Efficacy and Safety of Secukinumab in the Treatment of Psoriasis in Patients with Skin Phototypes IV to VI.

Background: There is a paucity of data on the treatment of psoriasis in patients with skin of color – a diverse population among whom variations in clinical features and higher quality of life impact have been reported. This single-center, open-label clinical study evaluated the safety and efficacy of secukinumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI.

Methods: A total of 20 male and female subjects (ages ≥ 18, BSA ≥10%, PASI Score ≥ 12, IGA ≥ 3) completed this study. The total study duration was 28 weeks. During the treatment period, subjects received secukinumab 300 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, then monthly through week 20.

Results: 73% of patients achieved at least 90% improvement in PASI score (PASI90) at week 16 compared to baseline (P=0.0592). There was a statistically significant proportion of patients achieving PASI75, IGA of clear or almost clear, and a change from baseline in DLQI total score at weeks 12, 16, and 24. A statistically significant reduction in IGAxBSA-75 score was achieved between week 16 and baseline.

Limitations: The sample size was small and underpowered to detect statistically significant changes in some endpoints. Furthermore, the study period was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to numerous missing data points.

Conclusion: Secukinumab 300 mg administered monthly was safe, well-tolerated, and efficacious in treating skin of color patients with psoriasis and improving health-related quality of life. Larger studies involving skin of color populations with psoriasis are warranted. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):600-606. doi:10.36849/JDD.8128.