Long-term efficacy and safety of ixekizumab: A 5-year analysis of the UNCOVER-3 randomized controlled trial

Abstract

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.

Keywords: UNCOVER-3; efficacy; ixekizumab; long-term; psoriasis; safety.