use.

Real-life effectiveness of tildrakizumab in chronic plaque psoriasis: A 52-week multicentre retrospective study-IL PSO (Italian landscape psoriasis)

BACKGROUND

Tildrakizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds selectively the p19 subunit of interleukin-23. It is approved for treatment of moderate-severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a 52-week retrospective study to assess the effectiveness and safety of tildrakizumab in a real-life setting.

METHODS

Our retrospective study included 237 consecutive adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, enrolled in 10 different Italian centres, treated with tildrakizumab up to Week 52. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, previous treatments and the PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) score at each visit (baseline, Week 16, Week 28 and Week 52) were retrieved from the electronic medical records. The percentages of patients achieving 75%, 90% and 100% (PASI 75, PASI 90 and PASI 100) improvement in PASI with respect to baseline PASI were registered.

RESULTS

At Week 52, 90.91%, 73.55% and 58.68% of patients achieved a PASI reduction ≥75% (PASI 75), PASI 90 and PASI 100, respectively. An absolute PASI ≤ 2 was reached by 85.95% at Week 52. Compared with Phase 3 clinical trials, we observed similar rates of PASI 75/90 responses and higher percentages of patients achieving PASI 100. Patients who had not responded to previous biologic treatments and patients with cardio-metabolic comorbidities were significantly more likely to achieve PASI 100 at Week 28 and PASI 90 at Week 52. The higher body mass index did not interfere with the odds of reaching PASI 75/90/100 at each time point. No significant safety findings were recorded throughout the study, and none of the patients had to interrupt the treatment because of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the efficacy of tildrakizumab for plaque psoriasis in 'real-life' clinical practice is comparable with Phase 3 clinical trials with higher percentages of patients achieving complete skin clearance (PASI 100) at Weeks 16, 28 and 52.

Tildrakizumab for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Results from 52 Weeks Real-Life Retrospective Study

Background

Tildrakizumab, an anti-IL-23, showed promising efficacy and safety profiles in two randomized clinical-trials (reSURFACE-1 and reSURFACE-2), comparing tildrakizumab superiority to placebo and etanercept. Due to its recent availability in clinical-practice, real-life data are still limited.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab in a real-world-practice in patients suffering from moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Methods

A 52-week observational retrospective study enrolled patients suffering from moderate-to-severe plaque-psoriasis, starting tildrakizumab treatment.

Results

A total of 42 patients were included in the study. Mean PASI showed a significant reduction at each follow-up (p<0.001), reducing from 13.5±5.9 at baseline, 2.8±3.8 at week-28, resulting stable up to week-52. High rates of patients reached both PASI90 and PASI100 responses at both week 16 (PASI90: 52.4%, PASI100: 33.3%) and week 28 (PASI90: 76.1%, PASI100: 61.9%), maintaining these up to week 52 (PASI90: 73.8%, PASI100: 59.5%). The impact of treatment on patient's quality of life has been evaluated with DLQI, which showed a significant reduction during follow-ups.

Conclusion

Our data confirm tildrakizumab as an effective and generally safe treatment for the management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, with high rates of both PASI90 and PASI100 responses, and very few reported adverse events, up to 52 weeks of follow-up.

Drug safety evaluation of tildrakizumab for psoriasis: a review of the current knowledge

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that may have an important negative impact on a patient's quality of life. Biological agents deeply changed the management of its moderate-to-severe forms. Interleukin-23 inhibitors represent the latest biologics class approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. In particular, tildrakizumab, the latest available anti-interleukin-23 on the Italian market, is a humanized monoclonal antibody specifically targeting the p19 subunit of IL-23.

AREAS COVERED

The objective of this review is to evaluate the safety profile of tildrakizumab in moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients. A literature review included articles until July 2022.

EXPERT OPINION

Our analysis showed tildrakizumab as a generally safe option for the treatment of psoriasis, with most of the reported adverse events being classified as mild or moderate, and rarely requiring treatment discontinuation. Furthermore, in line with other interleukin-23 inhibitor, no concerns have been raised for tildrakizumab in regard to inflammatory bowel diseases, which represent a significant comorbidity to investigate before starting other biologics (IL-17 inhibitors). However, more real-life long-term data are needed to confirm trial results to further confirm tildrakizumab as a generally safe treatment option for psoriasis.

A Retrospective Real-World Study of the Effectiveness and Tolerability of Tildrakizumab in UK Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

Introduction

As with most medicines historically, clinicians prescribing tildrakizumab have relied on information derived from registration studies undertaken in a prospective controlled clinical trial setting. More recently, clinicians, policymakers, and commissioners increasingly rely on real-world data to inform both policy and practice.

Methods

A retrospective real-world data study was undertaken at four specialist dermatology departments in the United Kingdom. All adult patients treated with tildrakizumab for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were included, with data being collected for 122 patients.

Results

Psoriatic patients on tildrakizumab tended to be overweight (median body mass index of 32 (range 19–59) (n = 61); 26/68 (38%) < 90 kg, 32/68 (47%) between 90 and 120 kg, and 10/68 (15%) > 120 kg). The study population had high levels of comorbidities (83/116, 72%), multiple special sites (39/117, 33%), and histories of biological treatments (81/100, 81%). Most patients (61/80, 76%) initiated on tildrakizumab were switched from another biological treatment. Tildrakizumab was effective, with 91/122 (75%) patients remaining on treatment for the duration of the study—a median of 12 months per patient (range 1–29 months)—and achieving a change in median Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) from 12 to 0.35 and in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) from 20 to 0. The response rate was 57/66 (86%) when tildrakizumab was used as the first- or second-line biologic compared to 19/31 (61%) when used as the third- to seventh-line. Thirty-three (78.6%) patients over 90 kg of weight received the 200-mg dose of tildrakizumab. All but one (n = 8) patient with body weight over 120 kg maintained response over time. There was one treatment discontinuation; a patient who had a local sensitivity reaction.

Conclusions

In UK clinical practice, tildrakizumab was well tolerated and effective at doses of 100 mg or 200 mg in a range of patient phenotypes.

Guselkumab, Risankizumab, and Tildrakizumab in the Management of Psoriasis: A Review of the Real-World Evidence

Interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitors, guselkumab, risankizumab, and tildrakizumab, represent the latest class of biologics approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Since their approval numerous real-life studies were published on anti-IL-23 use in routine clinical practice. Indeed, real-life data are important to improve the dermatological decision-making process, including patients who are typically excluded from clinical trials, such as subjects suffering from several comorbidities, subjects on polypharmacy, as well as multifailure patients. Herein, we performed a comprehensive literature review about real-life data available on guselkumab, risankizumab, and tildrakizumab. Real-life data of anti-IL-23 seem to confirm the promising results of IL-23 shown by clinical trials, highlighting the efficacy and safety profiles of this new class of biologics also in clinical practice.