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Background: Bimekizumab is a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that inhibits interleukin-17A/F. Bimekizumab is more efficacious than secukinumab over 1 year in the treatment of psoriasis., Objective: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of bimekizumab through 2 years in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis., Methods: The BE RADIANT phase 3b randomized controlled trial consisted of a 48-week double-blinded period, where patients received bimekizumab (320 mg every 4 or 8 weeks) or secukinumab (300 mg weekly to Week 4, then every 4 weeks), and an open-label extension (OLE). From Week 48, all patients received bimekizumab in the OLE., Results: At Week 48, more patients achieved complete skin clearance (PASI 100; modified non-responder imputation) with bimekizumab than secukinumab (74.8% vs 52.8%). PASI 100 responses were maintained to Week 96 in continuous bimekizumab patients (70.8%); patients who switched from secukinumab to bimekizumab had increased rates at Week 96 (76.6%). The most common adverse events were: nasopharyngitis, oral candidiasis, and urinary tract infection. Safety data were consistent with the known safety profile of bimekizumab., Limitations: Limited racial diversity; overlap with the COVID-19 pandemic., Conclusions: High PASI 100 responses achieved with bimekizumab over 48 weeks were sustained through Week 96; secukinumab patients who switched to bimekizumab achieved similar responses by Week 96., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest Dr Strober is a consultant (honoraria) for AbbVie, Alumis, Almirall, Amgen, Arcutis, Arena, Aristea, Asana, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Connect Biopharma, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, EPI Health, Evelo Biosciences, Immunic Therapeutics, Janssen, LEO Pharma Maruho, Meiji Seika Pharma, Mindera Health, Novartis, Ono, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi-Genzyme, Sun Pharma, UCB Pharma, Union Therapeutics, Ventyxbio, vTv Therapeutics; has stock options from Connect Biopharma and Mindera Health; is a speaker for AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Incyte, Janssen, Regeneron, Sanofi-Genzyme; is a scientific codirector (consulting fee) for CorEvitas (formerly Corrona) Psoriasis Registry; is an investigator for AbbVie, Cara, CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry, Dermavant, Dermira, and Novartis; and serves as editor-in-chief (honorarium) of Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Dr Paul receives consulting fees and/or grants from AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, Aslan, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Galderma, GSK, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Eli Lilly, Mylan, Novartis, Pierre Fabre, Pfizer, Sanofi Regeneron, and UCB Pharma. Dr Blauvelt has served as a speaker (received honoraria) for AbbVie, Arcutis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, and UCB Pharma; served as a scientific adviser (received honoraria) for AbbVie, Abcentra, Affibody, Aligos, Almirall, Alumis, Amgen, Anaptysbio, Arcutis, Arena, Aslan, Athenex, Bluefin Biomedicine, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cara Therapeutics, Dermavant, EcoR1, Eli Lilly, Escient, Evelo, Evommune, Forte, Galderma, HighlightII Pharma, Incyte, InnoventBio, Janssen, Landos, LEO Pharma, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Rapt, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme, Spherix Global Insights, Sun Pharma, TLL Pharmaceutical, TrialSpark, UCB Pharma, Vibliome, and Xencor; and has served as a clinical study investigator (institution has received clinical study funds) for AbbVie, Acelyrin, Almirall, Amgen, Arcutis, Athenex, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Concert, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Evelo, Evommune, Galderma, Incyte, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sun Pharma, and UCB Pharma. Dr Thaçi receives honoraria for participation on advisory boards; as a speaker and for consultancy from AbbVie, Almirall, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Morphosis, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Samsung, Sandoz, Sanofi Genzyme, and UCB Pharma; and has research grants received from LEO Pharma and Novartis. Dr Puig received consultancy/speaker’s honoraria from and/or participated in trials sponsored by AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, Baxalta, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gebro, Janssen, JS BIOCAD, LEO Pharma, Merck-Serono, MSD, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Samsung-Bioepis, Sandoz, Sanofi Genzyme, and UCB Pharma. Dr Lebwohl is an employee of Mount Sinai; receives research funds from AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, Avotres, Boehringer Ingelheim, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Incyte, Janssen, LLC, Ortho Dermatologics, Regeneron, and UCB Pharma; and is a consultant for Aditum Bio, Almirall, AltruBio Inc, AnaptysBio, Arcutis, Inc, Aristea Therapeutics, Arrive