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UNCOVER-3: Taltz shows durability over long term

Patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis experienced a durable response to Taltz through 108 weeks, according to results of the UNCOVER-3 trial.

The trial included 1,346 patients who were randomly assigned 2:2:2:1 into the following groups: 80-mg Taltz (ixekizumab, Eli Lilly) every 2 weeks; 80-mg ixekizumab every 4 weeks; 50-mg etanercept twice weekly; or placebo. The study also included a long-term extension period in which patients switched to ixekizumab every 4 weeks.

The researchers noted that the recommended ixekizumab dose is every 2 weeks on weeks 0 through 12 and every 4 weeks during the extension period. The researchers calculated PASI-75 response rates for the 385 patients who received this dose, with the as-observed response rate being 93.4%, the multiple imputation response rate at 88.3%, and the modified multiple imputation response rate at 83.6%. For this same group, the static Physician’s Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 rates were 82.6% for the as-observed calculation, 78.3% for multiple imputation, and 74.1% for modified multiple imputation.

One or more treatment-emergent adverse event occurred in 84.5% of patients in the long-term extension analysis. Most of these events (85%) were mild or moderate in nature. Additionally, 6.4% of patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events.

Other findings indicated that not only were response rates similar between the active treatment arms through 108 weeks, but that fingernail, scalp and non-pustular palmoplantar psoriasis clearance persisted for the entire study duration in patients with involvement at those body sites. – by Rob Volansky

Disclosures: Blauvelt reports serving as a scientific adviser and clinical study investigator for AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Dermira, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sandoz, Sanofi Genzyme, Sun Pharma, UCB and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, and as a paid speaker for Eli Lilly, Regeneron and Sanofi Genzyme. Please see the study for all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.