Brodalumab: 5-Year US Pharmacovigilance Report.

INTRODUCTION: Brodalumab is a human interleukin-17 receptor A antagonist indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy and have failed to respond or have lost response to other systemic therapies. Although the US prescribing information for brodalumab includes a boxed warning regarding suicidal ideation and behavior, no causal association has been demonstrated. Here, we summarize 5 years of pharmacovigilance data, from August 15, 2017, through August 14, 2022, reported to Ortho Dermatologics by US patients and healthcare providers. METHODS: Prevalence of the most common adverse events (AEs) listed in the brodalumab package insert (incidence ≥ 1%) and AEs of special interest are described. Brodalumab exposure was estimated as the time from the first to last prescription-dispensing authorization dates. Data were collected from 4744 patients in the USA, with an estimated exposure of 5815 patient-years. RESULTS: Over 5 years, 11 cases of adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events were reported (0.23 events/100 patients), a rate lower than that experienced by patients in the international Psoriasis Longitudinal Assessment and Registry. There were 106 serious infections. No serious fungal infections were reported. There were 40 confirmed and 2 suspected COVID-19 cases, with no new COVID-19-related deaths. Of 49 reported malignancies among 42 patients, 3 were deemed possibly related to brodalumab. No completed suicides and no new suicidal attempts were reported. CONCLUSION: Five-year pharmacovigilance data are consistent with the established safety profile reported in long-term clinical trials and previous pharmacovigilance reports, with no new safety signals.

Brodalumab is an injectable treatment approved for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who lacked response to previous treatments. In the USA, brodalumab is only available under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for increased suicidality risks; however, findings from 5 years of real-world safety data have demonstrated a lack of association. In this report, we discuss safety findings reported by US patients and healthcare providers for 4744 patients treated with brodalumab over 5 years. Joint pain (known as arthralgia) was the most common safety finding, with 122 cases reported over 5 years. Other safety findings of interest across 5 years included 106 serious infections (defined as prolonged infections or infections requiring treatment), 54 cases of depression, 49 cases of cancer (in 42 patients), 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 11 cases of major cardiovascular events (such as stroke or heart attack). No completed suicides occurred throughout 5 years, and no new suicidal attempts were reported in year 5. In indirect comparisons with safety data from patients with psoriasis receiving or eligible to receive similar treatments, brodalumab was not associated with an increased risk of serious infection, cancer, major cardiovascular events, or inflammatory bowel disease. Taken together, these data are consistent with safety findings from long-term clinical trials and previous safety reports of brodalumab.

Bimekizumab safety in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: Rates of hepatic events and changes in liver parameters over 2 years in randomized phase 3/3b trials.

BACKGROUND: Patients with psoriasis are at increased risk of liver function abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: Explore rates of hepatic treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and changes in liver parameters in bimekizumab-treated patients with psoriasis. METHODS: Data are reported from 5 phase 3/3b trials over 2 years. Hepatic TEAEs, laboratory elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and changes in clinical markers of liver fibrosis (Fibrosis-4 [FIB-4] Index and AST to Platelet Ratio Index [APRI]) are reported. TEAEs are presented using exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs) per 100 patient-years (PY). RESULTS: 2186 patients received ≥1 bimekizumab dose. Over 2 years, the EAIR of hepatic TEAEs was 3.5/100 PY and did not increase from first to second year. 2-year EAIRs of ALT/AST elevations >3x and >5x the upper limit of normal were 2.3 and 0.6/100 PY; rates were similar to placebo, adalimumab, secukinumab, and ustekinumab during controlled study periods. FIB-4 and APRI scores did not increase through 2 years, regardless of fibrosis risk at baseline. LIMITATIONS: Obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic alcohol consumption, and medication changes are confounding factors for hepatic dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Rates of hepatic adverse events (AEs) with bimekizumab were consistent through 2 years; incidences of transaminase elevations were similar to comparators during phase 3/3b controlled study periods.

