Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team as an assistant editor for HCPLive in August 2022. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in political science, working in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching TV, listening to podcasts, and rock climbing. You can contact him at 

 treated with camoteskimab may see clinically meaningful and statistically significant reductions in their disease by Week 16, new findings suggest.

These new findings on camoteskimab, an investigational anti-interleukin (IL)-18 monoclonal antibody, were announced on September 16 by Apollo Therapeutics. The company reported encouraging findings from its CHAMELEON phase 2a study assessing the use of camoteskimab in atopic dermatitis (NCT06436183).

“This data confirms that IL-18 is a highly potent cytokine that plays an important differentiated role in atopic dermatitis and that camoteskimab is a highly promising therapeutic,” Alan Irvine, MD, professor of dermatology in Trinity College Dublin, said in a statement.

Atopic dermatitis is a disease known to impact an estimated 204 million people worldwide, and the condition is characterized by inflamed, dry, and itchy skin that significantly impacts patients' daily lives.

 Camoteskimab, which works by degrading IL-18 via an antibody recycling mechanism, was evaluated as part of its developement as a first-in-class treatment for inflammatory conditions, with atopic dermatitis as its lead indication.

There were 62 adult patients enrolled in CHAMELEON, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the drug's safety and efficacy.

 CHAMELEON investigators' primary endpoint assessed was percentage change from baseline in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores at the 12-week mark. The study remained blinded through week 16, followed by an open-label extension in which all of those taking part were treated with camoteskimab through Week 32.

The investigative team's post-hoc analyses demonstrated statistically significant improvements in patients' EASI scores at Week 16 versus placebo, with separation from placebo observed as early as the 4-week mark.

 Patient responses were noted to have deepened over time, with higher rates of EASI-75 and IGA 0/1 having been sustained through the 32-week mark. In 1 notable finding, the team observed that subjects who had failed prior anti-IL-4/IL-13 therapies also attained meaningful responses.

Camoteskimab was additionally shown to be well tolerated, with CHAMELEON investigators identitfying no treatment-related serious adverse events, drug discontinuations, or common issues such as conjunctivitis or oral ulcers among the study participants.

“The phase 2a data for camoteskimab is exciting, demonstrating strong efficacy, a clean safety profile and the potential of at least a three-monthly dosing interval,” Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, MPH, professor of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, said in a statement.1 “There remains a clear need for more effective and patient-friendly treatment options for atopic dermatitis and I’m optimistic that camoteskimab has the potential to fulfil that need.”

Apollo Therapeutics is set to present the complete set of data at an upcoming conference and to initiate a phase 2b dose-ranging study in North America and Europe, including multiple subcutaneous regimens and a potential 3-monthly dosing schedule.

Apollo Therapeutics. Apollo Therapeutics’ Anti-IL-18 Antibody Camoteskimab Met the Primary Endpoint in a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2a Clinical Trial in Atopic Dermatitis. September 16, 2025. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250916434001/en/Apollo-Therapeutics-Anti-IL-18-Antibody-Camoteskimab-Met-the-Primary-Endpoint-in-a-Double-Blind-Randomized-Placebo-Controlled-Phase-2a-Clinical-Trial-in-Atopic-Dermatitis

Tian J, Zhang D, Lu Q, et al. Global epidemiology of atopic dermatitis: a comprehensive systematic analysis and modelling study. Br J Dermatol. 2023 Dec 20;190(1):55-61. 

. PMID: 37705227. Accessed September 16, 2025.

Articles

Camoteskimab, an investigational anti-IL-18 monoclonal antibody, has shown promising results in reducing atopic dermatitis symptoms by Week 16, according to a phase 2a study. The study, involving 62 adult patients, demonstrated significant improvements in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores, with benefits observed as early as Week 4. Camoteskimab was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. The findings suggest potential for a three-monthly dosing interval, addressing the need for more effective and patient-friendly treatments for atopic dermatitis.

Patients with atopic dermatitis treated with camoteskimab saw significant reductions in their mean EASI score at Week 16 compared to placebo.

Atopic Dermatitis

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Camoteskimab Meets Primary Endpoint in Phase 2a Clinical Trial in Atopic Dermatitis

Chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as 

 and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are linked with accelerated epigenetic aging among patients, new data suggest, although results vary by disease and additional standardized research is needed.

