STL Volume 29 Number 3 – Skin Therapy Letter https://www.skintherapyletter.com Written by Dermatologists for Dermatologists Mon, 24 Jun 2024 20:15:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 A Review of the Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Dermatology https://www.skintherapyletter.com/dermatology/intravenous-immunoglobulin-therapy/ Thu, 30 May 2024 18:14:32 +0000 https://www.skintherapyletter.com/?p=15268 Casey Engel, BA1 and Zachary E. Holcomb, MD2

1Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
2Dermatology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA

Conflict of interest: Casey Engel has no relevant conflicts of interest. Zachary Holcomb is an investigator for AstraZeneca/Parexel. Funding sources: None.

Abstract:
Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is a manufactured blood product commonly used to treat immunodeficiency syndromes, inflammatory disorders, and autoimmune diseases of the skin. The use of IVIG in dermatology has evolved and expanded over time, serving as a useful therapeutic intervention for several inflammatory skin disorders. In addition to demonstrating efficacy in treating several cutaneous pathologies, IVIG also mitigates the need for steroids or other immunosuppressant medications in many dermatologic diseases. This review highlights the evidence for IVIG use across several dermatologic conditions, emphasizing the dosing regimens and safety considerations.

Keywords: intravenous immunoglobulin, IVIG, immunomodulation, autoimmune diseases, bullous dermatoses, dermatomyositis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Introduction and Mechanism of Action

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is composed of polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) derived from human plasma and has been used clinically for over 50 years. IVIG has historically been used to treat immunodeficiency syndromes, but more recently it has been employed in treating a wide variety of dermatologic conditions, including autoimmune bullous dermatoses, collagen vascular diseases, inflammatory myositides, systemic vasculitides, severe atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, graft-versus-host disease, and more. IVIG exerts its effects through modulation of the immune system and anti-inflammatory actions. Proposed mechanisms of action include Fc receptor blockade, complement inhibition, pathogen neutralization, dendritic cell downregulation, clearance of pathogenic IgG, alterations in regulatory T cells, and enhancement of sensitivity to corticosteroids.1,2 IVIG is typically administered using a dosing regimen of 2 g/kg for most indications, excluding Kawasaki disease and toxic epidermal necrolysis, further detailed below. This dosing regimen is usually distributed evenly over 2-5 days. IVIG undergoes an extensive screening process involving virus inactivation and removal in addition to donor screening.1,2 This review explores the dermatologic conditions where IVIG has demonstrated efficacy (see Table 1).

A Review of the Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Dermatology - image
Table 1: Common indications and guidelines for IVIG use in dermatology.

Dosing and Administration

There are several different formulations of IVIG available. It is important to be aware of the available formulations as they may vary regarding indication, half-life, storage, contraindications, and administration. If a patient is to receive multiple IVIG treatments, the same previously tolerated formulation should be used when possible to minimize adverse reactions. Immune globulin can also be administered subcutaneously and intramuscularly, though this review will focus on the use of intravenous immune globulin.

The standard dose for IVIG is 2 g/kg divided evenly over 2-5 daily infusions. It is recommended to calculate dosage using actual body weight, unless the patient’s BMI is greater than 30 kg/m2 or if their actual weight is greater than 20% higher than ideal body weight, in which case dosing can be calculated using ideal body weight.1,2

When used to treat immunodeficiencies, trough levels can be obtained to assist in calculating the interval between doses. However, when used for dermatologic conditions, the primary endpoint is often clinical improvement and thus IgG levels are not routinely measured. The half-life of IVIG ranges from 3-5 weeks; accordingly, infusions are typically administered in cycles every 4 weeks until the disease is adequately controlled.

IVIG is generally started at a slow infusion rate, usually 0.01 mL/kg per minute, to reduce the risk of infusion-related adverse effects. This rate may be increased based on patient tolerability and monitoring. The total dose is frequently given over 4-8 hours.

Adverse Effects and Contraindications

Adverse reactions occur in 5-15% of all IVIG infusions and are typically self-limited. They generally occur during or within several hours of the infusion and are often associated with the first infusion or with a new IVIG formulation. Common reactions include headache, chills, flushing, fatigue, abdominal pain, and myalgias. Other adverse effects include urticaria, anaphylactic shock, dyspnea, acute pulmonary edema, aseptic meningitis, hemolysis, transient neutropenia, hyponatremia, and infection. The risk of adverse effects is associated with the dose of IVIG and the rate of infusion. IVIG has a boxed warning for the risks of thrombosis, kidney dysfunction, and acute kidney injury. Subcutaneous immune globulin has a lower rate of adverse effects and may be preferred in patients with contraindications or adverse reactions to IVIG. Risk factors and relative contraindications to IVIG include hyperviscosity states, underlying organ dysfunction, or prothrombotic stimuli. Patients with cardiac or renal disease should be monitored for fluid overload. While most patients with low or absent IgA are able to tolerate IVIG, patients who experience anaphylaxis who have low or undetectable IgA levels and/or IgE anti-IgA antibodies should receive pre-medication and a product with low IgA or subcutaneous immune globulin. Mitigation of adverse effects can be achieved by slowing the infusion rate, providing additional intravenous hydration prior to the infusion, and providing pre-medications as outlined below.