Mental health outcomes in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis treated with bimekizumab: Analysis of phase 2/3 randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Patients with psoriasis have increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) and depression. Bimekizumab, a biologic that inhibits interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F, received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2023 for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, following 2021 European Medicines Agency approval. OBJECTIVE: To report SIB and depression in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis treated in bimekizumab clinical trials. METHODS: Mental health changes, including neuropsychiatric events, were actively monitored across 9 bimekizumab clinical trials in psoriasis phase 2/3 trials. The patient-reported electronic Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (measuring SIB) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (measuring depression) were administered, monitored by an independent Neuropsychiatric Adjudication Committee. RESULTS: Throughout 7166 patient-years (PY) of bimekizumab exposure, the adjudicated SIB rate was 0.13/100PY; SIB ranges for the general psoriasis population and patients receiving anti-IL-17A/anti-IL-23 therapies are 0.09 to 0.54/100PY and 0.09 to 0.19/100PY, respectively. At week 16, 92.9% vs 81.1% of bimekizumab- vs placebo-treated patients had no/minimal depression. Newonset positive electronic Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale responses and mean Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores were low for bimekizumab-treated patients. LIMITATIONS: Patient exclusion for significant/severe prespecified SIB/depression history. CONCLUSION: The long-term adjudicated SIB rate with bimekizumab was low and within ranges reported in the general psoriasis patient population and psoriasis patients treated with anti-IL-17A/anti-IL-23 biologics. Screening/monitoring questionnaires reported low SIB and depression levels.

Deucravacitinib in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: Pooled safety and tolerability over 52 weeks from two phase 3 trials (POETYK PSO-1 and PSO-2).

BACKGROUND: Two phase 3 trials, POETYK PSO-1 and PSO-2, previously established the efficacy and overall safety of deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, in plaque psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To further assess the safety of deucravacitinib over 52 weeks in the pooled population from these two trials. METHODS: Pooled safety data were evaluated from PSO-1 and PSO-2 in which patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were randomized 1:2:1 to receive oral placebo, deucravacitinib or apremilast. RESULTS: A total of 1683 patients were included in the pooled analysis. Adverse event (AE) incidence rates were similar in each treatment group, serious AEs were low and balanced across groups, and discontinuation rates were lower with deucravacitinib versus placebo or apremilast. No new safety signals emerged with longer deucravacitinib treatment. Exposure-adjusted incidence rates of AEs of interest with placebo, deucravacitinib and apremilast, respectively, were as follows: serious infections (0.8/100 person-years [PY], 1.7/100 PY, and 1.8/100 PY), major adverse cardiovascular events (1.2/100 PY, 0.3/100 PY, and 0.9/100 PY), venous thromboembolic events (0, 0.2/100 PY, and 0), malignancies (0, 1.0/100 PY and 0.9/100 PY), herpes zoster (0.4/100 PY, 0.8/100 PY, and 0), acne (0.4/100 PY, 2.9/100 PY, and 0) and folliculitis (0, 2.8/100 PY, and 0.9/100 PY). No clinically meaningful changes from baseline in mean levels, or shifts from baseline to CTCAE grade ≥3 abnormalities, were reported in laboratory parameters with deucravacitinib. CONCLUSIONS: Deucravacitinib was well-tolerated with acceptable safety over 52 weeks in patients with psoriasis.

Association of the clinical components in the distal interphalangeal joint synovio-entheseal complex and subsequent response to ixekizumab or adalimumab in psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency of simultaneous distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint disease and adjacent nail psoriasis (finger unit) among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and compare the efficacy of the interleukin (IL)-17A antagonist ixekizumab (IXE) and the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor adalimumab (ADA). METHODS: This post hoc analysis evaluated the simultaneous occurrence of DIP joint involvement (tenderness and/or swelling) and adjacent nail psoriasis among patients with PsA from the SPIRIT-H2H (NCT03151551) trial comparing IXE to ADA. Among patients with simultaneous DIP joint involvement and adjacent nail psoriasis in ≥ 1 digit at baseline, treatment effects were assessed through week 52 for each affected finger unit; 'finger unit' defines the connected DIP joint and adjacent nail of an individual digit. RESULTS: A total of 354 patients had simultaneous DIP joint involvement and adjacent nail psoriasis in ≥ 1 finger unit at baseline. Among them, 1309 (IXE = 639, ADA = 670) finger units had baseline DIP joint tenderness and/or swelling and adjacent nail psoriasis. Proportions of affected finger units achieving complete resolution were significantly higher with IXE vs ADA as early as week 12 (38.8% vs 28.4%, p< 0.0001) and at all post-baseline assessments through week 52 (64.9% vs 57.5%, p= 0.0055). CONCLUSIONS: In this study cohort, patients with DIP joint involvement almost always had adjacent nail psoriasis. Greater resolution of DIP joint tenderness, swelling, and adjacent nail psoriasis was achieved at all timepoints over 52 weeks through targeting IL-17A with IXE than TNF-α with ADA, which is noteworthy given prior comparable musculoskeletal outcomes for both drug classes.

