Izokibep

About IL-17A

IL-17A is one of the best-studied cytokines in immunology, especially around its involvement in inflammatory pathology. IL-17A has a major role in number inflammatory diseases and inhibiting IL-17A signaling has proven effective in treating a variety of diseases include plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. IL-17A plays a role in other rare diseases and conditions including hidradenitis suppurativa, a devastating, chronic inflammatory disease of the exocrine glands characterized by painful, malodorous lumps under the skin that can become scarred and disfiguring, and non-infectious uveitis, an inflammation inside the eye.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a very painful, lifelong, and recurring skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring1,2. Areas often affected include the groin and genitals, the armpits, areas around the anus, and below the breasts^1,2. The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown although it is thought to affect 0.1%-2% of the population^1,2,3. Treatments can include antibiotics, steroids, immunosuppressants, and in moderate to severe cases, drainage, and removal of the abscesses with surgery. There is no cure, and the condition requires constant management³. Current therapies provide ~50% improvement in ~50% of patients⁴. Recurrent disease (disease flares) and painful lesions remain additional unmet needs. IL-17 has been found to be elevated in HS lesions and an increase in IL-17A gene expression was observed in HS skin, suggesting that IL-17 inhibition could be an effective therapeutic target². IL-17 inhibition may address unmet needs by providing better disease control as well as lessening disease flares and reducing pain. Given the elevated risk of skin and non-skin infections for HS patients, the safety profile of potential therapies, especially around increased risk of infections, must also be considered.⁵ The unique qualities of izokibep and the known safety profile of IL-17A inhibition makes izokibep an ideal candidate to test in the clinic to potentially benefit patients with HS.

1. www.nhs.uk/conditions/hidradenitis-suppurativa/
2. Clin Exp Immunol. 201(2), 121–134 (2020)
3. J Am Acad Dermatol. 81(1), 91-101 (2019)
4. N Engl J Med. 375, 422-434 (2016)
5. Br J Dermatol. 182, 327-334 (2020)