Technologies, Avotres Therapeutics, BiomX, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cara Therapeutics, Castle Biosciences, Corrona, Dermavant, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Evelo Biosciences, Evommune, Inc, Facilitation of International Dermatology Education, Forte Biosciences, Foundation for Research and Education in Dermatology, Helsinn Therapeutics, Hexima Ltd, LEO Pharma, Meiji Seika Pharma, Mindera, Pfizer, Seanergy, and Verrica. Ms White, Ms Vanvoorden, and Ms Deherder are employees and shareholders of UCB Pharma. Dr Gomez is a former employee and shareholder of UCB Pharma. Dr Eyerich is a speaker and/or advisor for AbbVie, Almirall, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Pfizer, Novartis, Sanofi and UCB Pharma., (Copyright © 2023 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, inhibits cytokine signaling in psoriasis pathogenesis., Objective: The objective of this study was to demonstrate deucravacitinib superiority versus placebo and apremilast in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis based on ≥75% reduction from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and a static Physician's Global Assessment score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) with a ≥2-point improvement from baseline at week 16., Methods: POETYK psoriasis second trial (NCT03611751), a 52-week, double-blinded, phase 3 trial, randomized patients 2:1:1 to deucravacitinib 6 mg every day (n = 511), placebo (n = 255), or apremilast 30 mg twice a day (n = 254)., Results: At week 16, significantly more deucravacitinib-treated patients versus placebo and apremilast patients achieved ≥75% reduction from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (53.0% vs 9.4% and 39.8%; P < .0001 vs placebo; P = .0004 vs apremilast) and static Physician's Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 (49.5% vs 8.6% and 33.9%; P < .0001 for both). Efficacy was maintained until week 52 with continuous deucravacitinib. The most frequent adverse event with deucravacitinib was nasopharyngitis. Serious adverse events and discontinuations due to adverse events were infrequent. No clinically meaningful changes were observed in laboratory parameters., Limitations: The study duration was 1 year., Conclusion: Deucravacitinib demonstrated superiority versus placebo and apremilast and was well tolerated in adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest Dr Strober has served as a consultant (honoraria) for AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, Arcutis, Arena, Aristea, Asana, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Connect Biopharma, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Equillium, GlaxoSmithKline, Immunic Therapeutics, Janssen, Leo Pharma, Maruho, Meiji Seika Pharma, Mindera, Novartis, Ortho Dermatologics, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme, Sun Pharma, UCB, Ventyxbio, and vTv Therapeutics; has served as a speaker for AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Janssen, and Sanofi Genzyme; has served as a coscientific director (consulting fee) for CorEvitas' (Corrona) Psoriasis Registry; and has served as an investigator for AbbVie, Cara, CorEvitas' (Corrona) Psoriasis Registry, Dermavant, Dermira, and Novartis. Dr Thaçi has received grant/research support from and served on a scientific advisory board and a speakers bureau for AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, Biogen Idec, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Galderma, Janssen-Cilag, Leo Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz-Hexal, Sanofi, Target-Solution, and UCB. Dr Sofen has served as a clinical investigator for AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Leo Pharma, Novartis, and Sun Pharma. Dr Kircik has received research grants from AbbVie, Allergan, Almirall, Amgen, Arcutis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Breckinridge Pharma, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Cellceutix, Centocor, Combinatrix, Connetics, Coria, Dermavant, Dermira, Dow Pharma, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Idera, Johnson & Johnson, Leo Pharma, Maruho, Merck, Medicis, Novartis AG, Pfizer, PharmaDerm, Promius, Stiefel, Sun Pharma, UCB, Valeant, and XenoPort; has received honoraria from AbbVie, Allergan, Almirall, Amgen, Arcutis, Biogen Idec, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Cipher, Connetics, Dermavant, Dermira, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Leo Pharma, Merck, Novartis AG, PharmaDerm, Promius, Serono (Merck Serono International SA), Stiefel, Sun Pharma, Taro, UCB, and Valeant. Dr Gordon has received grant support and consulting fees from AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB, and has received consulting fees from Amgen, Almirall, Dermira, Leo Pharma, Pfizer, and Sun Pharma. Dr Foley has received grant support from Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Janssen, Leo Pharma, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Sun Pharma; has served as an investigator for AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, Argenx, Aslan, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Botanix, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celtaxsys, CSL, Cutanea, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Evelo, Galderma, Genentech, Geneseq, GlaxoSmithKline, Hexima, Janssen, Kymab, Leo Pharma, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Reistone, Roche, Sanofi, Sun Pharma, Teva, UCB, and Valeant; has served on advisory boards for AbbVie, Amgen, Aslan, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Leo Pharma, Mayne Pharma, MedImmune, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Sun Pharma, UCB, and Valeant; has served as a consultant for Aslan, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galderma, GenesisCare, Hexima, Janssen, Leo Pharma, Mayne Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB; has received travel grants from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Janssen, Leo Pharma, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, and Sun Pharma; and has served as a speaker for or received honoraria from AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Leo Pharma, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Sun Pharma, and Valeant. Dr Rich has received research grants as a principal investigator on pharmaceutical trials from AbbVie, Arcutis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Sun Pharma, and UCB. Dr Paul has received grants from and has been a consultant for AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Leo Pharma, Merck, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, and UCB. Dr Bagel has received research funds payable to the Psoriasis Treatment Center of New Jersey from AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, CorEvitas' (Corrona) Psoriasis Registry, Dermavant, Dermira/UCB, Eli Lilly, Glenmark, Janssen Biotech, Kadmon, Leo Pharma, Lycera, Menlo Therapeutics, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sun Pharma, Taro, and Valeant; has served as a consultant for AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen Biotech, Novartis, Sun Pharma, and Valeant; and has served as a speaker for AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen Biotech, and Novartis. Dr Colston, Dr Sekaran, Ms Linaberry, and Dr Banerjee are employees of and shareholders in Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr Throup and Dr Kundu were employees of and shareholders in Bristol Myers Squibb at the time of study conduct. Dr Papp has served on a speakers bureau for AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Janssen, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Leo Pharma, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, and Valeant; has received grant/research support from AbbVie, Akros, Allergan, Amgen, Anacor, Arcutis, AstraZeneca, Baxalta, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Coherus, Dermira, Dow Pharma, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Leo Pharma, MedImmune, Meiji Seika Pharma, Merck Serono, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, Takeda, UCB, and Valeant; has served as a consultant for AbbVie, Akros, Amgen, Arcutis, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Baxalta, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, CanFite, Celgene, Coherus, Dermira, Dow Pharma, Eli Lilly, Forward Pharma, Galderma, Genentech, Janssen, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Leo Pharma, Meiji Seika Pharma, Merck Serono, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mitsubishi Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, Takeda, UCB, and Valeant; has received honoraria from AbbVie, Akros, Amgen, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Coherus, Eli Lilly, Forward Pharma, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Merck Serono, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda, UCB, and Valeant; and has served as scientific officer or on a steering committee/advisory board for AbbVie, Akros, Amgen, Anacor, Astellas, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Dow Pharma, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Janssen, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Merck Serono, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme, and Valeant., (Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Type-17 inflammation characterizes psoriasis, a chronic skin disease. Because several inflammatory cytokines contribute to psoriasis pathogenesis, inhibiting the simultaneous production of these cytokines in T H 17 cells may be beneficial in psoriasis. We found that Ca v 1.4, encoded by CACNA1F, was the only Ca v 1 calcium channel expressed in T H 17 cells., Objective: We sought to investigate the role of Ca v 1.4 expression in early T H 17-activation events and effector functions, as well as its association with T H 17 signature genes in lesional psoriatic (LP) skins., Methods: Transcriptional gene signatures associated with CACNA1F expression were examined in LP skins by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. Ca v 1 inhibitor and/or shRNA lentivectors were used to assess the contribution of Ca v 1.4 in T H 17 