AbbVie secures PBS listing as UCB initiates head-to-head trial in psoriatic arthritis

AbbVie’s Skyrizi (risankizumab), an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor, is now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for adults with severe psoriatic arthritis who have not responded adequately to, or are intolerant to, one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting both the joints and skin, with a prevalence of up to 0.25% in the general population and up to 41% in individuals with psoriasis. The condition is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Living with psoriatic arthritis means navigating the unpredictable. It’s not just the physical pain, but the constant adjustment of plans and expectations to cope with times when symptoms may worsen. It requires resilience and perseverance to work towards remission, a time where symptoms are controlled and people are able to return to normal function,” commented Jonathan Smithers, CEO of Arthritis Australia.

Professor Andrew Östör, Rheumatologist at Melbourne Rheumatology welcomed the addition of Skyrizi for Australian patients, saying “It’s important for me as a rheumatologist to have a range of therapeutics for my patients, with differing mechanisms of action and modes of administration, as each patient has unique needs and responds differently to treatment. Having another option available on the PBS for severe psoriatic arthritis is great news for patients and doctors.”

Administered via a pre-filled pen, patients require four doses of Skyrizi per year after two initial starter doses.

Nathalie McNeil, General Manager and Vice President, AbbVie Australia and New Zealand “We are proud to continue to invest in the clinical research and scientific innovation that bring groundbreaking medicines to Australia. We value our partnership with the rheumatology community to support patients in reaching their treatment goals.”

As competition intensifies in the psoriatic arthritis treatment landscape, in September 2024, UCB announced the start of BE BOLD, the first head-to-head Phase 3b study comparing Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx), an interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F inhibitor, with Skyrizi in this patient cohort.

Skyrizi is currently also listed on the PBS for adults with severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

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