A review highlighting epigenetic clocks or biomarkers that allow for different insights into the systemic impacts of 

 such as HS and atopic dermatitis. The data included in this review resulted from an analysis by investigators such as Ajay S. Dulai, MBBS, from Integrative Skin Science and Research in Sacramento, California.

Dulai and coauthors highlighted that epigenetic clocks can be classified into those that are intrinsic and those that are extrinsic. Intrinsic clocks, they noted, rely only on methylation changes, whereas extrinsic clocks involve immune cell composition as part of their algorithm.

“The application of epigenetic clocks provides valuable insights into the systemic effects of chronic inflammatory diseases,” Dulai and colleagues wrote.

 “These clocks may serve as potential biomarkers of both inflammation and the factors that may control inflammation in the future. This review aims to summarize published studies that have identified variations in epigenetic aging in individuals with chronic dermatological conditions.”

The investigators' review looked specifically at human studies evaluating patients' epigenetic ages in relation to dermatological conditions such as HS and atopic dermatitis. They only deemed English-language manuscripts as eligible, excluding non-English publications from their search of available databases. These databases included Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science

All of Dulai et al's search results were imported into Rayyan to streamline their selection of literature. Titles and abstracts were initially screened independently by a set of reviewers. Data deemed relevant according to criteria for eligibility were advanced to a full-text review and, when disagreements took place in this process, they were settled by reevaluating the full-text manuscripts to attain a consensus.

Later, data extraction was conducted and the findings assessed by Dulai and colleagues were organized. Information collected from each study included the type of dermatological condition under investigation, principal findings, the epigenetic clock employed, sources of tissue samples, and number of study participants. There were 2 commonly implemented measures of epigenetic aging: AgeDiff and Aging Ratio.

AgeDiff represents the absolute gap, assessed in years, between an individual’s epigenetic age and their chronological age. A positive AgeDiff would suggest an accelerated biological aging process, meaning the body appears older than their true chronological age. Conversely, a negative AgeDiff would indicate slowed or decelerated aging, where the biological profile is younger than the person’s chronological age.

The Aging Ratio expresses this relationship as a percentage, illustrating the relative pace of aging throughout one's lifetime. A positive ratio would point to faster-than-expected aging, whereas a negative value points to slower biological aging. Given the heterogeneity the investigative team noted among these studies, a meta-analysis could not be conducted. The authors noted, however, that such an analysis may become feasible once more standardized research and consistent methodologies are available.

Ultimately, there were 6 studies that the investigative team found met the inclusion criteria. These comprised 4 investigating psoriasis, 1 assessing atopic dermatitis, and 1 focusing on HS. Based on the Oxford Levels of Evidence, 4 of these studies were determined to be level 4 evidence, 1 as level 5, and 1 as level 3. The findings varied by condition. In those with psoriasis, individuals with concomitant psoriatic arthritis, but not psoriasis alone, were noted by the team to have significantly accelerated epigenetic aging compared with controls. In atopic dermatitis, pediatric patients displayed evidence of increased biological aging, measured across several clock models, including the Horvath, Skin and Blood, PhenoAge, and GrimAge clocks. Among those with HS, subjects exhibited elevated biological age when tissue samples were collected from impacted skin regions.

Collectively, these results suggest a potential link between chronic inflammatory skin diseases and accelerated biological aging, although the pattern differs by condition and disease context.

The review emphasized the need for further studies to clarify the relationship between disease severity and measures of epigenetic aging. Expanding investigations into a broader range of skin disorders could help identify shared pathways between inflammation, aging, and dermatological health. Additionally, there is a need for refinement of epigenetic clocks to capture inflammatory signatures more accurately and to integrate skin-specific biomarkers. Such tools would improve the precision of biological age estimation in chronic skin conditions and potentially provide insights into long-term disease burden.

“Future work is needed to correlate epigenetic aging with dermatological disease severity and treatment outcomes,” they concluded.

 “Additionally, this review highlights the need for developing skin-specific methylation clocks, which can be trained on validated markers of skin aging and biophysical functionality.”

