Selma Atalay, Lara S. van der Schoot, Laura Vandermaesen, Lieke J. van Vugt, Mascha Eilander, Juul M.P.A. van den Reek, Elke M.G.J. de Jong
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3815

Dose reduction of biologics for psoriasis could contribute to lower drug exposure. This study evaluated a one-step, tightly controlled, biologic dose reduction strategy in a prospective daily practice cohort. In patients with psoriasis with low disease activity using adalimumab, etanercept or ustekinumab for at least 6 months, the dosing interval was prolonged with 33%. Patients could return to their normal dosing interval in case of disease flare. Of 108 eligible patients, 80 started dose reduction and were analysed. In total, 36/80 patients (45.0%) discontinued dose reduction after 19 months (95% confidence interval 14.9–23.1 months). Of 67 patients with 1-year follow-up, 45 (67.2%) still used the lower dose after 1 year. No serious adverse events related to dose reduction occurred. Cumulative dose and costs decreased by 22.7% during 1 year. In conclusion, a one-step tightly controlled dose reduction strategy for adalimumab, etanercept and ustekinumab has considerable potential to safely decrease biologic dosages in patients with psoriasis in daily practice.

Biologics are effective medications for psoriasis. Dose reduction of biologics for psoriasis could contribute to more personalized treatment. This study evaluated a one-step biologic dose reduction strategy in daily practice. The dose was reduced in 80 psoriasis patients with adequate disease control using adalimumab, etanercept or ustekinumab for at least 6 months. Patients could return to their normal dose in case of disease flare. After 1 year, 67% of patients were still on a lower dose. Cumulative dose and costs decreased. Therefore, a one-step tightly controlled dose reduction strategy for adalimumab, etanercept and ustekinumab has considerable potential to decrease biologic dosages.