Recent advancements in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have highlighted the role of interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibition, particularly concerning the dual IL-17a/17f inhibitor, bimekizumab. This new data was shared by Philip Mease, MD, during the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2025, which took place from October 24 to 29 in Chicago, Illinois. Mease, a Clinical Professor at the University of Washington and Director of Rheumatology Research at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, discussed significant findings regarding multiple IL-17 targeting therapies that are reshaping treatment goals for PsA.
The research emphasizes the importance of achieving “state zero,” which is characterized by the complete resolution of symptoms such as swollen joints, enthesitis, and radiographic progression. According to Mease, patients who attain this state experience substantial improvements in pain, functional ability, and overall quality of life.
In addition, new phase 2 data on sonelokimab, a nanobody IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor, revealed that over half of the participants reached major composite outcomes like ACR50 and minimal disease activity after 24 weeks of treatment. These responses included key improvements across various domains of arthritis, enthesitis, and skin involvement.
Mease also reviewed one-year outcomes from izokibep, a small molecule IL-17A inhibitor known for its compact protein scaffold design. The study indicated that patients maintained high rates of ACR50 responses and functional improvement, while also sustaining low disease activity levels over the course of 52 weeks. This suggests that next-generation small molecule therapies may demonstrate comparable depth and durability of response to traditional biologics.
Mease”s disclosures include collaborations with numerous pharmaceutical companies, such as AbbVie, Amgen, and Pfizer, among others, underscoring the broad interest and investment in advancing PsA treatment options.