activation and effector functions in a 3-dimensional skin reconstruction model., Results: CACNA1F expression correlated with inflammatory cytokine expression that characterizes LP skins and was preferentially associated with RORC expression in CD4 + and CD4 - cells from LP biopsies. Nicardipine, a Ca v 1 channel antagonist, markedly reduced inflammatory cytokine production by T H 17 cells from blood or LP skin. This was associated with decreased TCR-induced early calcium events at cell membrane and proximal signaling events. The knockdown of Ca v 1.4 in T H 17 cells impaired cytokine production. Finally, Ca v 1 inhibition reduced the expression of the keratinocyte genes characteristic of T H 17-mediated psoriasis inflammation in human skin equivalents., Conclusions: Ca v 1.4 channels promote T H 17-cell functions both at the periphery and in inflammatory psoriatic skin., (Copyright © 2021 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To report the efficacy and safety of the approved ixekizumab (IXE) dose over 5 years from UNCOVER-3 (NCT01646177)., Methods: Patients (N = 1346) were randomized 1:2:2:2 to receive subcutaneous injections of placebo, etanercept 50 mg twice weekly, or IXE 80 mg every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks after an initial dose of IXE 160 mg, respectively. At week 12, patients entered the long-term extension period with dosing of IXE every 4 weeks and could escalate to every 2 weeks after week 60. Efficacy was reported for the IXE every 2 weeks/every 4 weeks group of the intent-to-treat population. Safety was reported for patients who received at least 1 dose of IXE every 2 or every 4 weeks., Results: Using modified nonresponder imputation, 78.8%/67.1%/46.2% of patients receiving the approved dose of IXE every 2 weeks/every 4 weeks (n = 385) achieved ≥75%, ≥90%, or 100% improvement from baseline in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, respectively, at week 264; static Physician's Global Assessment score of 0/1 and 0 responses were 69.2% and 45.3%, respectively. Infections were the most observed treatment-emergent adverse event (72.7% of patients)., Limitations: Lack of comparison treatment group after week 12., Conclusion: IXE demonstrates sustained efficacy and consistent safety through 264 weeks in patients using the approved dose., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest Dr Blauvelt has served as a scientific advisor and/or clinical study investigator for AbbVie, Aclaris, Almirall, Arena, Athenex, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dermavant, Dermira, Eli Lilly and Company, Forte, Galderma, Janssen, Leo, Novartis, Ortho, Pfizer, Rapt, Regeneron, Sandoz, Sanofi Genzyme, Sun Pharma, and UCB Pharma and as a paid speaker for AbbVie. Dr Lebwohl is an employee of Mount Sinai; receives research funds from AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Clinuvel, Eli Lilly, Incyte, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Kadmon Corp, LLC, Leo Pharmaceuticals, MedImmune, Novartis, Ortho Dermatologics, Pfizer, Sciderm, UCB, and Vida; and is a consultant for Allergan, Almirall, Arcutis, Inc, Avotres Therapeutics, BirchBioMed Inc, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cara Therapeutics, Castle Biosciences, Corrona, Dermavant Sciences, Evelo, Foundation for Research and Education in Dermatology, Inozyme Pharma, LEO Pharma, Meiji Seika Pharma, Menlo, Mitsubishi, Neuroderm, Pfizer, Promius/Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Theravance, and Verrica. Dr Mabuchi has served as a paid speaker for Eli Lilly, Maruho, Kyowa Kirin, Celgene, and Janssen and has received research funds from Kyowa Kirin, Torii, Maruho, Taiho, and Leo Pharma. Author Leung is an employee of Syneos Health, on behalf of Eli Lilly. Dr Garrelts, Author Crane, Drs ElMaraghy and Patel, Author Ridenour, and Drs See and Gallo are employees of Eli Lilly and Company and own stock. Dr Paul is a consultant and investigator for Amgen, AbbVie, Almirall, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Dermira, Janssen-Cilag, Leo Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Pfizer, Pierre Fabre, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme, and UCB Pharma., (Copyright © 2020 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: An Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) is recommended by health agencies for drug registration in atopic dermatitis (AD). Current IGA scales lack standardization., Objectives: To develop an IGA scale, training module, and clinical certification examination for use in AD trials; establish content validity; and assess reliability., Methods: Expert dermatologists participated in the development of the validated IGA for AD (vIGA-AD TM ). Reliability (interrater and intrarater) was assessed by 2 web-based surveys. Clinical certification for investigators consisted of a training module and examination., Results: Expert consensus was achieved around a 5-point IGA scale including morphologic descriptions, and content validity was established. Survey 1 showed strong interrater reliability (Kendall's coefficient of concordance W [Kendall's