AS Dulai, A Joshi, M Min, et al. Systematic Review of Accelerated Epigenetic Aging in Chronic Inflammatory Dermatology Conditions. International Journal of Dermatology (2025): 1–8, 

Beynon RA, Ingle SM, Richmond RC, et al. Epigenetic biomarkers of ageing are predictive of mortality risk in a longitudinal clinical cohort of individuals diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer. Clin Epigenetics. 2022 Jan 3;14(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s13148-021-01220-4. PMID: 34980250; PMCID: PMC8725548.

Chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as pediatric atopic dermatitis and hidradenitis suppurativa, are associated with accelerated epigenetic aging, though results vary by condition. Epigenetic clocks, which can be intrinsic or extrinsic, offer insights into the systemic effects of these diseases. A review of studies found that patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and HS exhibit signs of increased biological aging. The review underscores the need for further research to explore the relationship between disease severity and epigenetic aging, and to develop skin-specific methylation clocks for better disease management.

In this analysis, the degree to which each dermatological condition impacts biological aging was highlighted using epigenetic clocks.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurativa condition center page, audiences can find a variety of coverage mediums for medical news and updates, including articles, video interviews, podcasts, and breaking news on dermatology research, treatment, and drug development.

HS, Atopic Dermatitis Result in Accelerated Epigenetic Aging Among Patients

Victoria Johnson joined the MJH Life Sciences in 2020 and has written for NeurologyLive, CGTLive, and now HCPLive. You can reach her at vjohnson@mjhlifesciences.com

Efzofitimod did not significantly reduce the mean daily oral corticosteroid (OCS) dose after 48 weeks in people with 

 sarcoidosis although clinical benefits were observed. Accordingly, aTyr Pharma’s Phase 3 EFZO-FIT evaluating the therapy did not meet its primary endpoint.

“The results of EFZO-FIT™ demonstrate not only strong evidence of clinical efficacy for efzofitimod’s effect on quality of life and its capacity to facilitate steroid withdrawal, but also increased confidence that steroids overall can be reduced to manage symptoms and lung function without the fear of worsening disease,” principal investigator Daniel Culver, DO, Chair of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, said in a statement.

 “This trial represents an important step forward for the field, as it is by far the largest interventional study completed in sarcoidosis to date, demonstrating the feasibility of conducting a global multi-center randomized controlled trial. The findings provide valuable insights about the treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis, which are likely to inform treatment practices in the future.”

EFZO-FIT was a global interventional study sarcoidosis that compared the efficacy and safety of efzofitimod at 3.0 mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg doses versus placebo after 48 weeks of treatment in 268 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. The trial protocol included a guided steroid taper in the first 12 weeks of the study, followed by continued taper or rescue until week 48.

Study investigators found that the 5.0 mg/kg efzofitimod group had a mean reduction to 2.79 mg in mean daily OCS dose compared to 3.52 in the placebo group (

= .3313). All further statistical testing is reported as nominal findings as the study’s statistical analysis plan was designed on a hierarchical assessment basis.

Investigators did find a clinical improvement in the change from baseline on King’s Sarcoidosis Questionnaire (KSQ)-Lung score at week 48 for 5.0 mg/kg efzofitimod (10.36) compared to placebo (6.19; 

= .0479). Furthermore, 46.9% of patients on 5.0 mg/kg of efzofitimod achieved complete steroid withdrawal with stable KSQ-Lung score compared to 35.7% on placebo (

Furthermore, patients who achieved complete steroid withdrawal at week 48 with 5.0 mg/kg efzofitimod had greater improvements in KSQ-Lung compared to placebo (

= .0199). Overall, 52.6% of patients treated with 5.0 mg/kg efzofitimod achieved complete steroid withdrawal compared with 40.2% on placebo (

Forced vital capacity (FVC) values at week 48 were maintained.The change from baseline in absolute percent predicted FVC was -1.81 for patients in the 5.0 mg/kg efzofitimod group compared to 2.11 in the placebo group (

“This study demonstrates that patients with chronic, symptomatic sarcoidosis can be managed with substantially lower steroid doses than previously thought. In spite of a higher than anticipated placebo response, we found that treatment with efzofitimod was associated with a greater amount of steroid reduction and an improvement in the KSQ-Lung score,” Sanjay S. Shukla, MD, MS, President and Chief Executive Officer of aTyr Pharma, added.

