The effect and safety of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the interleukin-23 (IL-23) p19 subunit for treatment of psoriasis has not previously been systematically evaluated. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) (including Phase I-III trials) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these mAbs for treatment of psoriasis. The databases of PubMed, Baidu Scholar, and Cochrane Library of Clinical Trials were searched from inception of the databases to January 1st, 2018. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager Software version 5.3 (RevMan 5.3). Nine RCTs with a total of 2,478 subjects met our inclusion criteria. A significant increase in PASI 75 (RR: 11.65; 95% CI: 9.01-15.06), PASI 90 (RR: 21.74; 95% CI: 14.28-33.10), PASI 100 (RR: 31.56; 95% CI: 14.66-67.96), PGA 0/1 (OR: 23.21; 95% CI: 14.61-36.89), and DLQI 0/1 (RR: 10.29; 95% CI: 7.52-14.09) was identified for anti-IL-23p19 mAb vs. placebo, and PASI 75 (RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.18-1.32), PASI 90 (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 2.13-3.09), PASI 100 (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.89-2.99), and DLQI 0/1 (RR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.20-1.47) vs. tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists for the treatment of psoriasis. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in adverse events between placebo and TNF antagonists. Anti-IL-23p19 mAbs are effective with acceptable safety as therapy for psoriasis, and may be superior to TNF antagonists. More RCTs with a larger sample size are required to verify the current findings.
Keywords: TNF antagonists; interleukin-23; meta-analysis; monoclonal antibodies; psoriasis.