Efficacy and Safety of Secukinumab for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis in Korea / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin (IL)-17A, which is a central cytokine in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, has emerged as a promising treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. However, to date, there are no real-world data for secukinumab in Korean patients with psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of secukinumab in Korean patients with psoriasis. METHODS: Prospective data were gathered during follow-up from 28 consecutive patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis treated with secukinumab for minimum of 12 weeks at a single referral center. Patient demographics, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score, Physicians' Global Assessment (PGA), Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI), and adverse events were investigated. RESULTS: The mean PASI score was significantly decreased after the induction period of secukinumab treatment (paired t-test, p<0.05). Of the 28 patients, 17 (60.7%) had obtained near complete clearance (PASI 90) at the last follow-up visit. No unexpected adverse events, other than nasopharyngitis, were observed. CONCLUSION: Secukinumab can be of benefit for the treatment of Korean patients with psoriasis, as the treatment was associated with a rapid and satisfactory response and safety profile.