Risankizumab in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting multiple organ systems affecting approximately 2% of the population worldwide. The etiology is multifactorial etiology with multiple co-morbidities complicating the disease. Therapeutic options for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis have made tremendous strides since the turn of the century and biologic agents are now generally considered to be safe, efficacious and common options for these patients. However, some patients remain recalcitrant to the current treatment options. Risankizumab is a newly US FDA-approved biologic therapy that inhibits IL-23p19 subunit, which is specific to IL-23. Risankizumab has proven rapid onset, safety and efficacy in moderate-to-severe psoriasis and is currently being studied in other diseases utilizing the IL-23 pathway.