Taltz and facial psoriasis study

[Fred]

This study looked at the impact of Taltz (ixekizumab) on facial psoriasis and related quality of life measures in moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients.

Quote:

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Background:
Facial psoriasis was reported in 17–68% of patients with psoriasis and shown to have a negative impact on patients’ personal and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Objectives:
To explore the association of facial psoriasis with patients’ HRQoL and to assess the relationship between ixekizumab (IXE) and improvement in facial psoriasis and changes in HRQoL.

Methods:
This work reports the combined results of two phase III multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, active-comparator trials in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Patients received placebo, etanercept (ETN; 50 mg twice weekly) or IXE [80 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) or every 2 weeks (Q2W)] for up to 12 weeks following an initial 160-mg dose. HRQoL parameters were analysed based on facial psoriasis status at baseline using analysis of covariance models. Improvement was assessed as percentage of patients with no facial psoriasis.

Results:
The combined database included 1133 patients with facial psoriasis and 1437 without. Patients treated with IXE whose facial psoriasis cleared had improved Dermatology Life Quality Index 0.1 responses (P < 0.01) compared with patients with facial psoriasis at Week 12. At Week 12, clearance of facial psoriasis compared with the presence of facial psoriasis was independently associated with significantly better improvement in Psoriasis Skin Appearance Bothersomeness scores in the IXE Q2W treatment group (P < 0.01). At Week 12, facial clearance and overall Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) improvement were observed in significant numbers of patients treated with IXE compared with ETN and placebo. Facial psoriasis clearance at Week 12 in patients treated with IXE or ETN was positively associated with PASI75 and PASI90 achievement.

Conclusion:
Facial psoriasis had a larger negative impact on HRQoL than no facial psoriasis. Facial psoriasis clearance was associated with improved HRQoL. Significantly more IXE-treated patients had rapid facial clearance vs. ETN and PBO, which led to better clinical outcomes.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

*Funding: Eli Lilly

Taltz (ixekizumab)

[jiml]

Good to read that Taltz works fast on facial Psoriasis and is faster than enbrel... in my opinion facial Psoriasis is the worst kind, not because it hurts or itches but because it’s hard to hide. I think a lot of sufferers including me try to keep it a well guarded secret and will put up with pain rather than have it on the face...

So a study like this indicating an improved quality of life for facial sufferers is good news and something for dermatologists to take on board as they are deciding on the right treatment for the patient, rather than the cheapest for the health service or insurer

[Fred]

in my opinion facial Psoriasis is the worst kind, not because it hurts or itches but because it’s hard to hide. I think a lot of sufferers including me try to keep it a well guarded secret and will put up with pain rather than have it on the face...

Yes I would say the face and scalp are the worst places to have it as it knocks your self esteem.

Got me thinking now about a poll

[jiml]

Got me thinking now about a poll  

Good idea if you do I’ll include it in the next newsletter to reach a wider audience  

[Fred]

Got me thinking now about a poll  

Good idea if you do I’ll include it in the next newsletter to reach a wider audience  

Worst part of the body to get psoriasis

[Turnedlight]

I’m getting Taltz on Tuesday so it’ll be interesting to see how fast/if it clears up my face.

[Fred]

I’m getting Taltz on Tuesday so it’ll be interesting to see how fast/if it clears up my face.

Yes it will be good to get a members opinion as these survey's are usually funded by the manufacturer.

There was one recently saying Cosentyx was better than Stelara for psoriasis. But I have found the opposite, Cosentyx is great for psoriatic arthritis but nowhere near as good as Stelara for psoriasis.

[jiml]

I’m getting Taltz on Tuesday so it’ll be interesting to see how fast/if it clears up my face.

It will be interesting to hear TL if you agree with the findings of this study, which was funded by the makers of Taltz