Efficacy of long-term risankizumab treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: Subgroup analyses by baseline characteristics and psoriatic disease manifestations through 256 weeks (LIMMitless trial).

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that impacts a heterogeneous group of patients and can have multiple clinical manifestations. Risankizumab is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of risankizumab according to baseline patient characteristics, and for the treatment of high-impact disease manifestations (nail, scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis), through 256 weeks of continuous treatment in the phase 3 LIMMitless study. METHODS: This subgroup analysis evaluated pooled data from patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who were randomized to risankizumab 150 mg during two double-blind, phase 3, 52-week base studies (UltIMMa-1/2; NCT02684370/NCT02684357) and were enrolled in the phase 3 LIMMitless open-label extension study (NCT03047395). Subgroup assessments included the proportion of patients who achieved ≥90%/100% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90/100). Among patients with nail, scalp and/or palmoplantar psoriasis in addition to skin psoriasis, assessments included changes from baseline in and resolution of these three psoriatic manifestations. RESULTS: Overall, a numerically similar proportion of patients (N = 525) achieved PASI 90/100 through Week 256, regardless of their baseline age, sex, body mass index, weight, PASI or psoriatic arthritis status. Patients with nail, scalp and/or palmoplantar psoriasis experienced substantial improvements in manifestation-specific indices (mean improvement from baseline to Week 256 of >81%, >94% and >97%, respectively); in patients with all three manifestations (N = 121), 44.6% achieved complete clearance of these manifestations at Week 256. CONCLUSIONS: Risankizumab demonstrated generally consistent efficacy through 256 weeks across patient subgroups and showed durable long-term efficacy for psoriatic disease manifestations.

Orismilast in moderate-to-severe psoriasis: Efficacy and safety from a 16-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-finding, and phase 2b trial (IASOS).

BACKGROUND: Orismilast is a novel oral phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) B/D inhibitor being investigated as a potential treatment for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of orismilast modified-release formulation in moderate-to-severe psoriasis. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized (1:1:1:1 to 20, 30, 40 mg orismilast or placebo, twice daily), double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase 2b, 16-week, dose-ranging study evaluated orismilast in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (NCT05190419). Efficacy end points were analyzed using multiple imputation. RESULTS: Of 202 randomized patients, baseline characteristics were balanced across arms, except greater severe disease proportions for orismilast vs placebo. Orismilast showed significant improvements in the primary end point, percentage change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), from baseline to week 16 (orismilast -52.6% to -63.7% and placebo, -17.3%; all P <.001). Greater proportions receiving orismilast achieved PASI75 (39.5%-49.0%; P <.05) and PASI90 (22.0%-28.3%; P <.05 for 20 and 40 mg) vs placebo (PASI75, 16.5% and PASI90, 8.3%) at week 16. Safety findings were as expected with PDE4 inhibition; dose-dependent tolerability effects observed. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, disease severity imbalance between groups, limited duration and diversity in study population. CONCLUSION: Orismilast demonstrated greater efficacy vs placebo and a safety profile in line with PDE4 inhibition.