W], 0.809; intraclass correlation [ICC], 0.817) and excellent agreement (weighted kappa, 0.857). Survey 2, completed 5 months after training of dermatologists, showed improvements in scale reliability (Kendall's W, 0.819; ICC, 0.852; weighted kappa, 0.889). In this study, 627 investigators completed vIGA-AD training and certification., Limitations: Ratings were assessed on photographs., Conclusion: A validated IGA scale and training module were developed with the intent of harmonizing assessment of disease severity in AD trials. Strong reliability and excellent agreement between assessments were observed., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Biologics targeting interleukin 17A (IL-17A) allow for rapid clearance of psoriatic plaques, with a clinically favorable safety profile., Objectives: To compare the safety and efficacy of ixekizumab, an IL-17A antagonist, with the safety and efficacy of the IL-12/23 inhibitor ustekinumab through 52 weeks of treatment in the head-to-head trial IXORA-S., Methods: Patients were randomized to ixekizumab (n = 136) or ustekinumab (n = 166) and dosed per the approved labels. After 1 year, efficacy was assessed via improvements in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (with PASI 90 indicating a 90% or greater improvement from baseline PASI score) and a static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) response of either 0 or 0 or 1, with dropouts counted as nonresponders. Safety analyses included treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs)., Results: At week 52, significantly more ixekizumab-treated patients (P < .01) reported PASI 90 (104 [76.5%]), an sPGA response of 0 (72 [52.9%]), or an sPGA response of 0 or 1 (110 [82.1%]) responses than did ustekinumab-treated patients (PASI 90, 98 [59.0%]; sPGA response of 0, 60 [36.1%]; and sPGA response of 0 or 1, 108 [65.1%]). Treatment-emergent AEs, serious AEs, and discontinuation rates were not different between the treatment groups. Injection site reactions occurred more frequently in the ixekizumab-treated group (ixekizumab, 22 [16.3%]; ustekinumab, 2 [1.2%]) (P < .001)., Limitations: This study was not designed to compare safety end points related to rare events., Conclusions: Compared with ustekinumab, ixekizumab showed superior efficacy and comparable safety outcomes through 52 weeks of treatment., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Phase 2 psoriasis studies with the Fc-free, PEGylated, anti-tumor necrosis factor biologic certolizumab pegol demonstrated meaningful clinical activity., Objective: Assess safety and efficacy of certolizumab in adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis., Methods: Patients were randomized 3:3:1:3 to certolizumab 400 mg, certolizumab 200 mg, or placebo every 2 weeks for 16 weeks or etanercept 50 mg twice weekly for 12 weeks. Certolizumab-treated patients achieving a ≥75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) at week 16 from baseline PASI were rerandomized to certolizumab or placebo for 32 weeks. The primary endpoint was responder rate (≥75% reduction in PASI from baseline PASI) versus placebo (primary analysis) and etanercept (secondary analysis) at week 12; secondary endpoints included responder rates on various measures versus placebo at weeks 12, 16, and 48. Safety was assessed by treatment-emergent adverse events., Results: All endpoints were significantly greater for certolizumab versus placebo with the greatest response seen with 400 mg. Certolizumab 400 mg was superior to and 200 mg was noninferior to etanercept. Adverse events were consistent with the anti-tumor necrosis factor class of drugs., Limitations: Etanercept was administered by unblinded study staff or self-administered, but efficacy assessments were performed by a blinded assessor., Conclusion: Both certolizumab regimens improved psoriasis symptoms, with a greater response seen with the higher dose. No new safety signals were observed., (Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Safety of biologics is important when treating patients with psoriasis., Objective: We sought to determine the safety of ixekizumab in psoriasis., Methods: Integrated safety data are presented from a 12-week induction period, a 12- to 60-week maintenance period, and from all ixekizumab-treated patients from 7 clinical trials. Exposure-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) per 100 patient-years are reported., Results: Overall, 4209 patients received ixekizumab (total exposure: 6480 patient-years). During the induction period, the IRs of patients experiencing 1 or more treatment-emergent adverse event (AE) were 251 and 236 among ixekizumab- and etanercept-treated patients, respectively, and for serious AEs was 8.3 in both groups. During maintenance, for ixekizumab, the IRs of treatment-emergent AEs and serious AEs were 100.4 and 7.8, respectively. Among all ixekizumab-treated patients from 7 trials, the IR of Candida infections was 2.5. The IRs of treatment-emergent AEs of special interest (including serious infections, malignancies, major adverse cardiovascular events) were comparable for ixekizumab