Efficacy of a Second Interleukin 17 Inhibitor in Patients with Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Multiple biologics for psoriasis exist, and interleukin (IL) 17 inhibitors are among those with the best efficacy. However, switching treatment is often required at some point, and intraclass switch of IL-17 inhibitors is not well investigated.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of a second IL-17 inhibitor in patients with psoriasis.

Methods: Two authors independently searched the databases PubMed and EMBASE for studies reporting on efficacy of IL-17 inhibitors in patients with psoriasis previously exposed to another IL-17 inhibitor. The study was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results: In total, 14 publications comprising 655 patients were included. The proportion of patients achieving a reduction of 75%, 90%, and 100% in Psoriasis Area Severity Index were, respectively, 74.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 63.9-84.0), 69.4% (95% CI, 53.2-83.4), and 46.4 (95% CI, 30.5-62.7) after short-term treatment (weeks 9, 12, and 16 combined).

Limitations: Most studies included were on ixekizumab and were retrospective chart reviews with no information on the response to the previous IL-17 inhibitor.

Conclusion: Previous treatment with an IL-17 inhibitor does not appear to affect the efficacy of another IL-17 inhibitor in the treatment of psoriasis. However, further prospective studies are needed.