Long-Term Safety of Guselkumab in Patients with Psoriatic Disease: An Integrated Analysis of Eleven Phase II/III Clinical Studies in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: The benefit/risk profiles of biologics can be affected by comorbidities, certain demographic characteristics, and concomitant medications; therefore, it is important to evaluate the long-term safety profiles of biologics across broad patient populations. Guselkumab was well tolerated and efficacious across individual pivotal clinical studies in adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and/or active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). OBJECTIVES: The objective of the current analysis was to evaluate guselkumab safety in a large population of patients with psoriatic disease by pooling adverse event (AE) data from 11 phase II/III studies (seven in psoriasis; four in PsA). METHODS: Guselkumab was generally administered as 100 mg subcutaneous injections at Week 0, Week 4, then every 8 weeks (Q8W) in psoriasis studies and at Week 0, Week 4, then every 4 weeks (Q4W) or Q8W in PsA studies. Safety data were summarized for the placebo-controlled period (Weeks 0-16 in psoriasis; Weeks 0-24 in PsA) and through the end of the reporting period (up to 5 years in psoriasis; up to 2 years in PsA). Using the integrated data, incidence rates of key AEs were determined post hoc, adjusted for duration of follow-up, and reported per 100 patient-years (PYs). AE rates were also determined in subgroups of patients defined by sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and prior biologic use. RESULTS: During the placebo-controlled period, 1061 patients received placebo (395 PYs) and 2257 received guselkumab (856 PYs). Through the end of the reporting period, 4399 guselkumab-treated patients contributed 10,787 PYs of follow-up. During the placebo-controlled period, in the guselkumab and placebo groups, respectively, rates of AEs were 281 versus 272/100 PYs, and infections were 76.0 versus 72.2/100 PYs. Rates of serious AEs (5.6 vs. 7.8/100 PYs), AEs leading to discontinuation (4.9 vs. 6.6/100 PYs), serious infections (1.0 vs. 2.3/100 PYs), malignancy (0.59 vs. 0.25 patients/100 PYs), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; 0.35 vs. 0.25/100 PYs) were low and comparable between guselkumab and placebo. Among guselkumab-treated patients, safety event rates through the end of the reporting period were numerically lower than or comparable with rates observed during the placebo-controlled period: AEs, 164/100 PYs; infections, 61.2/100 PYs; serious AEs, 5.4/100 PYs; AEs leading to discontinuation, 1.8/100 PYs; serious infections, 1.0/100 PYs; malignancy, 0.6/100 PYs; and MACE, 0.3/100 PYs. No AEs of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or active tuberculosis were reported among guselkumab-treated patients. In the psoriasis studies, no opportunistic infections were reported among guselkumab-treated patients. Three AEs of opportunistic infections were reported in guselkumab-treated patients with PsA (0.14/100 PYs; all after Week 52 in DISCOVER-2). AE rates were largely consistent across subgroups of guselkumab-treated patients defined by sex, age, BMI, and prior biologic use. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis of 4399 guselkumab-treated patients with psoriatic disease followed for 10,787 PYs, guselkumab had a favorable AE profile. AE rates were similar between guselkumab- and placebo-treated patients and were consistent throughout long-term guselkumab treatment and across broad subgroups of patients with psoriatic disease. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATIONS: Clinicaltrials.gov identifiers: NCT01483599, NCT02207231, NCT02207244, NCT02203032, NCT02905331, NCT03090100, NCT02325219, NCT02319759, NCT03162796, NCT03158285, and NCT03796858.

Efficacy and safety of rademikibart (CBP-201), a next-generation mAb targeting IL-4Rα, in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis: A phase 2 randomized trial (CBP-201-WW001).

BACKGROUND: Rademikibart (CBP-201) is a next-generation IL-4 receptor alpha-targeting antibody. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate rademikibart in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. METHODS: A total of 226 patients were randomized, double-blind, to subcutaneous rademikibart (300 mg every 2 weeks [Q2W], 150 mg Q2W, 300 mg every 4 weeks [Q4W]; plus 600-mg loading dose) or placebo. Randomization began in July 2020. The trial was completed in October 2021. RESULTS: The WW001 phase 2 trial achieved its primary end point: significant percent reduction from baseline in least-squares mean Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) to week 16 with rademikibart 300 mg Q2W (-63.0%; P = .0007), 150 mg Q2W (-57.6%; P = .0067), 300 mg Q4W (-63.5%; P = .0004) versus placebo (-39.7%). EASI scores decreased significantly with 300 mg Q2W and Q4W at the earliest assessment (week 2), with no evidence of plateauing by week 16. Significant improvements were also observed in secondary end points, including pruritus. Across the primary and secondary end points, efficacy tended to be comparable with 300 mg Q2W and Q4W dosing. Rademikibart and placebo had similar, low incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (48% vs 54%), serious TEAEs (1.8% vs 3.6%), TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation (1.2% vs 1.8%), conjunctivitis of unspecified cause (2.9% vs 0%), herpes (0.6% vs 1.8%), and injection-site reactions (1.8% vs 1.8%). Although no discontinuations were attributed to coronavirus disease 2019, pandemic-related restrictions likely had an impact on trial conduct. CONCLUSIONS: Rademikibart was efficacious and well tolerated at Q2W and Q4W intervals. Q4W dosing is a more convenient frequency than approved for current therapies.