Pretreatment Testing, Pre-medication and Monitoring

To rule out infection and risk for complications, it is recommended to obtain a complete blood count, hepatic function panel, metabolic panel, and urinalysis prior to initiating IVIG. This pretreatment testing can be repeated at 6-month or yearly intervals on a case-by-case basis. Some clinicians may also choose to assess coagulation parameters, viral serologies, cryoglobulins, immunoglobulin levels (including screening for IgA deficiency), and rheumatoid factor prior to initiation of IVIG, although this testing is not routinely performed.

Some patients do not require pre-medication for IVIG, but a standard pre-medication protocol includes acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to prevent inflammatory and anaphylactoid symptoms. H1-antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine) are also frequently administered at the beginning of the infusion. Finally, glucocorticoids can be given to patients who experience an adverse reaction, such as headache, with their first infusion. Patients should be well-hydrated before and during their IVIG infusion, particularly those with risk factors for thrombosis or renal complications. This can be accomplished through oral fluid intake and/or administration of intravenous fluids with the infusion. Throughout the infusion, patients should be monitored for symptoms or alterations in vital signs.3

Autoimmune Bullous Dermatoses

IVIG has emerged as a valuable second-line or adjunctive treatment in pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and bullous pemphigoid. Two randomized controlled trials demonstrated efficacy in treating pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid with IVIG at 4-week intervals in combination with conventional therapies of systemic steroids and immunosuppressants.4,5 IVIG causes a selective and rapid decline in autoantibodies implicated in the bullous dermatoses, with the proposed mechanism of increasing the catabolism of abnormal serum IgG antibodies.6 A consensus statement on the use of IVIG in patients with autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases reinforces its use in cases of treatment failure, significant adverse effects from conventional therapy, contraindications to systemic therapy (such as aseptic bone necrosis, diabetes mellitus, severe osteoporosis), progressive disease despite conventional therapy, uncontrolled and debilitating disease, and rapidly progressive epidermolysis bullosa acquisita with generalized cutaneous involvement.7 IVIG can be used as monotherapy or in combination with rituximab or corticosteroids in patients with recalcitrant disease, and a multidrug approach may confer a lower relapse rate.8 IVIG has also demonstrated utility in treating mucous membrane pemphigoid, linear IgA dermatosis, IgA pemphigus, paraneoplastic pemphigus, and pemphigoid gestationis. Administered at the standard dosage of 2 g/kg over 2-5 consecutive days every 4 weeks for a duration of 3-6 months, IVIG has been used to treat severe, treatment-resistant bullous dermatoses for decades. Treatment response is assessed by monitoring for the absence of new lesions, epithelialization of existing lesions, and a decrease in autoantibody titers (autoantibody titers typically decrease over 6 or more months of therapy). Once disease control is achieved, the interval between IVIG infusions may be progressively increased until discontinuation (once the interval is >2 months in between infusions cycles). This approach underlines the evolving and nuanced role of IVIG in the management of autoimmune bullous dermatoses, providing an effective alternative for patients with specific clinical considerations and treatment challenges. Of note, IVIG is typically used as adjunctive therapy in these bullous disease processes due to the possibility of symptom rebound upon weaning or discontinuation (in the absence of another concomitant immunomodulatory therapy).

Dermatomyositis

Several clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of IVIG in treating dermatomyositis, resulting in US FDA approval for this indication in 2021.9 IVIG has been identified as a first-line treatment in patients with dermatomyositis exhibiting severe muscular involvement, those with malignancy, and cases where nutritional intake is compromised due to pharyngeal muscle involvement. It serves as a valuable second-line and adjunctive option in juvenile dermatomyositis and paraneoplastic dermatomyositis. Notably, controlled studies have demonstrated favorable outcomes with the use of IVIG in dermatomyositis including improvement of refractory cutaneous dermatomyositis as well as decrease or discontinuation of immunosuppressive medications in the majority of patients.10 A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that in patients with refractory dermatomyositis, IVIG significantly improved muscle strength and decreased serum creatine kinase level in addition to improving cutaneous manifestations.11 For this indication, IVIG is administered at the standard dose of 2 g/kg body weight given in divided doses over 2-5 consecutive days. The maximal response to IVIG treatment typically occurs at around 4 months, necessitating ongoing therapy for at least 3-6 months in conjunction with conventional treatments at lower doses for sustained benefits in most patients.12 These developments underscore the growing importance of IVIG in the comprehensive management of dermatomyositis, as it provides an efficacious and non-immunosuppressive treatment option for this patient population.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)

