Regardless of baseline itch severity, ixekizumab treatment provided a rapid improvement in itch followed by clinically meaningful improvements in psoriasis. This according to a recent study that evaluated baseline itch and its impact on the efficacy of ixekizumab in clearing psoriasis and improving quality of life (QOL) measures. Data were analyzed from 2 double-blind, randomized, controlled phase III studies (UNCOVER-2/3) comparing a TNF inhibitor, ixekizumab, and placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Researchers found:

• At week 12, a clinically meaningful improvement in itch [Itch Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) reduction ≥ 4] was seen in 70.0%, 88.6%, and 90.8% of the ixekizumab-treated patients in the baseline Itch NRS 4–6, 7–8, and 9–10 groups, respectively.
• Also, 68.9%, 67.1%, and 73.6% of the ixekizumab-treated patients in the baseline Itch NRS 4–6, 7–8, and 9–10 groups, respectively, showed an improvement of ≥ 90.0% in the Psoriatic Area and Severity Index (PASI) at week 12 as compared to the baseline (PASI 90).
• For most patients, itch reduction preceded psoriatic plaque improvement.
• Sustained effects of ixekizumab on itch and PASI were observed during 3 years of treatment.