Deucravacitinib, a selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, in scalp psoriasis: A subset analysis of two phase 3 randomized trials in plaque psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Scalp involvement in plaque psoriasis is challenging to treat. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of deucravacitinib (DEUC) in scalp psoriasis. METHODS: POETYK PSO-1 and PSO-2 were global phase 3, 52-week, double-blinded trials in adults with moderate to severe psoriasis. Patients were randomized 1:2:1 to oral placebo, DEUC 6 mg once daily, or apremilast 30 mg twice daily. This pooled secondary analysis evaluated scalp-specific Physician Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 (0/1), ≥90% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index, and change from baseline in Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index. Adverse events were evaluated through week 16. RESULTS: Overall, 1084 patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis at baseline were included. At week 16, response rates were greater with DEUC versus placebo or apremilast for scalp-specific Physician Global Assessment 0/1 (64.0% vs 17.3% vs 37.7%; P < .0001), ≥90% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (50.6% vs 10.5% vs 26.1%; P < .0001), and change from baseline in Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index. Responses were maintained through 52 weeks with continuous DEUC. Safety was consistent with the entire study population. LIMITATIONS: Lack of data in milder scalp psoriasis. CONCLUSION: DEUC was significantly more efficacious than placebo or apremilast in improving moderate to severe scalp psoriasis and was well tolerated.

Real-world effectiveness of risankizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis using the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease, is often treated with biologic therapeutics. OBJECTIVE: To determine the real-world treatment effectiveness of risankizumab, an interleukin-23 inhibitor, in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was conducted using the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry for eligible adults with a diagnosis of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and persistent use of risankizumab at 12 (±3) months after initiation. Skin clearance measures and patient-reported outcomes were analyzed for the entire study population and by prior biologic treatment. RESULTS: Among 287 patients with persistent risankizumab use at 1 year, most achieved clear or clear/almost clear skin and reported significant reductions in Dermatology Life Quality Index scores, psoriasis symptoms (fatigue, skin pain, and overall itch), and work and activity impairment. LIMITATIONS: The CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry is not necessarily representative of all adults with psoriasis in the United States and Canada and does not measure patient adherence. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with risankizumab, regardless of prior treatment, achieved high levels of clear and clear/almost clear skin, Dermatology Life Quality Index scores of 0/1, and significant reductions in psoriasis symptoms (fatigue, skin pain, and overall itch) and work and activity impairment 1 year after initiation.

Meaningful Change Thresholds for the Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Change from baseline score on the validated Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary (PSSD) is a widely used, patient-reported end point in clinical trials for psoriasis. Meaningful score change thresholds anchored to patient-reported assessments have not been established in a clinical trial setting. Objective: To evaluate meaningful within-patient score change thresholds for the PSSD using data from the phase 3 Program to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Deucravacitinib, a Selective TYK2 Inhibitor (POETYK), PSO-1 clinical trial, which compared the efficacy and safety of deucravacitinib vs placebo and apremilast among adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this predefined analysis using data from the POETYK PSO-1 multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial, conducted from August 7, 2018, to September 2, 2020, 666 adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis completed the PSSD daily throughout the trial. Meaningful change thresholds were derived by anchoring mean PSSD score change from baseline to week 16 to category improvements on the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI-C) and the Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S). Interventions: Deucravacitinib, 6 mg, once daily; placebo; or apremilast, 30 mg, twice daily. Main Outcome and Measures: The main outcome was score change from baseline to week 16 on the PSSD, anchored to the PGI-C and PGI-S. Results: The trial included 666 patients (mean [SD] age, 46.1 [13.4] years; 453 men [68.0%]). Three thresholds were identified using an analysis set of 609 patients. Score improvement of at least 15 points from baseline reflected meaningful within-patient change anchored to the PGI-C. Score improvements of 25 points were supported by both the PGI-C and the PGI-S, while a 30-point score change identified patients with greater improvements in their psoriasis symptoms and signs. Conclusions and Relevance: This analysis suggests that PSSD score improvements of 15, 25, or 30 points represent increasing improvements in disease burden that are meaningful to patients with psoriasis.

Impact of psoriasis disease severity and special area involvement on patient-reported outcomes in the real world: an analysis from the CorEvitas psoriasis registry.