The efficacy of inpatient treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents in SJS/TEN continues to be controversial. While supportive care and causative drug discontinuation remain the mainstay of treatment, the high mortality of this severe drug reaction merits continued exploration of other treatment options. The administration of IVIG at doses exceeding 2-3 g/kg, initiated promptly upon diagnosis, has been shown to arrest disease progression, reduce mortality, and improve overall outcomes in some patients.13-15 For TEN, higher doses of 3 g/kg distributed over 3 consecutive days are recommended. Assessment of treatment response is typically based on the absence of epidermal detachment and re-epithelization of affected areas. It is worth noting that while some studies have reported improvement in TEN with the use of IVIG, other studies have found that IVIG does not yield survival benefits in TEN and SJS/TEN overlap, necessitating further exploration through randomized controlled trials.16,17

Scleromyxedema

While scleromyxedema remains a challenging cutaneous mucinosis that does not always respond well to immunosuppressive agents, several case reports and case series have demonstrated encouraging outcomes with the use of IVIG. More recently, the first prospective trial exploring the use of IVIG for scleromyxedema reported a significant objective clinical improvement with IVIG, further demonstrating its utility as a first-line treatment.18 IVIG can be used alone or in combination with corticosteroids or other therapies.19,20 Treatment is administered at the standard dose of 2 g/kg over 2-5 days every 4 weeks for 6 months or longer for maintenance. If patients have not achieved an adequate response after six cycles of IVIG, it is recommended to transition them to another therapy.

Kawasaki Disease

In conjunction with acetylsalicylic acid, IVIG is the gold standard FDA-approved treatment for Kawasaki disease, a vasculitis that most frequently affects pediatric patients. In this context, IVIG should be administered within 10 days of symptom onset at a dose of 2 g/kg as a single infusion given over 10-12 hours, alongside acetylsalicylic acid 50 mg/kg.21 If this standard treatment fails, a second dose of IVIG can be administered. Appropriate treatment is instrumental in reducing the risk of severe disease sequelae such as myocardial, coronary, and neurologic abnormalities, and meta-analyses have shown that the use of IVIG is associated with a significant decrease in new coronary artery abnormalities with a dose-dependent effect.21 The use of IVIG in Kawasaki disease exemplifies the vital role of immunoglobulin therapy in modulating inflammatory responses and preventing long-term complications, particularly in the pediatric population.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

While not a conventional therapy for SLE, IVIG has demonstrated efficacy in severe forms of SLE such as refractory lupus nephritis and SLE-associated immune thrombocytopenia.22 IVIG has shown some response in cutaneous lupus erythematosus resistant to conventional therapies. A meta-analysis found that IVIG led to a significant reduction in SLE disease activity as well as improvement in complement levels.23 There is also a role for IVIG in the treatment of pregnant patients with SLE due to its safety profile, where it has been shown to reduce lupus activity scores and pregnancy loss.24 Other SLE variants in which IVIG treatment should be considered include neuropsychiatric lupus, Guillan-Barré syndrome associated with SLE, refractory lupus nephritis, and lupus-associated immune thrombocytopenia.22 For SLE, IVIG is typically administered at the standard dose of 2 g/kg over 2-5 days every 4 weeks. Given the recent advances and emerging therapeutic options for cutaneous lupus erythematosus, IVIG is generally reserved for patients who need to avoid immunosuppression.

Other Uses

Several case studies have explored the use of IVIG in antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated small vessel vasculitides, Behcet disease, pretibial myxedema, systemic sclerosis, livedoid vasculopathy, pyoderma gangrenosum, severe atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, graft-versus-host disease, herpes gestationis, erythema multiforme, and Kaposi sarcoma. Further trials are needed to explore the overall efficacy and tolerability of IVIG in these conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this review explores the multifaceted use and significance of IVIG in dermatology. From more common autoimmune bullous dermatoses to relatively rare conditions such as scleromyxedema, IVIG is a versatile, effective, and generally safe therapeutic option. Though often used off-label, the list of indications for IVIG in dermatology continues to grow, reflecting the dynamic landscape of dermatologic treatments. While further randomized controlled trials are needed to fully understand the efficacy of IVIG in treating many dermatologic conditions, this review aims to enhance patient care and promote evidence-based decision-making based on available data.

References



  1. Forbat E, Ali FR, Al-Niaimi F. Intravenous immunoglobulins in dermatology. Part 1: biological mechanisms and methods of administration. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2018 Jul;43(5):513-7.

  2. Forbat E, Ali FR, Al-Niaimi F. Intravenous immunoglobulins in dermatology. Part 2: clinical indications and outcomes. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2018 Aug; 43(6):659-66.

  3. Navarro-Triviño FJ, Pérez-López I, Ruíz-Villaverde R. Dermatology and immunoglobulin therapy: who to treat and how to administer immunoglobulins. Actas Dermosifiliogr (Engl Ed). 2018 May;109(4):323-30.

