Off-label dermatologic uses of IL-17 inhibitors

Abstract

IL-17 inhibitors, including secukinumab, brodalumab, and ixekizumab, have been U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of psoriasis. In addition to psoriasis, IL-17 has been implicated in the pathophysiology of other inflammatory skin conditions. This review aims to synthesize and interpret the literature evaluating the off-label dermatologic uses of IL-17 inhibitors. We performed searches in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical trials, observational studies, case series, and case reports evaluating non-psoriatic uses of the three IL-17 inhibitors. Studies evaluated the efficacy of IL-17 inhibitors for the following conditions: hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), Behçet’s disease, alopecia areata, and allergic contact dermatitis. Based on the available literature, secukinumab appears to be a potential treatment for HS, PRP, and Behçet’s disease, while ixekizumab appears to be a potential treatment for HS and PRP. However, more clinical trials data are needed to adequately assess the safety and efficacy of IL-17 inhibitors for the treatment of these conditions.

Keywords:

• Secukinumab
• ixekizumab
• brodalumab
• interleukin 17
• IL-17
• hidradenitis suppurativa
• acne inversa
• pityriasis rubra pilaris
• alopecia areata
• contact dermatitis
• lupus erythematosus
• pyoderma gangrenosum
• bullous pemphigoid
• Behçet’s disease
• atopic dermatitis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).