Real-world safety of spesolimab in generalized pustular psoriasis: Evidence from an expanded access program in Argentina

Abstract

Introduction: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a heterogeneous, systemic, neutrophilic, inflammatory disease associated with chronic symptoms and periods of flaring. Spesolimab is an anti-interleukin-36 receptor monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of flares in adult patients with GPP in Argentina (17 Aug 2023).¹ Here, we present safety data from a real-world expanded access program (EAP: 22 Feb 2023–10 Jan 2024) in Argentina which provided early access to spesolimab intravenous (IV) for GPP patients presenting with a flare with no other treatment options.
Methods: Patients (18–75 years old) diagnosed with GPP received a 900mg dose of spesolimab IV for flare treatment, with an optional second dose after 1 week for persistent flare symptoms. Adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and AEs of special interest (AESIs) were recorded for up to 16 weeks after the last spesolimab infusion.
Results: Six female patients were treated with spesolimab IV (1 dose, n=2; 2 doses, n=4).Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age: 49.3 (11.5) years (range: 30–60 years), mean (SD) body mass index: 28.1 (5.8) kg/m², and mean (SD) follow-up: 3.85 (0.11) months. At baseline, GPP had been diagnosed within ≤1 year (n=2), >1–≤5 years (n=1), and >10 years (n=3). Reported flare triggers were stress (n=2), treatment withdrawal (n=1), heat (n=1), lack of current treatment efficacy (n=1), and unknown (n=1). At baseline, 4 patients had ≥1 comorbidity, including hypertension (n=2), tachycardia, hypothyroidism, chronic gastritis, arthritis, and epilepsy (each n=1). Five patients reported use of ≥1 concomitant medication (including immunosuppressants and corticosteroids) during the EAP; 1 patient had discontinued ustekinumab (biologic). Three patients had signs of plaque psoriasis within the past year and had received treatment for plaque psoriasis; 1 patient had ongoing plaque psoriasis. In total, 4 patients had any AEs (all 4 patients had mild AEs [influenza, catarrh, pruritis, rash, pain] and 1 of these patients also had a moderate AE [headache]). Two drug-related AEs (pruritus and rash) were reported in 1 patient. The hypersensitivity event (rash) was non-serious. There were no reports of SAEs, AESIs, or AEs that led to discontinuation/death.

Conclusion: Spesolimab showed a favorable safety profile in patients with GPP, including patients with comorbidities and those taking concomitant medication. Findings were comparable with a Phase 2a randomized controlled trial in patients with GPP flares (EFFISAYIL 1).