and etanercept during the induction period., Limitations: Additional long-term data are required., Conclusion: Ixekizumab had an acceptable safety profile with no unexpected safety findings during ixekizumab maintenance in psoriasis., (Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. There are no standardized methods for capturing long-term control of AD., Objective: We sought to identify how long-term control has been captured in published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Results will initiate consensus discussions on how best to measure long-term control in the core outcome set for AD., Methods: We conducted a systematic review of RCTs of AD treatments published between 2000 and 2013, with a follow-up period of 3 months or longer, at least 1 outcome measure recorded at 3 or more time points, full article available, and published in English., Results: In all, 101 of 353 RCTs were eligible. Methods to capture long-term control included: repeated measurement of AD outcomes (92 RCTs; 91%), use of AD medication (29 RCTs; 28.7%), and AD flares/remissions (26 RCTs; 25.7%). Repeated measurements of AD outcomes were typically collected 3 to 5 times during a trial, but analysis methods often failed to make best use of the data. Time to first flare was most commonly used for trials including flare data (21/52). Medication use was recorded based on quantity, potency, and frequency of application., Limitations: We included RCT data only., Conclusion: This review illustrates the difficulties in measuring long-term control, and points to the need for improved harmonization of outcomes., (Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: New psoriasis therapies have increased the ability to achieve skin clearance. However, insufficient evidence exists on the impact of total skin clearance from the patient perspective., Objective: We sought to determine if complete skin clearance is clinically meaningful compared with treatment responses without clearance., Methods: Pooled data from 3 phase-III trials were used to compare results for patients with complete skin clearance (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] 100 or static Physician Global Assessment score 0) with patients without complete skin clearance (PASI 75 to <100 or static Physician Global Assessment score 1) based on Psoriasis Symptom Inventory and Dermatology Life Quality Index., Results: Percentages of patients with Psoriasis Symptom Inventory score 0 were 45% for those achieving PASI 100 and 8% for PASI 75 to <100 (P < .001). Respective percentages with Dermatology Life Quality Index score 0/1 were 80% and 55% (P < .001). PASI 100 resulted in incremental improvement over PASI 90 to <100 (incremental differences of 28% for Psoriasis Symptom Inventory score 0 and 18% for Dermatology Life Quality Index score 0). Similar results were observed for static Physician Global Assessment scores 0 versus 1., Conclusions: Complete skin clearance represents a clinically meaningful end point and outcome for patients, reflected in experiences of no psoriasis symptoms and no impairment on health-related quality of life., (Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP) has not been fully characterized., Objective: We sought to estimate the frequency and clinical characteristics of TMEP in a cohort of adult patients with cutaneous mastocytosis, and to assess the presence of systemic involvement., Methods: We included all consecutive patients evaluated for cutaneous mastocytosis in 2 centers: the Mastocytosis Competence Center of the Midi-Pyrénées from May 2006 to December 2013, and the French Reference Center for Mastocytosis from January 2008 to September 2013. Skin phenotype, histopathology, presence of KIT mutation in the skin, and assessment of systemic involvement according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were prospectively investigated., Results: Of 243 patients with cutaneous mastocytosis, 34 (14%) were given a diagnosis of TMEP. The diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis was established in 16 patients (47%) with TMEP. Three patients (9%) had aggressive systemic mastocytosis (C-findings according to WHO). In all, 32 patients (94%) exhibited at least 1 mast cell activation-related symptom., Limitations: Patient recruitment was undertaken at 2 referral centers with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mastocytosis so that the clinical findings and incidence of systemic involvement may be overestimated in comparison with the overall population of patients with TMEP., Conclusion: TMEP accounts for about 14% of patients with cutaneous mastocytosis. The disease manifests as mast cell activation symptoms in almost all patients and can be associated with systemic involvement in about 50% of cases., (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Skin psoriasis precedes the onset of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in 84% of patients with psoriasis. Dermatologists have an important role to screen psoriasis patients for PsA. The efficiency of PsA screening remains unknown., Objective: We sought to determine the point