Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) joins the ever-growing ranks of biologics for the treatment of psoriasis. Skyrizi is new IL-23 inhibitor, which binds to the p19 subunit, joining Tremfya and Ilumya, and Stelara (which binds to the p40 subunit). It is approved for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy of phototherapy.
Skyrizi has a convenient dosing schedule. It is administered by subcutaneous injection at Week 0, Week 4 and every 12 weeks thereafter.
As with other biologics, it carries a risk of increased infections. An increased rate of upper respiratory infections and tinea infections was observed int he clinical trials. A tuberculosis test is required prior to Skyrizi being prescribed.
In the two clinical trials, Skyrizi achieved a “clear” or “almost clear” result at Week 16 in 88% and 84%, respectively, in the two clinical trials, versus 8% and 5% for the control group. On the co-primary endpoint of PASI 90 (the proportion of subjects who achieved at least a 90% reduction from baseline PASI), 75% of Skyrizi-treated patients achieved this result.
Skyrizi is a welcome addition to the armamentarium of biologics for the treatment of psoriasis.
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