BACKGROUND: Monoclonal antibodies that target both Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 have shown great efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis. Recent evidence suggests that IL-23 serves a more critical role than IL-12 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, leading to the development of monoclonal antibodies that specifically target IL-23. METHODS: We reviewed the results of the phase II clinical trials for the anti-IL-23 agents tildrakizumab and guselkumab, in order to assess the efficacy and safety profile of each agent. RESULTS: By week 16, the proportion of patients achieving Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score of clear (0) or minimal (1) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) was above 70% among the most efficacious dosage of each agent (P < 0.001 compared to placebo for all agents). The safety profiles of the agents were similar, with the most frequently reported adverse events of nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory infections, cough, and headache. CONCLUSION: The anti-IL-23 agents demonstrated a rapid clinical improvement and favorable short-term safety profile. The results of the phase II trials support IL-23 as an essential target in psoriasis treatment.
BACKGROUND: Monoclonal antibodies that target both Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 have shown great efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis. Recent evidence suggests that IL-23 serves a more critical role than IL-12 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, leading to the development of monoclonal antibodies that specifically target IL-23. METHODS: We reviewed the results of the phase II clinical trials for the anti-IL-23 agents tildrakizumab and guselkumab, in order to assess the efficacy and safety profile of each agent. RESULTS: By week 16, the proportion of patients achieving Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score of clear (0) or minimal (1) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) was above 70% among the most efficacious dosage of each agent (P < 0.001 compared to placebo for all agents). The safety profiles of the agents were similar, with the most frequently reported adverse events of nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory infections, cough, and headache. CONCLUSION: The anti-IL-23 agents demonstrated a rapid clinical improvement and favorable short-term safety profile. The results of the phase II trials support IL-23 as an essential target in psoriasis treatment.