  4. Amagai M, Ikeda S, Hashimoto T, et al.; Bullous Pemphigoid Study Group. A randomized double-blind trial of intravenous immunoglobulin for bullous pemphigoid. J Dermatol Sci. 2017 Feb;85(2):77-84.

  5. Amagai M, Ikeda S, Shimizu H, et al.; Pemphigus Study Group. A randomized double-blind trial of intravenous immunoglobulin for pemphigus. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Apr;60(4):595-603.

  6. Bystryn JC, Jiao D. IVIg selectively and rapidly decreases circulating pathogenic autoantibodies in pemphigus vulgaris. Autoimmunity. 2006 Nov;39(7):601-7.

  7. Ahmed AR, Dahl MV. Consensus statement on the use of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in the treatment of autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases. Arch Dermatol. 2003 Aug;139(8):1051-9.

  8. Grando SA, Rigas M, Chernyavsky A. Rationale for including intravenous immunoglobulin in the multidrug protocol of curative treatment of pemphigus vulgaris and development of an assay predicting disease relapse. Int Immunopharmacol. 2020 Mar 12;82:106385.

  9. Aggarwal R, Charles-Schoeman C, Schessl J, et al.; ProDERM Trial Group. Trial of intravenous immune globulin in dermatomyositis. N Engl J Med. 2022 Oct 6;387(14):1264-78.

  10. Galimberti F, Kooistra L, Li Y, et al. Intravenous immunoglobulin is an effective treatment for refractory cutaneous dermatomyositis. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2018 Dec;43(8):906-12.

  11. Xiong A, Qiang Y, Cao Y, et al. The therapeutic efficacy and safety of intravenous immunoglobulin in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mod Rheumatol. 2023 Apr 13;33(3):533-42.

  12. Werth VP, Aggarwal R, Charles-Schoeman C, et al. Efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) in improving skin symptoms in patients with dermatomyositis: a post-hoc analysis of the ProDERM study. EClinicalMedicine. 2023 Oct 2;64:102234.

  13. Trent JT, Kirsner RS, Romanelli P, et al. Analysis of intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis using SCORTEN: The University of Miami Experience. Arch Dermatol. 2003 Jan;139(1):39-43.

  14. Prins C, Kerdel FA, Padilla RS, et al.; TEN-IVIG Study Group. Toxic epidermal necrolysis-intravenous immunoglobulin. Treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins: multicenter retrospective analysis of 48 consecutive cases. Arch Dermatol. 2003 Jan;139(1):26-32.

  15. Tsai TY, Huang IH, Chao YC, et al. Treating toxic epidermal necrolysis with systemic immunomodulating therapies: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Feb;84(2):390-7.

  16. Lee HY, Lim YL, Thirumoorthy T, et al.Theroleofintravenousimmunoglobulin in toxic epidermal necrolysis: a retrospective analysis of 64 patients managed in a specialized centre. Br J Dermatol. 2013 Dec;169(6):1304-9.

  17. Huang YC, Li YC, Chen TJ. The efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis: a systematic review and meta- analysis. Br J Dermatol. 2012 Aug;167(2):424-32.

  18. Guarneri A, Cioni M, Rongioletti F. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for scleromyxoedema: a prospective open-label clinical trial using an objective score of clinical evaluation system. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2017 Jul;31(7):1157-60.

  19. Blum M, Wigley FM, Hummers LK. Scleromyxedema: a case series highlighting long-term outcomes of treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Medicine (Baltimore). 2008 Jan;87(1):10-20.

  20. Haber R, Bachour J, El Gemayel M. Scleromyxedema treatment: a systematic review and update. Int J Dermatol. 2020 Oct;59(10):1191-201.

  21. Broderick C, Kobayashi S, Suto M, et al. Intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of Kawasaki disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Jan 25;1(1):CD014884.

  22. Hoffmann JHO, Enk AH. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin in skin autoimmune disease. Front Immunol. 2019 Jun 11;10:1090.

  23. Sakthiswary R, D’Cruz D. Intravenous immunoglobulin in the therapeutic armamentarium of systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2014 Oct;93(16):e86.

  24. Perricone R, De Carolis C, Kröegler B, et al. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in pregnant patients affected with systemic lupus erythematosus and recurrent spontaneous abortion. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2008 May; 47(5):646-51.

  25. Asilian A, Safaei H, Iraji F, et al. Interventions for bullous pemphigoid: an updated systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2021 Sep 1;35:111.

  26. Ahmed AR, Sami N. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for patients with pemphigus foliaceus unresponsive to conventional therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002 Jan;46(1):42-9.

  27. Ahmed AR, Gürcan HM. Treatment of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita with intravenous immunoglobulin in patients non-responsive to conventional therapy: clinical outcome and post-treatment long-term follow-up. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2012 Sep;26(9):1074-83.