prevalence of undiagnosed PsA in patients with psoriasis using a systematic search of the literature and meta-analysis., Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase database searches yielded 394 studies for review. No study aimed to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed PsA in patients with psoriasis. We assumed that the prevalence of newly diagnosed PsA in patients with psoriasis at the time they seek medical care could be a sound estimate of this value. Seven epidemiological studies and 5 studies on PsA screening questionnaires allowed us to clearly identify patients with newly diagnosed PsA and were selected for review., Results: The prevalence of undiagnosed PsA was 15.5% when all studies were considered and 10.1% when only epidemiological studies were considered., Limitations: Data were obtained from studies not designed to address the question at hand. Heterogeneity was high (I(2) = 96.86%), and therefore a random effects model was used., Conclusion: The high prevalence of undiagnosed PsA in patients with psoriasis adds to the recommendation that dermatologists need to screen all patients with psoriasis for PsA., (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: There is controversy regarding a potential increased risk of lymphoma in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD)., Objective: To assess the risk of lymphoma and the role of topical treatments in patients with AD., Methods: A systematic literature search and a separate meta-analysis were performed on case control and cohort studies., Results: Of the 3979 articles retrieved, 24 references met the inclusion criteria. In cohort studies, the risk of lymphoma was slightly increased, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.43 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.81). In case control studies, no significant increased risk of lymphoma was found, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.18 (95% CI, 0.94-1.47). Severity of AD was a significant risk factor. Highly potent topical steroids were associated with an increased risk of lymphoma. For topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), a significant association between tacrolimus and mostly skin lymphoma was found in 1 study., Limitations: Confusion between severe AD and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma may account for part of the increased risk of lymphoma in patients with AD., Conclusion: This systematic literature review shows a slightly increased risk of lymphoma in patients with AD. Severity of AD appears to be a significant risk factor. The role of topical steroids and TCIs is unlikely to be significant., (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by a disturbed epidermal barrier. In a subset of patients, this is explained by nonsense mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin (FLG)., Objectives: We sought to evaluate the respective role of FLG mutations and proinflammatory cytokines and to assess the expression of FLG, hornerin (HRNR), and FLG2, 2 FLG-like proteins, which are involved in epidermal barrier functions, in normal skin and both lesional and nonlesional skin of patients with AD., Methods: An FLG-genotyped cohort of 73 adults with AD and 73 aged-matched control subjects was analyzed by using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Normal primary human keratinocytes were differentiated in either the absence or presence of IL-4, IL-13, and IL-25., Results: Compared with control subjects, FLG, HRNR, and FLG2 were detected at significantly lower levels in the skin of patients with AD, irrespective of their FLG genotype. The reduction was greater in lesional compared with nonlesional skin. In addition, the proFLG/FLG ratio was found to be higher in the skin of wild-type patients than in control subjects. Cytokine treatment of keratinocytes induced a dramatic reduction in FLG, FLG2, and HRNR expression both at the mRNA and protein levels., Conclusion: The stratum corneum of lesional but also clinically unaffected skin of adults with AD is abnormal, with reduced expression of FLG and FLG-like proteins. In addition to nonsense mutations, proinflammatory cytokines and some defects in the proFLG processing can contribute to the FLG downregulation. Our study suggests that skin inflammation reduces the expression of FLG-like proteins, contributing to the AD-related epidermal barrier dysfunction., (Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Vitiligo often starts in childhood. It is traditionally divided into segmental vitiligo and nonsegmental vitiligo. There are limited data regarding the clinical characteristics of both forms and no comparative study has been performed., Objective: To compare the clinical features of nonsegmental and segmental vitiligo in children., Patients and Methods: We performed a prospective observational study. Consecutive children with vitiligo seen between October 2005 and December 2007 in the 11 French Departments of Pediatric Dermatology were included. A standardized evaluation was completed after total body clinical examination. A second examination was performed 1 year