Brepocitinib Shows Promise for Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis

Brepocitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi), has demonstrated efficacy in reducing signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and is well-tolerated by patients, according to a phase 2b study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology. The study, led by Dr. Philip Mease

from Swedish Medical Center and the University of Washington, aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of brepocitinib in patients with PsA.

PsA is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and skin, leading to pain, swelling, and skin lesions. Current treatment options for PsA have limitations, highlighting the need for new therapies to address unmet medical needs.

The study included 218 patients with PsA who were randomized to receive brepocitinib at doses of 10 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, or a placebo once daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a 20% improvement according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR20) response at week 16.

● Results showed that 66.7% of patients receiving 30 mg of brepocitinib and 74.6% of those receiving 60 mg achieved an ACR20 response, compared to 43.3% in the placebo group (P = .0006).

● Patients treated with brepocitinib also demonstrated significantly higher response rates for ACR50, ACR70, PASI75, and PASI90 compared to the placebo group.

● These response rates were maintained or improved over the 52-week duration of the study.

Furthermore, improvements in disease activity were observed as early as week 4 in patients receiving brepocitinib. The safety analysis indicated that brepocitinib was generally well-tolerated, with no deaths or major adverse cardiovascular events reported. Although there were some adverse events and study discontinuations, the majority of adverse events were mild to moderate in severity.

Dr. Mease emphasized that brepocitinib holds promise as a potential treatment option for PsA, helping to reduce symptoms, improve function, and enhance health-related quality of life. The study findings support the use of brepocitinib in addressing the unmet needs of patients with PsA.

Further research is warranted to validate these results and explore the long-term efficacy and safety of brepocitinib in larger patient populations. If approved, brepocitinib may offer new hope for individuals living with PsA, providing them with an additional treatment option to manage their condition effectively.

Reference:

Mease P, et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2023;doi:10.1002/art.42519.