  28. Barron SJ, Del Vecchio MT, Aronoff SC. Intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: a meta-analysis with meta-regression of observational studies. Int J Dermatol. 2015 Jan;54(1):108-15.

  29. Oates-Whitehead RM, Baumer JH, Haines L, et al. Intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of Kawasaki disease in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;2003(4):CD004000.

  30. Cummins DL, Anhalt GJ, Monahan T, et al. Treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum with intravenous immunoglobulin. Br J Dermatol. 2007 Dec;157(6):1235-9.


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Long-Term Efficacy of Tildrakizumab in the Treatment of Psoriasis https://www.skintherapyletter.com/psoriasis/tildrakizumab/ Thu, 30 May 2024 17:22:33 +0000 https://www.skintherapyletter.com/?p=15272 Jennifer Wytsma, BASc; Taylor Evart Woo, MD, MSc; Laurie Parsons, MD, FRCPC

Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

Conflict of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Funding: None.

Abstract:
The pathogenesis of psoriasis has been linked to autoimmune and autoinflammatory traits that result in atypical cytokine and keratinocyte activation and proliferation. Many cytokine pathways are involved in the development of inflammation with interleukin-23 (IL-23) playing a significant role in plaque-type psoriasis. Biologic agents that target specific cytokines have shown to be effective therapies in the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis over other conventional treatments such as systemic retinoids. Tildrakizumab is an immunoglobulin G1-kappa monoclonal antibody that inhibits the IL-23/IL-17 pathway and has demonstrated through two three-part randomized Phase 3 clinical trials (reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2) and their extension trials to be an efficacious and safe therapy for the targeted treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis.

Keywords: psoriasis, tildrakizumab, IL-23/IL-17 pathway, targeted therapy, re-SURFACE trials, Ilumya®

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects 2% of the population. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is multifactorial and associated with a polygenic genetic predisposition and various triggers, leading to an abnormal type 1 immune response stimulating abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.1-3 Among the various cytokines implicated in the development of psoriasis, interleukin-23 (IL-23) has shown to play a significant role via induction of IL-17 and regulation of T memory cells and activation of macrophages that contribute to chronic inflammation (Figure 1).2 The development of co-morbidities such as joint and vascular inflammation, and an increased risk of cardiometabolic, gastrointestinal, and chronic kidney diseases, can lead to psychological and quality of life impairments for many patients.1 A systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the risk of developing depression is greater in patients with psoriasis, which may result from factors such as stigma and social isolation, physical pain from pruritus and bleeding, and co-morbidities, as well as associations with pro-inflammatory biomarkers.4 An increased prevalence of depression, anxiety and suicide ideation amongst the psoriatic population reveals a high burden of disease.1

Long-Term Efficacy of Tildrakizumab in the Treatment of Psoriasis - image
Figure 1: Proposed mechanism of action for tildrakizumab in the IL-23-Th17 pathway.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that has been linked to type 1 cytokines stimulating keratinocyte activation and proliferation.3 IL-23 has shown to play a significant role in the pathogenesis behind plaque-type psoriasis.2 When a physical trigger activates keratinocytes, dendritic cells become activated. These plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) recruit IL cytokines (IL-23 and IL-12). The IL-23p19 subunit binds to the IL-23R receptor on Th17 and stimulates the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3, and TYK2, thereby, inducing gene expression of RORΥt. This results in Th17 cell differentiation that release proinflammatory cytokines (IL-17A/F) that in turn further induce keratinocyte activation and proliferation.9-11 Tildrakizumab in a high-affinity IgG1 antagonist antibody that targets the IL-23p19 subunit. Its binding to the p19 subunit on IL-23 inhibits the binding of IL-23p19 with IL-23R. This ultimately reduces the generation of IL-17A/F, thereby reducing keratinocyte activation and proliferation. Tildrakizumab specifically targets the IL-23p19 subunit and does not interact with other IL cytokines on the pathway.6
pDC, plasmacytoid dendritic cell; IL, interleukin; IL-23R, interleukin-23 receptor; Th, T helper lymphocyte; JAK2, Janus activated kinase 2; TYK2, tyrosine kinase 2; STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3; RORΥt, retinoid-related orphan receptor-gamma (t); TNFα, tumor necrosis factor alpha. BioRender was used to create Figure 1.

While phototherapy continues to be used in the sphere of psoriasis, other therapies such as immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory treatments, including methotrexate, carry long-term risk of adverse effects.5 With an improved safety and efficacy profile over conventional treatments, biologics are increasingly emerging as standard of therapy for the management of psoriasis.

