Guselkumab in psoriatic arthritis: a profile of its use

Abstract

Guselkumab (TREMFYA®), a fully human immunoglobulin G1λ (IgG1λ) monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin (IL)-23, is an effective and generally well-tolerated treatment option for active psoriatic arthritis. Guselkumab is administered subcutaneously and can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate. In randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials in adults with active psoriatic arthritis and an inadequate response to or intolerance of standard treatment, guselkumab was effective in reducing disease activity and structural damage progression. Guselkumab conferred improvements in arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis, psoriasis, axial symptoms, physical function and health-related quality of life. The clinical benefits of guselkumab for the diverse signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis increased or were maintained through two years of treatment, with no new safety signals emerging. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that commonly occurs in patients with psoriasis. While several drugs are now available for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, patients often need to switch treatments due to inadequate efficacy or tolerability concerns. Guselkumab (TREMFYA®) treats psoriatic arthritis via a novel mechanism of action. In well-designed clinical trials, guselkumab provided durable improvements in the various signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (including arthritis, joint inflammation and structural damage, skin disease and spinal manifestations). Guselkumab recipients reported gains in physical function and health-related quality of life. Guselkumab is an effective option for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis and is generally well tolerated, with no new safety concerns identified during longer-term use.