Persistence, Switching in Patients With PsA Similar With Ixekizumab and Secukinumab

Rates of persistence and switching, as well as the use of new pain and anti-inflammatory medications, were similar among US patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treated with ixekizumab and secukinumab, according to a real-world study published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy.

“Much of the current research on treatment patterns and use of adjunctive pain and anti-inflammatory medications among patients living with PsA predates the approval and uptake of IL (interleukin)-17A inhibitors,” researchers wrote.

The retrospective cohort study used data from a health insurance claims database to identify patients with a PsA diagnosis who initiated ixekizumab or secukinumab treatment between December 2017 and November 2019. The study included 407 patients who initiated ixekizumab and 1508 patients who initiated secukinumab.

Comparison of the weighted cohorts found persistence rates of 40% with ixekizumab and 43% with secukinumab. Rates of switching were 25% with ixekizumab and 20% with secukinumab, according to the study. Rates of using new adjunctive pain and anti-inflammatory medications were 63% with ixekizumab and 58% with secukinumab.

None of the rates were statistically different between the ixekizumab and secukinumab cohorts.

“Further research examining reasons for discontinuation, switching, and use of adjunctive medications may help inform treatment decisions for patients living with PsA,” researchers wrote.

Reference: 
Pizzicato LN, Vadhariya A, Birt J, et al. Real-world treatment patterns and use of adjunctive pain and anti-inflammatory medications among patients with psoriatic arthritis treated with IL-17A inhibitors in the United States. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2023;29(1):24-35. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2022.22144.