Novel Therapy

In March 2018, tildrakizumab, a high-affinity, humanized immunoglobulin G1-kappa (IgG1/k) monoclonal antibody targeting the p19 unit of IL-23, was approved by the US FDA for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis.6 Health Canada approval followed in May 2021. Data from two randomized Phase 3 trials (reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2, n=772 and n=1090) and their extension trials showed favorable efficacy and tolerability of tildrakizumab.7,8

Mechanism of Action

Tildrakizumab binds to the p19 subunit on IL-23 and inhibits the binding of IL-23 with the IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) on Th-17 cells.6 When the IL-23p19 subunit binds to the IL-23 receptor, it results in tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK2 within Th-17 cells, thereby inducing phosphorylation of STAT3 and TYK2 and gene expression of RORγt, leading to Th17 cell differentiation. Th17 cell differentiation releases proinflammatory cytokines (IL-17A/F) that in turn induce keratinocyte activation and proliferation.9-11 By blocking the binding of IL-23p19 to IL-23R, the release of IL-17A/F cytokines is inhibited.

Clinical Trials

The efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab was assessed in two three-part randomized Phase 3 trials (reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2).7 The two trials spanned 250 sites globally and included sites in Australia, Canada, the UK, the US, Europe, Israel, and Japan. Enrolled participants were aged 18 years or older with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis as defined by body surface area ≥10%, Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) score ≥3 and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score ≥12. Baseline characteristics were similar across all groups and included a higher percentage of male (65%-73%) and White (65%-92%) participants with average PASI scores of 19.3-20.7. Two co-primary endpoints were evaluated in the trials and included: achieving PASI 75 and PGA response (score of 0 (“clear”) or 1 (“minimal”) with ≥2 grade score reduction from baseline) at week 12. Secondary endpoints were PASI 90 and PASI 100 at week 12 in both studies. In reSURFACE 2, PASI 75 and PGA response at week 28 were also secondary endpoints. In reSURFACE 1, 772 subjects were randomized to receive 200 mg (n=308), 100 mg (n=309), or placebo (n=155). In reSURFACE 2, 1090 subjects were randomized to receive 200 mg (n=314), 100 mg (n=307), placebo (n=156), or etanercept (n=313). Tildrakizumab was administered at week 0 and 4 during part 1 and at week 16 during part 2. Etanercept was administered twice weekly in part 1 and once weekly during part 2 of the reSURFACE 2 trial.

At week 12, subjects assigned to 100 mg or 200 mg of tildrakizumab groups showed significant clinical improvement in both re-SURFACE 1 and 2 trials compared to vehicle controls. Table 1 shows efficacy results for the two co-primary efficacy endpoints and the two secondary endpoints (p<0.0001 for comparisons of both tildrakizumab groups vs. placebo in both trials).

Long-Term Efficacy of Tildrakizumab in the Treatment of Psoriasis - image
Table 1: Week 12 co-primary efficacy endpoints of PASI 75 responses and PGA scores, and secondary endpoints of PASI 90 and PASI 100, in tildrakizumab 100 mg, 200 mg, and vehicle groups according to reSURFACE trials.
Overall, both trials achieved the two co-primary efficacy endpoints (week 12 PASI 75 and PGA score of “clear” or “minimal”) and the week 12 PASI 90 and PASI 100 secondary endpoints, demonstrating that both the 100 mg and 200 mg tildrakizumab doses were efficacious compared with vehicle groups.7
PASI, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index; PGA, Physician’s Global Assessment

Two extension studies of the reSURFACE 1 and 2 Phase 3 trials were conducted up until 148 weeks (2 years) and 244 weeks (5 years). In the 148-week extension, efficacy was assessed for responders (PASI 75) to 100 mg and 200 mg tildrakizumab, partial responders (PASI 50-75) to 100 mg and 200 mg tildrakizumab, and partial/non-responders (PASI 50-75/PASI 0-50) to etanercept at week 28. Tildrakizumab responders (100 mg, n=329; 200 mg, n=227) and partial responders (100 mg, n=40; 200 mg, n=201) were maintained on the same dose and partial/non-responders to etanercept 50 mg were switched to tildrakizumab 200 mg dosing (n=121), administered every 12 weeks, until week 148.8 In the 244-week extension study, the tildrakizumab 100 mg and 200 mg week 28 responders (100 mg, n=302; 200 mg, n=213) and partial/non-responders to etanercept who were switched to tildrakizumab 200 mg at week 28 (n=107) were maintained on the same dose, administered every 12 weeks, until week 244.12 The efficacy results for both extension studies are shown in Table 2.