BACKGROUND: The impact of psoriasis in special areas (i.e., scalp, nails, palms, soles, genitals) on patient physical functioning, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and work abilities has not been fully characterized. We assessed associations between disease severity and special area involvement in psoriasis symptoms, HRQoL, and work/activity impairment. METHODS: Patients with psoriasis from the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry who initiated systemic treatment between 04/2015-06/2020 were included. Outcomes were change from baseline in psoriasis symptoms, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and work/activity impairment at 6 months stratified by baseline disease severity and special area involvement. RESULTS: Among 2620 patients, increasing disease severity was associated with worsening patient-reported outcomes. Patients with (46.0%; N = 1205) versus without (54.0%; N = 1415) psoriasis in special areas reported greater HRQoL and work/activity impairment. Over 6 months, patients with unchanged or worsening disease severity had reduced HRQoL and increased symptom severity; incremental increases in patient HRQoL and decreases in symptom severity were associated with improved disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Higher disease severity and special area involvement was associated with worse outcomes and impaired work abilities. These data highlight the significant impact that adequate treatment of severe psoriasis and/or special area involvement may have on patient HRQoL and function.

The Epidemiology of Palmoplantar Pustulosis: An Analysis of Multiple Health Insurance Claims and Electronic Health Records Databases.

BACKGROUND: Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by sterile pustules on the palms and soles. This study evaluated the epidemiology of PPP using claims and electronic health record (EHR) databases. METHODS: Patients coded for PPP in the United States (US) and Japan from 2016 to 2020 were identified. Several PPP definitions were evaluated; the specific definition (≥ 2 visits coded for PPP, the second 31-730 days after diagnosis) was chosen for characterizing PPP epidemiology. Baseline characteristics and pre- and post-diagnosis treatments were summarized. Prevalence and incidence rates were analyzed by calendar year, sex, age, and database. RESULTS: Prevalence and incidence of PPP were higher in Japan than the US. PPP prevalence increased over time. PPP occurred predominantly in adulthood and was more common among women. Features of metabolic syndromes, anxiety, and depression were more common among US PPP patients. Consistently high baseline use of anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory/anti-rheumatic, and obstructive airway disease treatments was observed among PPP patients. Potential miscoding or misclassification of PPP limited this analysis. Prevalence estimates from databases may differ from field- and population-based approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of PPP was greater in Japan than in the US. Additional studies are needed to further elucidate PPP epidemiology worldwide.

Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous spesolimab for the prevention of generalised pustular psoriasis flares (Effisayil 2): an international, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Spesolimab is an anti-interleukin-36 receptor monoclonal antibody approved to treat generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP) flares. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of spesolimab for GPP flare prevention. METHODS: This multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial was done at 60 hospitals and clinics in 20 countries. Eligible study participants were aged between 12 and 75 years with a documented history of GPP as per the European Rare and Severe Psoriasis Expert Network criteria, with a history of at least two past GPP flares, and a GPP Physician Global Assessment (GPPGA) score of 0 or 1 at screening and random assignment. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to receive subcutaneous placebo, subcutaneous low-dose spesolimab (300 mg loading dose followed by 150 mg every 12 weeks), subcutaneous medium-dose spesolimab (600 mg loading dose followed by 300 mg every 12 weeks), or subcutaneous high-dose spesolimab (600 mg loading dose followed by 300 mg every 4 weeks) over 48 weeks. The primary objective was to demonstrate a non-flat dose-response curve on the primary endpoint, time to first GPP flare. FINDINGS: From June 8, 2020, to Nov 23, 2022, 157 patients were screened, of whom 123 were randomly assigned. 92 were assigned to receive spesolimab (30 high dose, 31 medium dose, and 31 low dose) and 31 to placebo. All patients were either Asian (79 [64%] of 123) or White (44 [36%]). Patient groups were similar in sex distribution (76 [62%] female and 47 [38%] male), age (mean 40·4 years, SD 15·8), and GPP Physician Global Assessment score. A non-flat dose-response relationship was established on the primary endpoint. By week 48, 35 patients had GPP flares; seven (23%) of 31 patients in the low-dose spesolimab group, nine (29%) of 31 patients in the medium-dose spesolimab group, three (10%) of 30 patients in the high-dose spesolimab group, and 16 (52%) of 31 patients in the placebo group. High-dose spesolimab was significantly superior versus placebo on the primary outcome of time to GPP flare (hazard ratio [HR]=0·16, 95% CI 0·05-0·54; p=0·0005) endpoint. HRs were 0·35 (95% CI 0·14-0·86, nominal p=0·0057) in the low-dose spesolimab group and 0·47 (0·21-1·06, p=0·027) in the medium-dose spesolimab group. We established a non-flat dose-response relationship for spesolimab compared with placebo, with statistically significant p values for each predefined model (linear p=0·0022, emax1 p=0·0024, emax2 p=0·0023, and exponential p=0·0034). Infection rates were similar across treatment arms; there were no deaths and no hypersensitivity reactions leading to discontinuation. INTERPRETATION: High-dose spesolimab was superior to placebo in GPP flare prevention, significantly reducing the risk of a GPP flare and flare occurrence over 48 weeks. Given the chronic nature of GPP, a treatment for flare prevention is a significant shift in the clinical approach, and could ultimately lead to improvements in patient morbidity and quality of life. FUNDING: Boehringer Ingelheim.