 “These consistent findings suggest that treatment with efzofitimod may positively impact quality of life and preserve lung function while reducing steroid burden, providing a meaningful benefit to patients. We look forward to discussing the totality of the data with the FDA in order to determine the path forward for efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis, as there remains an urgent need for a safe and effective treatment option to address the unmet needs of this underserved population.”

Efzofitimod was generally well-tolerated at both the 3.0 mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg doses, with a safety profile consistent with that seen in other trials of the therapy. Further data on efzofitimod will be presented at the upcoming European Respiratory Society Congress on September 30, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. aTyr Pharma plans to engage with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review the data and determine the path forward for efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis.

In June 2025, aTyr Pharma announced positive early data in people with diffuse and limited 

systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease

 (SSc-ILD) from the ongoing Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT study. Investigators found that all patients had stable or improved modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) and 3 of 4 evaluable, efzofitimod-treated patients with diffuse SSc-ILD had at least a 4-point improvement.

aTyr Pharma Announces Topline Results from Phase 3 EFZO-FIT™ Study of Efzofitimod in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis. News release. aTyr Pharma. September 15, 2025. 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/atyr-pharma-announces-topline-results-113000869.html

Johnson V. Efzofitimod Shows Promising Early Efficacy in Systemic Sclerosis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease. Article. HCPLive. June 5, 2025. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/efzofitimod-shows-promising-early-efficacy-in-systemic-sclerosis-related-interstitial-lung-disease

Efzofitimod did not significantly reduce the mean daily oral corticosteroid dose in pulmonary sarcoidosis patients after 48 weeks, failing to meet the primary endpoint of the Phase 3 EFZO-FIT study. However, clinical benefits were observed, including improved quality of life and steroid withdrawal facilitation. The study demonstrated the feasibility of conducting large-scale trials in sarcoidosis and provided insights into treatment practices. Efzofitimod was well-tolerated, and further data will be presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress. aTyr Pharma plans to discuss the findings with the FDA.

Pulmonology

Infectious Disease condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on respiratory health. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, COVID-19, and more.

Efzofitimod Fails to Meet Primary End Point in Phase 3 Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Trial

Pankaj Arora, MD, is an associate professor of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

COLLIGO-HCM: Mavacamten (CAMZYOS) Effective in Obstructive HCM With Pankaj Arora, MD

Results from the COLLIGO-HCM observational study have indicated the safety and efficacy of mavacamten (CAMZYOS) in patients with symptomatic 

obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

, which is consistent with prior studies.

Mavacamten is the first and only cardiac myosin inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adults with symptomatic New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-III obstructive HCM.

COLLIGO-HCM is part of a larger program by parent company Bristol Myers Squibb, titled Worldwide AnalYsis on eFfectiveness AcRoss divErse populations for Real-world mavacamten use in patients with Hypertrophic CardioMyopathy (WAYFARER-HCM), which currently spans 7 countries and includes >3000 patients. It aims to investigate the effectiveness and safety of mavacamten on a larger scale, across a variety of conditions.

COLLIGO-HCM, a global, retrospective data study, was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025 in Madrid. The data indicated mavacamten’s association with reduced left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction and improved symptom burden. The study also included a particularly racially diverse population (n = 278), including 23.2% Black, 5.4% Asian, and 4.3% Middle Eastern or North African patients.

A total of 59.9% of patients achieved ≥1 NYHA class improvement by week 24, and 86.5% of patients with ≥12 weeks of follow-up and 94.4% of those with ≥24 weeks of follow-up had an NYHA classification of II or below, including 30.9% who had an NYHA classification of I. These proportions increased consistently throughout week 96. Additionally, by week 36, 90.3% of patients achieved mean LVOT gradients of ≤30 mmHg at rest, and 76.8% after Valsalva provocation.

“COLLIGO challenges the one-size-fits-all approach, and it sort of broadens the scope of what should be second-line therapy and what should be first line,” Pankaj Arora, MD, said in an interview with 

. “Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers currently in the guidelines, they are first line, but when patients continue to have symptoms or elevated gradients, myosin innovation using mavacamten is being considered.”

