First-Line Treatment With Newer Biologics for Psoriasis Becoming More Common

According to recent study findings, patients with psoriasis experienced better outcomes after switching to newer biologic medications as a first-line treatment compared with traditional oral or topical therapies. The researchers found that doctors may now be more comfortable prescribing newer IL-17 inhibiting biologic medications.

Psoriasis, a chronic condition, is caused by an increase of the protein IL-17. Previous studies have demonstrated that inhibiting IL-17 can help clear psoriasis. When a patient does not respond to traditional therapies, they are typically prescribed newer biologic medications that focus on inhibiting IL-17. Newer biologics include, Cosentyx (secukinumab; Novartis) and Taltz (ixekizumab; Eli Lilly).

For the study, the research team led by AllianceRX Walgreens Prime—a specialty and home delivery pharmacy—in collaboration with Dusquesne University School of Pharmacy and Walgreens, analyzed 5547 records from 2016 to 2018 of patients with psoriasis who were prescribed Cosentyx or Taltz. The patient record data included patient pharmacy fills from AllianceRx Walgreens Prime and patient-reported reasons for switching biologics. The researchers found that the most common patient-reported reason for switching therapies was ineffectiveness of the prior therapy.

According to the findings, 40% of the patients completing at least two assessments reported experiencing better outcomes after switching to a new biologic that inhibits IL-17. The researchers concluded that this finding indicates that there may be a place in therapy for the use of IL-17 biologics after patients have determined that other psoriasis treatments are ineffective.

"With the recent advancements in psoriasis treatment, little information is available about the real-world utilization of newer biologic agents approved to treat this incurable, chronic disease," said Rick Miller, vice president of clinical services, professional practice and accreditation for AllianceRx Walgreens Prime and co-author of the study, in a press release. "The intent of the study was to add to the limited body of knowledge on both the prescribing and utilization patterns of these newer medications. If we can use these results to get patients the right treatment sooner, that means improving their quality of care."

The study findings were presented at the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy 2018 Annual Meeting on September 25, 2018.

—Julie Gould

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