Key clinical point: Ixekizumab was more effective than placebo in improving axial symptoms, such as back pain and morning stiffness, in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) presenting with axial manifestations.
Major finding: At weeks 16 and 24, ixekizumab vs placebo led to greater improvements in axial manifestations, such as back pain and morning stiffness (P < .001), as indicated by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores, with a significantly higher proportion of patients achieving a 50% improvement in BASDAI scores (P < .001). All improvements with ixekizumab were sustained through week 52.
Study details: This post hoc analysis of pooled data from two phase 3 studies included biologic-naive and tumor necrosis factor inhibitor-experienced patients with active PsA and axial manifestations (n = 313) who were randomly assigned to receive either ixekizumab or placebo.
Disclosures: The studies described in this post hoc analysis were sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company. Four authors declared being employees and shareholders of Eli Lilly and Company. Several authors declared having ties with various sources, including Eli Lilly and Company.
Source: Deodhar A et al. The effect of ixekizumab on axial manifestations in patients with psoriatic arthritis from two phase III clinical trials: SPIRIT-P1 and SPIRIT-P2. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2023 (Aug 24). doi: 10.1177/1759720X231189005