Biologics for Treatment of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris: A Literature Review

To describe the published efficacy and adverse event rates associated with existing biologics for the treatment of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP).

A literature review using the PubMed database (January 1990-July 2023) was conducted. Multiple search combinations were conducted using "pityriasis rubra pilaris" and various biologics as keywords to identify relevant articles.

Inclusion criteria included all study types that were published within the past 30 years in English and mentioned at least one biologic and PRP. A preliminary search yielded a total of 499 results. After screening using inclusion and exclusion criteria, 77 relevant articles (69 case reports, 5 case series, 2 clinical trials, and 1 retrospective analysis) were analyzed.

TNF-α inhibitors have been evaluated and are effective in treating PRP. However, recent treatment with anti-interleukin (IL)-17 and anti-IL-23 therapies such as ustekinumab, secukinumab, and ixekizumab are emerging as new treatment options with a mean improvement in PRP Area and Severity Index scores, change in severity of erythema, scaling, and thickness of PRP lesions. From initial clinical trials, secukinumab and ixekizumab are promising treatment options for achieving remission.

This review compares the efficacy for numerous biologics and a discussion to guide clinicians on benefits and risks in choosing a biologic for PRP patients.

Biologics may be a favourable treatment option leading to greater patient adherence due to reduced dosing frequencies, improvement in quality of life, and reduction in frequency and severity of flares.