Itolizumab, a novel anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody: a safe and efficacious biologic agent for management of psoriasis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated skin disorder is associated with significant physical, psychological, and quality of life impairments. Along with well-documented genetic and environmental factors, immunological factors also contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Among the immunological factors, CD6 – dependent T-cell proliferation to form Th1 and Th17 cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Itolizumab is the first humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody, which selectively targets CD6.

Areas covered: The current article presents the pharmacology of itolizumab and provides a review of the currently available data on the efficacy and safety of itolizumab for management of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Expert opinion: The use of biologics to attenuate the immune-mediated pathological events in psoriasis is a relatively well-established clinical practice. However, the safety and efficacy of biologics continues to be an unsettled topic of ongoing research. While available data seems to suggest that itolizumab may be a safer option, additional studies with higher sample sizes and active comparators are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn on the place of itolizumab in the management of psoriasis.

KEYWORDS:

• Anti-CD6
• plaque psoriasis
• Itolizumab
• monoclonal antibody

Declaration of interest

S Hassan Suresh is an employee of Biocon Ltd that manufactures itolizumab. S Dogra was an investigator in a phase III clinical trial on itolizumab sponsored by Clinigene International Limited (Biocon). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This manuscript has not been funded.