Real-world data show high efficacy of IL23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab in psoriatic arthritis and difficult-to-treat areas

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are chronic inflammatory skin and joint diseases requiring effective therapies. Although clinical studies have shown the efficacy of IL-23 inhibitors, real-world data are limited. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective Greek study enrolling patients with psoriatic arthritis and moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis being treated at our multidisciplinary psoriasis outpatient clinic. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of IL-23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab. Additionally, we sought to determine the clinical characteristics affecting treatment response. Primary endpoints were the evaluation of absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (aPASI) and Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) at week 24. Results: Fifty-nine patients (55.9% male, 69.5% early onset) with a mean age of 51.7 years were included. Twenty-four patients (40.7%) had a concomitant psoriatic arthritis. Obesity was the main comorbidity (49.2%) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 31.3 kg/m2. Additional comorbidities were hypertension (44.1%), dyslipidemia (32.2%), and diabetes (18.6%). Only eight patients (13.6%) were naïve to previous systemic treatments, whereas 40 patients (67.8%) were bio-experienced. A statistically significant improvement of aPASI and DAPSA was demonstrated after 4, 16, and 24 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). IL23 blockers were also efficacious in difficult-to-treat areas. Clinical outcome was affected from previous treatment with biologics. Treatment response was the same between guselkumab and risankizumab (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This real-world study confirms the efficacy and safety of guselkumab and risankizumab in psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis reported from clinical trials.