Summer 2018 | Live Blog | Product Theater | Tremfya: A Selective IL-23 Inhibitor with Pivotal Studies vs. Adalimunab
For the first product theater of the SDPA Annual Summer Conference, Cynthia Trickett, PA-C, reviewed Tremfya. Ms. Trickett specializes in the treatment of patients with psoriatic disease and discussed Tremfya as a first line therapy medication for patients 18 years or older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. As Ms. Trickett stated, “psoriasis affects and invades the entire life of a patient with this condition”. Psoriasis is a chronic, painful autoimmune disease that affects millions of Americans. The majority of patients with psoriasis are dissatisfied with current treatment options for their condition. The National Psoriasis Foundation has discovered 10% of patients affected by severe psoriasis aren’t currently receiving treatment for their condition, revealing the need for new treatments.
Tremfya is a selective IL-23 Inhibitor in a single dose subcutaneous injection medication and is an effective treatment for psoriasis with a demonstrated safety profile. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), is the most widely used tool for measurement of psoriasis. At 16 weeks, or 3 doses of Tremfya, 73% of patients achieve a PASI of 90. Studies showed that patients who utilize Tremfya, have shown therapeutic longevity with 9/10 patients maintaining clearance if they reach a PASI 90 score.
Tremfya has shown superiority over Humira for the treatment of psoriasis. For example, 73% of patients who are treated with Tremfya reached a PASI 90 at week 16 vs 41% of Humira patients. Furthermore, unlike some other treatment options for patients with psoriasis, patients who use Tremfya achieve clearance independent of weight.
Tremfya may increase the rate of infection with a less than 0.2% rate of serious infections. It is recommended that patients who initiate treatment with Tremfya have a TB screening. Additionally, patients who undergo treatment with Tremfya should avoid live vaccines. Common reactions include upper respiratory infections and injection site reactions. Lastly, the first dose of Tremfya is provided by Janssen Biotech to patients.
Byline: Sarah Patton, MSHS, PA-C
Posted: June 28, 2018
