Why carry out this study?

Although several effective treatment options are available for patients with psoriasis (PsO), persistence to therapy is generally poor.

Evidence suggest that interleukin (IL)-inhibitors may have improved persistence compared with biologics of other mechanisms of action; however, comparative studies on treatment patterns for IL-inhibitors beyond 12 months are lacking.

Our study evaluated discontinuation and switching rates of IL-inhibitors through 2 years in patients with PsO in real-world settings in Japan, expanding upon prior studies by leveraging larger sample sizes and inclusion of more recently approved therapies.

What was learned from this study?

Treatment modification of IL-inhibitors for treatment of PsO was commonly observed, with 26% and 39% of patients discontinuing their first IL-inhibitor and 14% and 21% switching to another biologic, by 12 and 24 months, respectively.

Rates of discontinuation and switching varied across therapies but were lowest in patients who received risankizumab regardless of time point and after adjustment for patient characteristics and prior treatment history.

Frequent treatment modification could be indicative of insufficient disease management, and additional research is warranted to evaluate drivers of discontinuation and switching and consequences of the need for changing therapies in PsO to inform treatment decision-making.