Dermatológia pre prax 1/2018

Progress in the biological treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune mediated, inflammatory skin disease, estimated to affect between 2% – 4% of the general population. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis has since allowed the development of several highly effective biological therapies. The increased understanding of the significant role of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis has led to the development of drugs targeting this cytokine. IL-17A is central key in the development of the psoriastic lesion, stimulate keratinocytes to proliferate and increase the migration of inflammatory cells into the skin, promoting epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation. Ixekizumab, a subcutaneously administered humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody, which selectively binds and neutralizes IL-17A, has subsequently been approved for use in patients suffering from moderate to severe psoriasis and of psoriatic arthritis. In clinical trials as well as in practice, ixekizumab shows fast onset of action and high chance for achieving Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90 – 100, that means 90-100% improvement from the baseline status, as potential new treatment goals in psoriasis.

Keywords: psoriasis, IL17A, ixekizumab