Background:: Current knowledge of the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab is limited to data from phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A gap exists in our understanding of treatment outcomes of this newly available biologic in real-world clinical practice.
Objective:: This study explores the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab in non-RCT patients to compare real-world outcomes to those reported in RCTs.
Methods:: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective chart review of patients treated with ixekizumab therapy for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Efficacy (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score of 75 or Physician Global Assessment of 0 or 1) and safety (reported adverse events [AEs]) were assessed following a 12-week treatment period.
Results:: Of the 60 patients included, 45 (75.0%) achieved efficacious outcomes after 12 weeks of ixekizumab treatment. Twenty-two (36.7%) patients experienced one or more AEs, of whom only 3 (5.0%) withdrew from treatment as a result. Common AEs included injection site reaction/erythema/pain (13.3%) and dermatitis (5.0%).
Conclusion:: Ixekizumab has shown to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for plaque psoriasis in real-world practice. It does not appear that patients experience more AEs in real-world clinics than those in clinical trials.
Keywords: adverse event; efficacy; interleukin-17A; ixekizumab; plaque psoriasis; real-world; safety.