Long-Term Effectiveness of Dupilumab in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: Results up to 3 Years from the RELIEVE-AD Study.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) can require long-term therapy. Few real-world studies have evaluated long-term effectiveness from the patients' perspective. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) during long-term dupilumab treatment. METHODS: Adults with moderate-to-severe AD who initiated dupilumab through the US manufacturer patient support program and participated in RELIEVE-AD (a prospective patient survey study with a 12-month follow-up) were recontacted 30-36 months post-initiation regardless of current dupilumab use. The online questionnaire consisted of PROs, including the Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool (ADCT), use of concomitant AD therapies, satisfaction with current therapy, global change in itch relative to before dupilumab initiation, non-itch skin symptoms (skin pain/soreness, hot/burning feeling, and sensitivity to touch), flares, Dermatology Life Quality Index, sleep problems, and the AD-specific Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 698 patients who initiated dupilumab (baseline) and were recontacted, 425 completed the 30-36-month survey. Significant reductions from baseline were reported in concomitant AD therapy use (P < 0.05); 54.4% reported not using other AD medications vs. 12.8% at baseline. At 30-36 months, all results (non-itch skin symptoms, flares, sleep problems, health-related quality of life work/activity impairment, disease control, and treatment satisfaction) were similar to or incrementally better than the 12-month timepoint, with significant improvements vs. baseline (P < 0.001). Global change in itch was reported as "very much better" by 75.3% of respondents. Adequate disease control (score < 7 on ADCT) was reported by 80.7% of respondents, and 86.8% were satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice settings, patient-reported benefits of dupilumab were maintained in survey respondents during long-term treatment up to 36 months while the use of concomitant AD therapies reduced.

Atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) is a chronic skin disease that can have a profoundly negative effect on patients' quality of life. To control disease symptoms, patients often need long-term treatment. Dupilumab is a treatment that has shown benefits in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) when used in long-term (under 4 years) clinical trials; however, few studies have evaluated patients' experiences of long-term dupilumab treatment outside of a clinical trial setting. This study was conducted to do so: 425 adults with moderate-to-severe AD who received dupilumab through a US manufacturer patient support program filled in an online questionnaire 30­36 months after starting treatment. The questionnaire included items on use of additional AD therapies, AD symptoms, quality of life, disease control, and satisfaction with treatment. Patients' responses showed that, at 30­36 months after starting dupilumab treatment, 54% of patients reported not using any other medications for AD vs. 13% of patients when starting dupilumab treatment. In addition, since starting dupilumab, 75% of patients reported one of the most burdensome AD symptoms, itch, as being "very much better" vs. before starting treatment; 81% reported control of AD symptoms; 85% reported a meaningful improvement in quality of life; and 76% were "extremely" or "very" satisfied with the treatment. In summary, this study showed that long-term dupilumab treatment provides continued improvement in symptoms, treatment satisfaction, disease control, and quality of life in adults with moderate-to-severe AD while reducing the need for other AD treatments. Video abstract: How do patients with atopic dermatitis perceive long-term dupilumab treatment in the real world? (MP4 31888 kb).

Abrocitinib efficacy and safety in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Results from phase 3 studies, including the long-term extension JADE EXTEND study.

