Skyrizi: Your Guide to This Psoriasis Treatment Option
Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) is a prescription biologic medication developed by AbbVie for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. As an IL-23 inhibitor, it works by targeting specific inflammation pathways in the body to help clear skin and reduce symptoms.
What is Skyrizi and How Does It Work?
Skyrizi is a biologic medication containing the active ingredient risankizumab-rzaa. It belongs to a class of drugs called interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitors, which are designed to target specific components of the immune system that contribute to inflammation in psoriasis.
The medication works by selectively binding to the p19 subunit of IL-23, a cytokine (signaling protein) that plays a key role in inflammatory and immune responses. By blocking IL-23, Skyrizi helps reduce the inflammation that causes the rapid skin cell growth and scaling associated with plaque psoriasis. This targeted approach differs from older psoriasis treatments that affect broader parts of the immune system.
Skyrizi is administered as an injection under the skin. The typical treatment schedule involves two starter doses, followed by maintenance doses every 12 weeks. This relatively infrequent dosing schedule (just four injections per year after the initial doses) makes it convenient for many patients compared to medications requiring more frequent administration.
Effectiveness and Clinical Results
Clinical trials for Skyrizi have demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. In pivotal studies, approximately 75% of patients achieved 90% skin clearance (PASI 90) after 16 weeks of treatment, and many maintained this improvement through continued therapy.
The medication has also shown effectiveness in difficult-to-treat areas such as the scalp, nails, and sensitive regions. Many patients report noticeable improvements within the first few weeks of treatment, though full benefits may take several months to develop.
Long-term studies indicate that Skyrizi's effectiveness tends to be maintained over time, with many patients experiencing sustained skin clearance during extended treatment periods. This durability of response is an important factor when considering treatment options for a chronic condition like psoriasis.
Skyrizi Compared to Other Psoriasis Treatments
When considering psoriasis treatment options, it's helpful to understand how Skyrizi compares to alternatives. The table below provides a comparison of Skyrizi with other commonly prescribed biologics for psoriasis:
| Treatment | Mechanism | Dosing Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Skyrizi (risankizumab) | IL-23 inhibitor | Every 12 weeks |
| Humira (adalimumab) | TNF inhibitor | Every 2 weeks |
| Cosentyx (secukinumab) | IL-17A inhibitor | Monthly |
| Tremfya (guselkumab) | IL-23 inhibitor | Every 8 weeks |
Skyrizi's specific targeting of IL-23 offers potential advantages over older TNF inhibitors like Humira, which affect broader immune pathways. This targeted approach may contribute to Skyrizi's high efficacy rates while potentially reducing certain side effects.
Compared to IL-17 inhibitors like Cosentyx, Skyrizi offers a less frequent dosing schedule, which some patients may find more convenient. Both IL-23 inhibitors (Skyrizi and Tremfya) have demonstrated excellent efficacy in clinical trials, though individual responses can vary.
Benefits and Potential Side Effects
The primary benefits of Skyrizi include its high efficacy rates, with many patients achieving clear or almost clear skin. The convenient dosing schedule of just four maintenance injections per year makes adherence easier for many patients. Additionally, the targeted mechanism may reduce the risk of certain side effects associated with broader immunosuppression.
Like all medications, Skyrizi comes with potential side effects. The most commonly reported include:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- Fungal skin infections
Since Skyrizi affects the immune system, it may increase the risk of infections. Patients should be screened for tuberculosis before starting treatment and monitored for signs of infection during therapy. The medication is not recommended for individuals with active infections.
As a newer medication (FDA approved in 2019), long-term safety data continues to accumulate. So far, safety profiles in extended studies have remained consistent with initial findings, suggesting a favorable risk-benefit profile for appropriate patients.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
Biologic medications like Skyrizi represent a significant investment in treatment. The list price for Skyrizi maintenance therapy is substantial, though actual patient costs vary widely based on insurance coverage.
Most commercial insurance plans provide some coverage for Skyrizi when prescribed for approved indications. However, prior authorization is typically required, and patients may need to try other treatments first (step therapy) before insurance will approve Skyrizi.
AbbVie, the manufacturer of Skyrizi, offers a patient assistance program called Skyrizi Complete that may help eligible patients with out-of-pocket costs. This program includes benefits investigation, potential savings on co-pays for commercially insured patients, and in some cases, medication at no cost for those who qualify.
When considering Skyrizi, it's advisable to work with your healthcare provider and insurance company to understand coverage options and potential financial assistance programs. A specialty pharmacy may also help navigate the insurance approval process for biologic medications.
Conclusion
Skyrizi represents an important advancement in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, offering high efficacy rates and a convenient dosing schedule. Its targeted mechanism of blocking IL-23 provides a focused approach to treating the inflammation driving psoriasis symptoms.
When considering Skyrizi, patients should have thorough discussions with their healthcare providers about potential benefits, risks, and cost considerations. The decision to use any biologic therapy should be individualized based on disease severity, previous treatment responses, comorbidities, and patient preferences.
With proper screening, monitoring, and ongoing care, Skyrizi may provide significant improvement in skin symptoms and quality of life for many people living with psoriasis. As with any medication, the optimal treatment choice varies by individual, making personalized medical guidance essential in the decision-making process.
Citations
- https://www.skyrizi.com/
- https://www.abbvie.com/
- https://www.humira.com/
- https://www.cosentyx.com/
- https://www.tremfya.com/
This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.