Impact of ixekizumab on psoriasis itch severity and other psoriasis symptoms: Results from 3 phase III psoriasis clinical trials

Abstract

Background: Itch is a prevalent symptom of psoriasis that impacts quality of life.

Objective: We sought to describe improvements in itch severity, skin pain, and bothersomeness of skin appearance caused by psoriasis among patients who received ixekizumab, etanercept, or placebo in three 12-week, phase III clinical trials (UNCOVER-1, -2, and -3).

Methods: The itch numeric rating scale evaluated psoriasis itch severity in all 3 trials. Skin pain was assessed by skin pain visual analog scale. Bothersomeness because of redness/discoloration, thickness, and scaling/flaking was assessed with the Psoriasis Skin Appearance Bothersomeness instrument. Psoriasis skin appearance bothersomeness and skin pain were assessed at baseline and week 12; itch numeric rating scale score was assessed at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12.

Results: Patients who received ixekizumab demonstrated statistically significant improvements (P < .001) in itch severity, reduction in skin pain, and degree of bothersomeness compared with those who received etanercept or placebo. Clinically meaningful improvements in itch severity were achieved as early as week 1.

Limitations: Longer-term evaluations of psoriasis symptom improvement with ixekizumab treatment are needed.

Conclusion: After treatment with ixekizumab, patients reported fast, significant, and clinically meaningful improvements in itch severity and other psoriasis-related symptoms such as skin pain and skin appearance bothersomeness.

Keywords: itch; itch numeric rating scale; patient-reported outcomes; psoriasis; skin appearance bothersomeness; skin pain.