after inclusion. The clinical characteristics of segmental vitiligo and nonsegmental vitiligo were compared., Results: A total of 114 children with vitiligo were included. Compared with segmental vitiligo, nonsegmental vitiligo was associated with a higher number of lesions (more than 5 patches in 65.17% vs 20% of patients, P < .0001) and a larger body surface area of involvement (9.8% +/- 2.51% vs 3.48% +/- 1.6%, P +/- .01). A higher incidence of the Koebner phenomenon (47.19% vs 24%, P = .03), and more frequent progression of the disease (23.29% vs 5.56%, P = .043) were found in nonsegmental vitiligo. Hyperpigmented rims surrounding patches of vitiligo were only seen in nonsegmental vitiligo (8.99% vs 0% (P = .007). Sixty-four children (56%) had laboratory investigations performed; thyroid abnormalities were found only in nonsegmental vitiligo (11.23% vs 0%, P = .0001)., Limitations: Not all patients underwent laboratory investigations., Conclusions: Segmental and nonsegmental types of vitiligo have distinguishing clinical characteristics., (Copyright 2009 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We investigated whether treatment of atopic dermatitis with pimecrolimus cream 1% in infants affects the development of a normal antibody response to vaccinations., Methods: In all, 91 patients participated in a 1-year, open-label extension to a 1-year double-blind study: 76 used pimecrolimus twice daily at the first signs or symptoms of the disease until clearance for 2 years and 15 only in the second year. Serum concentrations of antibodies against tetanus, diphtheria, measles, and rubella were measured at months 18 and 24., Results: The seropositivity rates of 93.6% for tetanus, 88.6% for diphtheria, 88.5% for measles, and 84.4% for rubella were comparable with those reported in literature. Seropositivity was not significantly affected by the use of pimecrolimus at the time of vaccinations (+/- 28 days)., Conclusions: Treatment of atopic dermatitis with pimecrolimus cream 1% in early childhood does not appear to interfere with the development of a normal immune response to vaccinations.

Objective and Methods: The safety and efficacy of treatment with pimecrolimus cream 1% was evaluated for up to 2 years in infants and young children with atopic dermatitis. Ninety-one patients participated in a 1-year, open-label extension to a 1-year double-blind study. Of these, 76 received pimecrolimus for 2 years. Pimecrolimus was applied twice daily at the first signs or symptoms of the disease until clearance. Outcome measures included the incidence of adverse events and the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI)., Results: No patient discontinued because of adverse events. The incidence of systemic and skin infections did not increase over time. Over the 2-year period, 2 patients experienced an episode of clinically diagnosed eczema herpeticum. In patients receiving pimecrolimus for 2 years, the mean decrease in EASI score from baseline was 68.7% at 3 months and 70.8% at 24 months., Conclusion: Treatment with pimecrolimus cream 1% for up to 2 years was well tolerated and resulted in a marked and sustained improvement of atopic dermatitis.

Background: Pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel, SDZ ASM 981), a nonsteroid selective inhibitor of inflammatory cytokines, is effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study we compared early intervention with pimecrolimus cream with treatment with a vehicle control., Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to assess whether early treatment in infants of AD signs/symptoms with pimecrolimus could influence long-term outcome by preventing disease flares., Methods: In this 1-year, double-blind controlled study, 251 infants aged 3 to 23 months with AD were randomized 4:1 to a pimecrolimus-based regimen (n = 204) or a conventional treatment regimen (n = 47). Both groups used emollients for dry skin. Early AD signs and symptoms were treated either with pimecrolimus cream to prevent flares or, in the control group, with vehicle. Vehicle was used to maintain blinding conditions. In the event of flares, moderately potent corticosteroid was permitted in both groups. The primary efficacy end point was the incidence of flares at 6 months., Results: Pimecrolimus significantly reduced the incidence of flares compared with control treatment (P <.001), with 67.6% versus 30.4% of patients completing 6 months with no flare and 56.9% versus 28.3% completing 12 months with no flare. Overall corticosteroid use was substantially lower in the pimecrolimus group: 63.7% versus 34.8% of patients did not use corticosteroids at all during the study. Pimecrolimus was also more effective than control treatment in the long-term control of pruritus and the signs of AD. There were no clinically significant differences in incidence of adverse events between the 2 treatment groups., Conclusions: Treatment with pimecrolimus of early signs and symptoms significantly modified the disease course in infants by reducing the incidence of flares and improving overall control of AD. Pimecrolimus was safe and well tolerated.