Ixekizumab for the treatment of pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Introduction: Ixekizumab (IXE), a high affinity humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-17A, is approved in the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) for pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This review summarizes ixekizumab use in the phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and provides some clinical pearls we have learned after using the drug in the pediatric population for the past 3 years. Areas covered: Review of IXORA-PEDS trial data, general literature review pertaining to the systemic treatment of pediatric psoriasis as well as our clinical experience with IXE Expert opinion: IXE is the only IL17 antagonist for pediatric psoriasis and is a welcome addition to our armamentarium.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the use of Ixekizumab in pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, highlighting its role as the only IL17 antagonist for pediatric psoriasis. Its approval in the US and EU has added a valuable option to our treatment arsenal based on phase 3 trial data and clinical experience.