spesolimab at a glance
Medicine class
Humanised monoclonal antibody and interleukin inhibitor
Licensed use
Treatment of generalised pustular psoriasis flares
Administration
Given by intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional
Specialist oversight
Started and supervised by a clinician experienced in inflammatory skin disease
What is spesolimab used for?
The selected intravenous product is licensed as monotherapy for:
Generalised pustular psoriasis flares in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
How does spesolimab work?
Spesolimab binds to the interleukin-36 receptor and prevents IL-36 signals from activating inflammatory pathways. These pathways contribute to the widespread pustules and systemic inflammation of generalised pustular psoriasis.
spesolimab preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 450 mg
How to take spesolimab
This formulation is not taken by mouth or self-injected. A healthcare professional dilutes the concentrate and administers it through a vein using a filtered infusion line.
It must not be given as an intravenous push or bolus.
No other infusion should run through the same intravenous access at the same time.
Tell staff immediately if you feel unwell during the infusion.
spesolimab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Infections, particularly upper respiratory or urinary tract infections
- Itching
- Tiredness
Get urgent medical advice
- Immediate allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, severe itching or faintness
- Delayed hypersensitivity with a widespread new rash, fever or facial swelling
- Clinically important infection
- New weakness, numbness, tingling or burning sensations that could indicate peripheral neuropathy
spesolimab in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited, and IgG antibodies can cross the placenta. As a precaution, spesolimab is preferably avoided during pregnancy unless the specialist considers treatment clearly appropriate. Discuss pregnancy or plans to conceive before treatment.
spesolimab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether spesolimab enters human milk. Transfer of IgG antibodies may be greatest during the first few days after birth, when risk to the newborn cannot be excluded; later use during breastfeeding may be considered if clinically needed. The specialist should review timing around birth and treatment.
spesolimab interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Important practical considerations include:
Live vaccines
Do not give concurrently; vaccination timing should be reviewed with the specialist before and after spesolimab.
Systemic immunosuppressants and biological therapies
Combined use has not been systematically evaluated and may increase immunosuppression; concomitant use for the flare is not recommended.
Other treatments for generalised pustular psoriasis
The specialist should review and usually stop other flare treatments when initiating intravenous spesolimab.
Common questions about spesolimab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is spesolimab used to treat?
It treats flares of generalised pustular psoriasis, a rare inflammatory skin condition that can cause widespread pus-filled pustules and systemic symptoms.
Is spesolimab a steroid?
No. It is a targeted monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin-36 receptor.
How is spesolimab given?
The selected formulation is diluted and given into a vein by a healthcare professional in a specialist setting.
Does spesolimab affect the immune system?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.