Secukinumab for treating plaque psoriasis.

Introduction: Plaque psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can result in significant physical, psychological and quality of life impairments. Until recently, biologic treatment for psoriasis was limited to tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors and an interleukin (IL)-12/23 p40 subunit inhibitor. Newly developed biologics targeting the pro-inflammatory IL-17A cytokine have shown success in providing higher levels of clinical efficacy in patients with psoriasis. Secukinumab, a member of this novel class of IL-17 inhibitors, is the latest biologic to receive US FDA approval for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.Areas covered: This comprehensive review will cover the pharmacology, efficacy, safety and future role of secukinumab and other IL-17 blockers in the treatment of plaque psoriasis.Expert opinion: While biologics have revolutionized patient care for chronic plaque psoriasis, they are associated with loss of response over time. When treatment failure occurs with existing biolo...