BACKGROUND: Abrocitinib improved signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) at 12 or 16 weeks in phase 3 studies with a manageable safety profile. Further understanding of the abrocitinib long-term efficacy and safety profile is important for its appropriate use in treating chronic AD. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the abrocitinib efficacy up to 48 weeks and long-term safety in patients with moderate-to-severe AD. METHODS: JADE EXTEND (NCT03422822) is an ongoing, phase 3, long-term extension study that enrolled patients from previous abrocitinib AD trials. This analysis focusses on patients from the phase 3 JADE MONO-1 (NCT03349060), JADE MONO-2 (NCT03575871) and JADE COMPARE (NCT03720470) studies who completed the full treatment period of placebo or abrocitinib (200 mg or 100 mg once daily) and subsequently entered JADE EXTEND. Efficacy endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving skin clearance (Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA] 0/1 [clear/almost clear]; ≥75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI-75]) and itch response (Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale [PP-NRS] severity ≥4-point improvement). Safety endpoints included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious TEAEs and TEAEs leading to discontinuation. Data cut-off: April 22, 2020. RESULTS: As of the data cut-off, ~70% and ~45% of patients received abrocitinib for ≥36 and ≥48 weeks, respectively. Nasopharyngitis, atopic dermatitis, nausea and upper respiratory tract infections were the most frequent TEAEs. Serious TEAEs occurred in 7% and 5% and TEAEs leading to study discontinuation occurred in 9% and 7% of patients receiving abrocitinib 200 mg and 100 mg, respectively. Week 48 efficacy responses with abrocitinib 200 mg and 100 mg were as follows: IGA 0/1 52% and 39%; EASI-75 82% and 67%, and PP-NRS severity ≥4-point improvement 68% and 51%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with moderate-to-severe AD, long-term abrocitinib treatment resulted in clinically meaningful skin and pruritus improvement. The long-term safety profile was manageable and consistent with previous reports.

Bimekizumab efficacy and safety in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: Two-year interim results from the open-label extension of the randomized BE RADIANT phase 3b trial.

BACKGROUND: Bimekizumab is a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that inhibits interleukin-17A/F. Bimekizumab is more efficacious than secukinumab over 1 year in the treatment of psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of bimekizumab through 2 years in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. METHODS: The BE RADIANT phase 3b randomized controlled trial consisted of a 48-week double-blinded period, where patients received bimekizumab (320 mg every 4 or 8 weeks) or secukinumab (300 mg weekly to Week 4, then every 4 weeks), and an open-label extension (OLE). From Week 48, all patients received bimekizumab in the OLE. RESULTS: At Week 48, more patients achieved complete skin clearance (PASI 100; modified non-responder imputation) with bimekizumab than secukinumab (74.8% vs 52.8%). PASI 100 responses were maintained to Week 96 in continuous bimekizumab patients (70.8%); patients who switched from secukinumab to bimekizumab had increased rates at Week 96 (76.6%). The most common adverse events were: nasopharyngitis, oral candidiasis, and urinary tract infection. Safety data were consistent with the known safety profile of bimekizumab. LIMITATIONS: Limited racial diversity; overlap with the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: High PASI 100 responses achieved with bimekizumab over 48 weeks were sustained through Week 96; secukinumab patients who switched to bimekizumab achieved similar responses by Week 96.

Treatment of plaque psoriasis with deucravacitinib (POETYK PSO-1 study): a plain language summary.

WHAT IS THIS SUMMARY ABOUT?: This is a summary of a paper published in a medical journal that describes the results of a study called POETYK PSO-1, which looked at a new treatment called deucravacitinib for plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis appears on the body as round or oval raised patches (called plaques) typically covered by scales. This can cause the skin to itch, crack or bleed, and the associated itching and pain can make it difficult to perform basic everyday tasks. Living with psoriasis can cause emotional distress. Treatments are available, but some do not always reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, some may need to be injected or taken multiple times a day, and some may have side effects. Researchers are looking for new treatments that are more effective, convenient to take, and have acceptable safety and tolerability. WHAT HAPPENED IN THE STUDY?: Deucravacitinib is a once-daily pill taken by mouth (orally) that was studied as a treatment for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults in two large studies conducted globally, PSO-1 and PSO-2. The POETYK PSO-1 study compared deucravacitinib with placebo (an inactive pill designed to have no effect) and an approved psoriasis treatment called apremilast, which is a pill taken twice a day. These were tested in adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, which involved 10% or more of their body (equal to 10 or more handprints). The aim of the study was to compare the ability of deucravacitinib with placebo or apremilast to improve psoriasis for the people in the study, and to compare side effects that people had. WHAT DO THE RESULTS OF THE POETYK PSO-1 STUDY SHOW?: After 4 months of treatment, more people taking deucravacitinib had improvements in psoriasis plaques and skin appearance than those taking placebo or apremilast. The study also showed that people continued to see these improvements after taking deucravacitinib for up to 1 year. Side effects are events that happened during the study treatment phase that may or may not be caused by that treatment. Side effects for people taking deucravacitinib were generally mild and occurred in similar numbers overall to those in people taking placebo. The most common side effects in people taking deucravacitinib were inflammation or infection of the nasal (nose) passages and throat. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03624127 (POETYK PSO-1 study) (ClinicalTrials.gov).