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IL-17A Inhibitors — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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ModerateDermatopharmacologyIL-17A InhibitorsSCE Dermatology

A 45-year-old man with psoriasis is being considered for Ixekizumab. How does Ixekizumab differ from Secukinumab in terms of mechanism?

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Correct answer: ABoth target IL-17A — Ixekizumab is a humanised IgG4 monoclonal antibody while Secukinumab is a fully human IgG1 antibody; they have the same target but different antibody structures

Ixekizumab and Secukinumab are both monoclonal antibodies that selectively neutralise IL-17A, but they differ in antibody structure: Ixekizumab is a humanised IgG4 antibody while Secukinumab is a fully human IgG1 antibody. Both demonstrate very high PASI 90/100 response rates. Differences in clinical practice relate primarily to dosing schedules and formulations rather than efficacy: Ixekizumab uses a 2-weekly loading (weeks 0-12) then 4-weekly maintenance; Secukinumab uses weekly loading (weeks 0-4) then 4-weekly maintenance. Both carry the IL-17 class side effect profile including candidiasis and IBD risk. Head-to-head trials (IXORA-S) showed comparable efficacy between the two agents.

Reference: NICE TA442 Ixekizumab; BAD 2020