Long-Term Efficacy of Tildrakizumab in the Treatment of Psoriasis - image
Table 2: Week 148 and Week 244 PASI 75, 90, and 100 responses to tildrakizumab 100 mg and 200 mg by response group.
PASI, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index

Overall, the reSURFACE trials 2-year extension study demonstrated that 80% of patients who initially responded to tildrakizumab maintained PASI 75 efficacy up to week 148 with continued tildrakizumab treatment.8 The 5-year extension study showed improved PASI 75, 90, and 100 responses from week 128 to week 244 across tildrakizumab responders and etanercept partial/nonresponders groups, demonstrating sustained psoriasis control with tildrakizumab treatment in moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients.12

Safety Profile

Phase 3 trials of tildrakizumab showed an overall safety profile similar to vehicle. The most common adverse event in these investigations was nasopharyngitis (200 mg 6%, 100 mg 8%, and vehicle 5% in reSURFACE 1; 200 mg 11%, 100 mg 13%, and vehicle 8% in reSURFACE 2) and upper respiratory tract infection (200 mg 5%, 100 mg 3%, and vehicle 6% in reSURFACE 1). The proportion of patients with serious adverse events or who discontinued were low across both reSURFACE 1 and 2 trials (2%, 1% in the 200 mg tildrakizumab group; 0%, 1% in the 100 mg tildrakizumab group; 1%, 1% in the placebo group for reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2, respectively). Notably, many side effects associated with other psoriasis medications, such as Candida infections, commonly seen in anti-IL 17A antibodies medications, were infrequent in reSURFACE trials. No new cases of inflammatory bowel disease or exacerbation of pre-existing disorders was reported in these studies. Suicidal ideation and behavior that have been observed with brodalumab, an IL-17A antibody, were not reported in any of the reSURFACE trials. Only one major adverse cardiovascular (CV) event, a side effect that has been linked to briakinumab, an IL-12 and IL-23p40 antibody, was reported in the trials.7

In the 2-year and 5-year extension study, there were no apparent dose-dependent safety signals or unexpected adverse events. Nasopharyngitis remained the most common treatment-emergent adverse event. The safety profile for 2- and 5-year extension trials for adverse events occurring in greater than 5% of patients is shown in Table 3.8

Long-Term Efficacy of Tildrakizumab in the Treatment of Psoriasis - image
Table 3: Numbers and exposure-adjusted incidence rates of treatment-emergent adverse events occurring in greater than 5% of patients for the reSURFACE 2- and 5-year extension trials.
Data is shown as patients with events per 100 patient-years (PYs) of exposure.

In the 5-year extension study, the cumulative incidence for major adverse CV events (0.5, 0.7 per 100 PYs for tildrakizumab 100 mg and 200 mg, respectively), malignancy excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (0.7, 0.6 per 100 PYs for tildrakizumab 100 mg and 200 mg, respectively), and severe infections (1.2, 1.3 per 100 PYs for tildrakizumab 100 mg and 200 mg, respectively) were generally comparable with Psoriasis Longitudinal Assessment and Registry (0.22, 0.55, 1.45 per 100 PYs). No dosage-related differences in frequency of severe infections or malignancies were noted.12

An additional pooled analysis of the 5-year extension study data compared the safety profile of tildrakizumab in younger (<65 years: 100 mg, n=303; 200 mg, n=211) and older (≥65 years: 100 mg, n=26; 200 mg, n=16) patients with psoriasis. Both age groups showed similar profiles, with nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections being the most common treatment-emergent adverse events. While older patients showed higher incidence than younger patients of CV events (100 mg/200 mg 14/21 per 100 PYs vs. 1/3 per 100 PYs), nonmelanoma skin cancer (6/10 vs. 8/6), and other malignancies (17/11 vs. 4/6), these increases were likely attributable to aging and longer psoriatic disease duration, and not as a result of psoriasis treatment. Overall, tildrakizumab demonstrated similar efficacy across both age groups, with comparable improvements in quality of life, and without major safety issues.13 These results further support the favorable safety profile of tildrakizumab.

Conclusion

Tildrakizumab is a promising target therapy to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Evidence from the Phase 3 clinical investigations and their extension trials has demonstrated that tildrakizumab is efficacious and well-tolerated by patients and maintains a reassuring safety profile. The most common side effects from the trials (up to 5 years), were nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infection. Adverse effects that have been linked to other biologic agents, such as Candida infections, CV events, and suicide ideation, were not identified or were uncommon in the 5-year trials. While the reSURFACE 1 and 2 trials and their extensions have provided evidence of the longer-term safety profile of tildrakizumab, pharmacovigilance remains important through real-world and/or prolonged experience.

References



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  2. Tang C, Chen S, Qian H, et al. Interleukin-23: as a drug target for autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Immunology. 2012 Feb;135(2):112-24.

  3. Zhou X, Chen Y, Cui L, et al. Advances in the pathogenesis of psoriasis: from keratinocyte perspective. Cell Death Dis [Internet]. 2022 Jan 24;13(1):81.

  4. Lukmanji A, Basmadjian RB, Vallerand IA, et al. Risk of depression in patients with psoriatic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cutan Med Surg. 2021 May-Jun;25(3):257-70.

  5. Sbidian E, Chaimani A, Guelimi R, et al. Systemic pharmacological treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis: a network meta‐analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Jul 12;7(7):CD011535.