During the follow-up period, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remained at or above 61% compared to a baseline value of 66%. Temporary interruption due to LVEF ≤50% occurred in 11 patients, and permanent discontinuation took place in 3 patients. New-onset atrial fibrillation was only recorded in 8 patients, which is consistent with previously reported data from other studies.

Most patients initiated mavacamten while also taking background medications, such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers (n = 258). Of these, 26.4% discontinued ≥1 type of therapy, and 5% downtitrated their background medications after starting mavacamten. Arora highlighted this detail as a critical find, indicating potential room for further study.

Moreover, the nearly 60% of patients who improved ≥1 NYHA class highlight the potential for a paradigm shift in HCM treatment. Arora discussed what he views as an impending shift in the way clinicians and investigators will approach the disease and its effects.

“This is not just symptom management; it is functional restoration for these patients,” Arora told 

. “It’s time to recalibrate our scales, time to rethink what we define as successful therapy in obstructive HCM.”

Bristol Myers Squibb Presents Real-World Outcomes of Camzyos (mavacamten) Across Four Continents at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2025. Bristol Myers Squibb. August 29, 2025. Accessed September 15, 2025. 

https://news.bms.com/news/corporate-financial/2025/Bristol-Myers-Squibb-Presents-Real-World-Outcomes-of-Camzyos-mavacamten-Across-Four-Continents-at-the-European-Society-of-Cardiology-ESC-Congress-2025/default.aspx

COLLIGO-HCM: A Multinational Observational Study of the Real-World Effectiveness of Mavacamten Among Patients with Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (oHCM) (COLLIGO-HCM). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06372457. Updated April 18, 2024. Accessed September 15, 2025. 

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06372457?term=COLLIGO-HCM&rank=1

Videos

Arora discusses the results of Bristol Myers Squibb’s observational study and the implications it has for the study of obstructive HCM and cardiology at large.

Cardiology

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Cardiomyopathy

Off-label dose escalation of 2 interleukin (IL)-17A inhibitors, secukinumab and ixekizumab, may improve outcomes in certain cases among patients with 

, but new findings suggest the benefits should be weighed against costs and risks.

These findings and others regarding off-label adjustments to using ixekizumab and secukinumab among individuals living with psoriasis resulted from a recent letter to the editor authored in part by Jashin J. Wu, MD, from the Department of Dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Wu and coauthors highlighted that despite the well-known efficacy of IL-17A inhibitors in treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, many individuals need off-label dosing adjustments. Such shifts can include reduction, escalation, or interruption of medications.

“To evaluate the efficacy and safety of such regimens, a search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE and Embase was conducted for randomized controlled trials published between January 1, 2014 and December 6, 2024, assessing off-label dosing regimens in adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis,” the investigative team wrote.

The investigators noted that the escalation of biologic use is sometimes considered by clinicians to improve one's response in psoriasis, but evidence suggests this strategy should be implemented selectively. For secukinumab, dose intensification from every 4 weeks (Q4W) to every 2 weeks (Q2W) is not routinely advised unless those on the medication weigh ≥90 kg.

Among those showing only partial improvement in their disease (PASI ≥75 but <90), a shift to Q2W led to a modest 7%–10% PASI-90 rate increase compared with Q4W, though this difference did not reach statistical significance. In additional data highlighted by the team, patients ≥90 kg saw more substantial benefits as a result of this strategy.

Escalation of one's ixekizumab dose during maintenance was shown in additional findings highlighted by Wu et al to yield greater advantages, with PASI-90 being observed in 79.5% of those on Q2W dosing versus 65.2% on Q4W (

< .001). Other data explored by the investigators suggested that dose de-escalation strategies, aimed at drug cost reduction or side effect limits, carry the risk of diminished effectiveness among patients.

Specifically, the research team pointed to findings showing that among secukinumab-treated individuals who had already reached PASI ≥90, maintenance at Q4W preserved higher PASI-90 rates (85.7%) as opposed to Q6W (74.9%) by the 52-week mark (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.44–2.55). Similarly, the team pointed to findings showing that extending dosing to Q12W led to a 35% reduction in sPGA 0/1 rates at the 60-week mark relative to Q4W.

