Translating Knowledge of IL-23 Targeting into New Solutions for Psoriasis Treatment

Following a brief introduction by Prof Lambert, the symposium started with an in-depth review of the current unmet needs in the clinical management of psoriasis, provided by Prof Radtke, who also reported on the multiple and cumulative negative effects of the condition on patients’ health, activity engagement, family relationships, and overall quality of life (QoL). Prof Radtke went on to describe the factors contributing to the burden of psoriasis, other than disease severity, and highlighted the importance of taking a holistic approach to the management of the condition that takes into consideration the individual patient’s expectations and needs. Prof Lambert continued the symposium with an overview of the core pathways involved in disease pathogenesis in relation to the development of novel targeted immunotherapies. Prof Lambert reviewed the current clinical paradigms for the treatment of psoriasis, including targeted biological therapies, such as TNF-α inhibitors and newer agents acting on IL-17 and IL-23, which research shows may represent a more effective approach to the treatment of psoriasis and other autoimmune inflammatory disorders. The latest Phase III clinical trial data on therapies selectively targeting the upstream cytokine IL-23 were then presented by Dr Piaserico, with a focus on the monoclonal antibodies guselkumab, risankizumab, and tildrakizumab, and their potential to achieve consistent rates of skin clearance long-term, with the added benefit of prolonged dose intervals and intermittent treatment in some patients.