Publications

Baraliakos et al. compared real-world effectiveness of upadacitinib, TNF inhibitors, or IL-17 inhibitors following inadequate response to an initial TNF inhibitor in patients with axSpA. Upadacitinib was associated with greater reductions in pain and fewer affected joints compared with switching to a second TNF inhibitor or IL-17 inhibitor.

In this nationwide observational study, ixekuzumab was mainly used in patients with axSpA and PsA who had previously failed multiple b/tsDMARDs, including other IL-17 inhibitors. Although prior IL-17 treatment was associated with increased risk of withdrawal in both groups, the relatively high retention rates and improvements in all disease outcomes suggest ixekizumab as a viable option for challenging patients with multiple b/tsDMARD failures.

This retrospective analysis by Weddell, et al. found no difference in IL-17Ai (secukinumab and ixekizumab) survival rates and no relationship between PsA or axSpA diagnosis and drug survival. They also noted lower survival figures at 2 years of treatment.

This real-world study showed that sustained BASDAI <3 may be a valid and feasible target for a treat-to-target strategy in AxSpA, having function as treatment goal.