  6. Banaszczyk K. Tildrakizumab in the treatment of psoriasis – literature review. Reumatologia. 2019;57(4):234-8.

  7. Reich K, Papp KA, Blauvelt A, et al. Tildrakizumab versus placebo or etanercept for chronic plaque psoriasis (reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2): results from two randomised controlled, phase 3 trials. Lancet. 2017 Jul 15;390(10091):276-88.

  8. Reich K, Warren RB, Iversen L, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab for moderate-to-severe psoriasis: pooled analyses of two randomized phase III clinical trials (reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2) through 148 weeks. Br J Dermatol. 2020 Mar;182(3):605-17.

  9. Liu T, Li S, Ying S, et al. The IL-23/IL-17 pathway in inflammatory skin diseases: from bench to bedside. Front Immunol. 2020 Nov 17;11:594735.

  10. Bugaut H, Aractingi S. Major role of the IL17/23 axis in psoriasis supports the development of new targeted therapies. Front Immunol. 2021 Feb 25;12:621956.

  11. Girolomoni G, Strohal R, Puig L, et al. The role of IL-23 and the IL-23/TH 17 immune axis in the pathogenesis and treatment of psoriasis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2017 Oct;31(10):1616-26.

  12. Thaci D, Piaserico S, Warren RB, et al. Five-year efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who respond at week 28: pooled analyses of two randomized phase III clinical trials (reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2). Br J Dermatol. 2021 Aug;185(2):323-34

  13. Ter Haar ELM, Van den Reek JMPA, Gaarn Du Jardin K, et al. Efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab in older patients: pooled analyses of two randomized phase III clinical trials (reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2) through 244 weeks. Acta Derm Venereol. 2023 Oct 25;103:adv17752.


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Update on Drugs & Devices: May – June 2024 https://www.skintherapyletter.com/drug-updates/may-june-2024/ Thu, 30 May 2024 14:34:11 +0000 https://www.skintherapyletter.com/?p=15287 Mavorixafor capsules

Trade Name: Xolremdi™
Company: X4 Pharmaceuticals

Approval Dates/Comments: The US FDA approved oral mavorixafor in April 2024 as the first targeted treatment for the rare, inherited immunodeficiency disease WHIM syndrome – characterized by warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections and myelokathexis. Mavorixafor is a small-molecule selective CXCR4 receptor antagonist designed to mobilize white blood cells such as neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood circulation to improve immune deficiencies. Treatment is approved for patients ≥12 years of age.


Ustekinumab-aekn SC use

Trade Name: Selarsdi™
Company: Alvotech/Teva Pharmaceutials

Approval Dates/Comments: In April 2024, the FDA approved ustekinumab-aekn, a biosimilar to the branded reference product, Stelara® (ustekinumab, Johnson & Johnson). Approved indications include treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis in adults and pediatric patients ≥6 years of age. However, Selarsdi™ is not approved for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This regulatory decision is based on results of the Phase 3 AVT04-GL-301 study, which demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque-type psoriasis, including equivalent immunogenicity profile to Stelara®.


Spesolimab-sbzo IV/SC use

Trade Name: Spevigo™
Company: Boehringer Ingelheim

Approval Dates/Comments: In March 2024, the FDA expanded the approval of spesolimab to include the treatment of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) in adult and pediatric patients ≥12 years of age and weighing ≥40 kg. The original approval was for treatment of GPP flares in adults. Spesolimab is a novel, humanized selective IgG1 antibody that binds to interleukin-36 receptor (IL-36R), a central signaling pathway in the immune system implicated in the pathogenesis of GPP. The basis of this recent regulatory decision was the positive findings from the EFFISAYIL® 2 clinical trial, a 48-week clinical trial demonstrating spesolimab significantly reduced the risk of GPP flares by 84% vs. placebo. In the trial, no flares were observed after week 4 of subcutaneous spesolimab therapy in the high-dose group. Spesolimab treatment was associated with an increased incidence (≥9 cases per 100 patient-years) of injection site reaction, urinary tract infection, arthralgia, and pruritus.


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Trade Name: Letybo™
Company: Hugel

Approval Dates/Comments: In February 2024, the FDA approved the injectable neurotoxin letibotulinumtoxinA-wlbg, a 900 kDa botulinum toxin typeA, to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines in adults.


Bimekizumab SC use

Trade Name: Bimzelx®
Company: UCB Canada Inc.

Approval Dates/Comments: Health Canada approved a new indication for bimekizumab in February 2024 to include adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Bimekizumab is the first and only biologic therapy that directly inhibits both interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F to be approved in Canada. This regulatory decision was supported by data from two Phase 3 clinical trials (BE OPTIMAL and BE COMPLETE) demonstrating treatment with bimekizumab resulted in significant improvement across key disease severity indicators in PsA. The original approval was for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.


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