Real-world switching patterns and associated characteristics in patients with psoriasis treated with biologics in the United States

Background Switching therapies is common for patients with psoriasis. Objective To quantify real-world switching rates and characteristics among patients initiating biologics over 24 months. Methods Patients aged >= 18 years with >= 2 confirmed psoriasis diagnoses who initiated a new biologic were identified from a US-payer claims database (Merative (R) MarketScan (R)) Switching rates were reported over 24 months using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify associated patient characteristics. Results A total of 7997 patients were included, with overall treatment switch rates at 14.4% at 12 months and 26.0% at 24 months. IL-23 inhibitors were associated with the lowest risk of switching compared with TNF, IL-17, and IL-12/23 inhibitors over 24 months (p < 0.0001). Switch rates varied between specific biologics, with the lowest switch rates observed for patients treated with risankizumab at 8.5% followed by guselkumab at 15.7% over 24 months. Prior targeted immune modulator use, age, and female gender were predictors of switching (adjusted hazard ratio; 1.23, 1.31, and 1.40, respectively; p <= 0.0005). Limitations Claims data may be subject to data errors and reasons for switching cannot be determined. Conclusion Switching was common in psoriasis patients using biologics over 24 months, with the lowest risk of switching observed with IL-23 inhibitors.