In pooled analyses from the UNCOVER trials, data also suggested that during induction, sPGA 0/1 responses were more robust with Q2W dosing compared to Q4W at the 12-week mark (81.8% versus 75%, 

< .001). Although some maintained adequate disease control with the diminished dosing, overall patterns suggested that less frequent administration of this drug would compromise outcomes. As such, Wu and coauthors highlighted the importance of individualizing such decisions.

The investigators pointed to additional data indicating that continuous therapy generally provides the most stable disease control, adding that despite this conclusion, treatment interruption does not always lead to irreversible loss of efficacy. IL-17A inhibitors are known to have a moderate relapse timeline, allowing certain patients to remain clear for months without treatment. Although not all individuals with psoriasis regain their initial level of improvement, many do, supporting the feasibility of temporary treatment pauses when clinically necessary. Additional data was noted as necessary to clarify whether reintroducing loading doses at the time of re-treatment improves outcomes, as study designs have differed.

Lastly, Wu and colleagues highlighted the central concern of safety with both escalation and de-escalation. Notably, the investigative team pointed to the consistent dose-dependent increase in serious adverse events that was observed with secukinumab and ixekizumab. However, they added that prior data suggest common mild infections with higher dosing. Anti-drug antibodies (ADA) are another concern. The team noted that this may be impacted by treatment interruption. In secukinumab retreatment-as-needed studies, ADA formation took place in 2 subjects on continuous therapy and a single patient on intermittent therapy, with neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) observed in 1 patient from each cohort. In the ixekizumab UNCOVER-1 and -2 extension trials, investigators had observed ADA in 19% of individuals on continuous treatment and 22.5% of those retreated after interruption, with nAbs present in 2 subjects from the re-treatment cohort.

“This study is limited by cross-trial comparisons, restricted generalizability due to selective trial populations and analysis of dose adjustments in patients meeting prespecified responses,” the team concluded.

 “Brodalumab and bimekizumab were excluded to maintain focus, as including all IL-17 inhibitors would significantly broaden the review and reduce the depth of analysis.”

Kim D, Babaei N, Cervantes M, Wu JJ. Off-label biologic regimens of IL-17A inhibitors for psoriasis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 

Reich K, Puig L, Orsenigo R, et al. Secukinumab dosing optimization in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: results from the randomized, open-label OPTIMISE study. Br J Dermatol. 2020 Feb;182(2):304-315. 

. Epub 2019 Sep 8. PMID: 31102257. Accessed September 15, 2025.

Off-label dose escalation of IL-17A inhibitors, secukinumab and ixekizumab, may enhance outcomes for psoriasis patients, but the benefits must be balanced against potential costs and risks. Dose intensification, particularly for patients weighing ≥90 kg, can improve response rates, though not always significantly. Escalation of ixekizumab during maintenance showed notable advantages, while de-escalation strategies risk reduced effectiveness. Continuous therapy generally offers stable disease control, though temporary treatment pauses may be feasible. Safety concerns include dose-dependent adverse events and anti-drug antibodies, necessitating careful consideration of individualized treatment plans.

This letter explores off-label dosing adjustments for patients with psoriasis using the IL-17A inhibitors secukinumab and ixekizumab.

Plaque Psoriasis

The HCPLive plaque psoriasis page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on psoriasis. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for psoriatic disease, and more.

Dose Escalation of IL-17A Inhibitors for Psoriasis Effective, Though Risks Remain

Chelsie Derman is an associate editor for 

who covers psychiatry, sleep medicine, geriatrics, migraine, and allergy. She joined MJH Life Sciences in September 2023 after graduating from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and professional writing. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing and reading.

MDMA’s CRL, now available to the public, cites gaps in safety data, selection bias, and limited durability.

Psychiatry

Psychiatry condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on mental illnesses. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and more.

PTSD

FDA Releases CRL Detailing Safety Concerns for MDMA-Assisted Therapy in PTSD

Amy Stewart, NP, is a GI Nurse Practitioner at Capital Digestive Care.

Stewart reviews clinical pearls for performing rectal exams and explains common mistakes and misdiagnoses as well as how to avoid them.

