Off-label dermatologic uses of IL-17 inhibitors

J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 Feb;33(1):41-47. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1737638. Epub 2020 Mar 9.

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

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia Areata*
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17
  • Off-Label Use
  • Psoriasis* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Interleukin-17