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 descriptive analysis indicates a long-term safety profile of UPA consistent with previous reports, further supporting long-term treatment of chronic diseases with UPA. Burmester at al. characterized the safety profile of UPA across multiple approved indications and offer insights into its long-term use to help inform clinical decision-making.

In patients with UC and refractory spondyloarthritis (SpA)—many of whom had previously failed multiple biologic therapies—TOF demonstrated effectiveness, particularly in those with peripheral SpA. Macaluso et al. assessed the effectiveness of TOF in UC-associated SpA. Articular responses were evaluated using rheumatologic scores.

Treatment with risankizumab provides durable improvement in the signs and symptoms of PsA across all the GRAPPA disease domains and related conditions. This post hoc analysis by Coates et al. aimed to assess the efficacy of long-term treatment with risankizumab across the updated GRAPPA domains and key related conditions of PsA.

Wang et al. validated the effectiveness and safety of UPA in this real-world study of Chinese PsA patients. UPA demonstrated comparable effectiveness to secukinumab (SEC) in psoriatic lesion improvement while showing comparable joint symptom relief compared with adalimumab (ADA), coupled with a favourable safety profile.

July 2025

Gooderham et al. observed that roflumilast foam, 0.3%, improved signs and symptoms of PsO on the scalp and body, including pruritus, with low rates of AEs in patients ≥12 years of age. Authors assessed efficacy and safety of roflumilast foam, 0.3%, versus vehicle administered QD for 8 weeks in patients with PsO of the scalp and body.

A randomized Phase II study of efmarodocokin alfa, an interleukin-22 agonist, versus vedolizumab in patients with ulcerative colitis

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2025;23:1387–1397 doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.11.013

Danese et al. observed that efmarodocokin alfa did not demonstrate efficacy compared to the PBO, and this Phase II study ended early for futility; however, there was evidence of target engagement (skin AEs, regenerating islet derived protein 3-alpha).

Burmester et al. provide insights into the benefit–risk profiles of UPA and adalimumab in patients with varying cardiovascular (CV) risks, suggesting that UPA may offer efficacy advantages over adalimumab irrespective of baseline CV risk, with generally similar rates of AEs. To better understand the benefits and risks of RA treatments in patients with different background CV risk, Burmester et al. assessed the short-term and long-term benefit–risk profiles of UPA and adalimumab in patients enrolled in SELECT-COMPARE.

Danese et al. report that in the TUSCANY-2 study, afimkibart showed a favourable
benefit–risk profile with clinically meaningful improvements and early onset of response during induction, sustained through maintenance, and an acceptable safety profile with no safety signals. Danese et al. describe results from the Phase 2b TUSCANY-2 trial that evaluated the safety and efficacy of 50mg, 150mg, and 450mg doses of afimkibart in adults with moderately-to-severely active UC.

Merola et al. showed that the safety profile of ixekizumab (IXE) supports its long-term use in patients with PsO, PsA, or axSpA, without an increased risk for malignant neoplasm development. Merola et al. investigated the incidence rates of malignant neoplasms among patients with PsO, PsA, or axSpA who underwent long-term treatment with IXE, an IL- 17A antagonist.