Ixekizumab for treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Introduction: The interleukin (IL)-17 family of cytokines has emerged as an important pro-inflammatory mediator of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Ixekizumab is an IL17A inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. Phase III studies of ixekizumab in treating of PsA demonstrated promise by minimizing disease severity and progression. Areas covered: This review focuses on the biologic properties, pharmacokinetics and key clinical trial results that demonstrated the safety and efficacy of ixekizumab in treating psoriatic disease. Expert commentary: Ixekizumab is a biologic that has been approved for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. With respect to safety, ixekizumab is generally well tolerated with injection-site reactions, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infections being the most common adverse events. Most patients with anti-drug antibodies have low antibody titer levels resulting in no meaningful interference in clinical response to ixekizumab.