Efficacy and safety assessment of netakimab in scalp psoriasis

Abstract

Introduction . Scalp psoriasis is a common disease that has a long, recurrent course with severe desquamation, dryness and itching of the skin. The location of the pathological process in an aesthetically significant area, constant therapy leads to low satisfaction and adherence to treatment and, as a result, to a pronounced decrease in the quality of life. Aim . To study the efficacy and safety of netakimab in psoriasis of the scalp. Materials and methods . 52 adult patients (n = 52) with psoriasis of the face and scalp were under observation. The severity of the psoriatic lesion of the scalp was determined using the PSSI index (Psoriasis Severity Scalp Index). The assessment was carried out before the start of treatment, in the first week, and then every 4 weeks up to and including 52 weeks. The Dermatological Quality of Life Index (DLQI) – were determined by questionnaires before the start of treatment, at the 12th and 52nd weeks. All patients on an outpatient basis received netakimab monotherapy at a dose of 120 mg in the form of two subcutaneous injections of 1 ml (60 mg) of the drug, each administered once a week at weeks 0, 1 and 2, then 1 time every 4 weeks. The total duration of treatment for each patient was 1 year (52 weeks). The safety of netakimab was evaluated based on the development of adverse events and local reactions to the administration of the drug. Results . The results of the study (n = 52) for 52 weeks showed high efficacy of netakimab. 48% of patients achieved PSSI 90 by the week 12 of treatment and 77% of patients achieved PSSI 90 by the week 52, itching of the scalp significantly decreased and the quality of life improved. During the 52 weeks of the study, there were no cases of early withdrawal due to adverse events and cases of serious adverse events. Conclusion . Based on the study results we recommend netakimab for medical use among patients with moderate and severe scalp psoriasis.