FDA Approves Skyrizi for Plaque Psoriasis

Adults suffering from psoriatic disease have a new treatment option. On April 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Skyrizi (risankizumab), an IL-23 inhibitor that targets a key protein involved in inflammatory disease.

Skyrizi, manufactured by AbbVie pharmaceuticals, is for those with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and is specifically aimed at anyone who is a candidate for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Patients in clinical trials for Skyrizi received 150 mg of risankizumab administered by two subcutaneous (under the skin) injections (75 mg/0.83 mL in each single-dose prefilled syringe) at the start of treatment, one month later and every 12 weeks thereafter for maintenance therapy.  

Speaking on the importance of drug options for patients, Steven R. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., NPF medical board member, says that the growing list of new treatments has a large impact on patient lives. 

“No one treatment works for everyone,” says Feldman. 

Since 1987, NPF has invested more than $19 million in psoriatic disease research, which has directly contributed to the wave of newly approved treatment options like Skyrizi. NPF also helps connect patients with clinical trials so that more drugs may be tested and ultimately approved. 

Phase 3 clinical trials of Skyrizi for psoriatic arthritis are currently being conducted.

Once a treatment is approved, NPF offers a wealth of resources and works to ensure proper access for the best patient care. NPF also provides medical education to health care providers so they can stay up-to-date on the latest treatment options. 

Know your options 
To learn more about your treatment options, including information on Skyrizi, contact the Patient Navigation Center. NPF patient navigators offer free resources and personalized support to help you understand and access treatments.