Lyn Guenther, Alison Potts Bleakman, Jamie Weisman, Yves Poulin, Lynda Spelman, Russel Burge, Janelle Erickson, Kristin Todd, Clinton C. Bertram, Caitriona Ryan
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3353

Ixekizumab was efficacious in treating moderate-to-severe genital psoriasis over 12 weeks. We evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of ixekizumab for up to 52 weeks. Patients were randomized to 80 mg ixekizumab every 2 weeks or to placebo through Week 12, then received 80 mg open-label ixekizumab every 4 weeks through Week 52. In patients initially randomized to ixekizumab, clear or almost clear genital skin was achieved for 73% of patients at Week 12 and 75% at Week 52. Persistent improvements were also observed for overall psoriasis, genital itch, and the impact of genital psoriasis on the frequency of sexual activity. The safety profile was consistent with studies of ixekizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Ixekizumab provided rapid and persistent improvements in the signs and symptoms of genital psoriasis for up to 52 weeks of treatment.

Genital skin is commonly affected among patients with psoriasis. Genital psoriasis can cause problems such as genital itch and pain, and have negative effects on mental, social, and sexual health. Ixekizumab, can provide significant relief of genital psoriasis within 12 weeks of starting treatment. This study showed that patients with genital psoriasis continue to have symptom relief after 1 year of treatment with ixekizumab.

Figure S1
Table SI
Table SII
Table SIII