Hot Topics in Psoriatic Arthritis

In this video interview with Healio, Joseph F. Merola, MD, MMSc, dermatologist, rheumatologist and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, and Vice Chair Clincial Trials and Innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, discussed highlights in psoriatic arthritis from the EULAR 2021 Virtual Congress.

COSMOS: Guselkumab (Tremfya, Janssen) improved joint and skin symptoms in patients with PsA who demonstrated an inadequate response or intolerance to TNF inhibitors

• Merola’s take: Clinicians and practicing rheumatologists can see a “realistic view” of a TNF-IR population. Remaining questions surrounding long-term sustained efficacy and figuring out “where this fits into our treatment algorithm”

KEEPsAKE 2: Risankizumab (Skyrizi, AbbVie) improved psoriatic arthritis signs and symptoms compared with placebo in refractory disease

• Merola’s take: The study gave “insights” into how this agent will perform as a psoriatic arthritis drug – “I’m encouraged to have yet another drug and mechanism in this class and I’m looking out for the sustained efficacy data”

SELECT-PsA 2: Upadacitinib (Rinvoq, AbbVie) maintained its efficacy over 56 weeks in patients with PsA who had a prior inadequate response to at least one biologic DMARD

• Merola’s take: “I’m incredibly excited about the SELECT-PsA program” which showed “very, very robust efficacy data”

GRAPPA Guidance Update: Updated treatment guidance looking at a domain-based approach to psoriatic disease from the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA)

• Merola’s take: “Stay tuned” for more from the group because GRAPPA guidance can help inform practice and treatment