Gastroenterology

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, IBS and IBD, Crohn's disease, and more.

Conference

 conference coverage page features articles, videos, and expert-led live coverage from major medical meetings throughout the year.

Beyond the Prostate: Expanding the Role of the Rectal Exam With Amy Stewart, NP

An audio recap of the top 5 stories in healthcare news from the week of 9/5-9/13.

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

The HCPLive focal segmental glomerulosclerosis page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on FSGS. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in FSGS, and more. 

Nephrology

The HCPLive nephrology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on kidney disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in nephrology, and more.

Cholangitis

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Hepatology

MASH / MASLD

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Chronic Kidney Disease

Allergy

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HCPLive 5 Stories in Under 5: Week of 09/07

Ann Moore, NP, is a nurse practitioner at Arizona Liver Health.

Moore discusses the importance of individualizing PBC treatment now that multiple second-line therapies are available.

Navigating New PBC Therapies and Treatment Monitoring With Ann Moore, NP

Real-world data show epinephrine nasal spray achieved an 89.2% success rate in treating anaphylaxis, nearly identical to the injection’s response rate.

Anaphylaxis

The HCPLive anaphylaxis page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on acute allergic reactions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for preventing anaphylaxis, and more.

Epinephrine Nasal Spray Shows Comparable Efficacy to Injection, With Thomas Casale, MD

Ryan Livingston joined the MJH Life Sciences team in March of 2025, shortly after graduating from TCNJ with a bachelor’s degree in English. He enjoys creative writing, reading, and scuba diving. He can be reached at rlivingston@mjhlifesciences.com.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved bumetanide nasal spray for the treatment of edema in outpatient heart, liver, and kidney diseases.

FDA News

Heart Failure

The HCPLive heart failure page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on HF. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for heart disease, reduced and preserved ejection fraction, and more.

FDA Approves Bumetanide Nasal Spray for Edema with Congestive Heart Failure

This episode highlights the challenges of navigating demanding medical careers while raising young children, with insights and practical strategies.

The Medical Sisterhood, with Mona Shahriari, MD

The Medical Sisterhood, hosted by Mona Shahriari, MD, is a podcast dedicated to empowering female physicians by providing a platform for shared experiences, mentorship, and support. 

Each episode delves into the unique challenges women in medicine face, including work-life balance, leadership roles, and overcoming gender biases. Shahriari aims to inspire women to lead fulfilling professional and personal lives on their own terms through candid discussions and expert interviews. 

e as we foster a community where women can uplift and support each other in achieving their goals!

Podcasts

podcasts page features a feed of medical news and interview podcast series, including DocTalk, Lungcast, Derm Discussions, and Heart Trials.

The Medical Sisterhood: Calendars, Clinics, and Chaos, With Amy Chen, MD

Abigail Brooks is an assistant editor for 

She joined MJH Life Sciences in August 2023 shortly after graduating from Monmouth University where she earned her BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations/Journalism and later an MA in Interactive Digital Media. She enjoys traveling, running, and reading books. She can be reached at abrooks@mjhlifesciences.com.

The label update expands the treatment eligible population to include dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients from birth and allows at-home application.

FDA Approves Beremagene Geperpavec-svdt (Vyjuvek) Label Update in DEB

New research from Stockholm, Sweden, has shown the correlation between smoking and insulin sensitivity, with genetic susceptibility increasing the risk further.

Endocrinology

The HCPLive endocrinology page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on endocrine system conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for diabetes, hormonal disease, and more.

Type 2 Diabetes

Smoking Increases Risk of All Type 2 Diabetes Subtypes

This review highlights several evidence-based approaches to promoting skin longevity and preventing signs of aging.

Latest News

Camoteskimab Meets Primary Endpoint in Phase 2a Clinical Trial in Atopic Dermatitis

HS, Atopic Dermatitis Result in Accelerated Epigenetic Aging Among Patients

Efzofitimod Fails to Meet Primary End Point in Phase 3 Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Trial

COLLIGO-HCM: Mavacamten (CAMZYOS) Effective in Obstructive HCM With Pankaj Arora, MD

Dose Escalation of IL-17A Inhibitors for Psoriasis Effective, Though Risks Remain