An Analysis of Ixekizumab Treatment Patterns, Utilization, and Costs Among Psoriasis Patients

In a new paper, study researchers assessed ixekizumab treatment patterns, healthcare utilization, and costs among patients with psoriasis. Between March 1, 2016, and July 31, 2017, adult psoriasis patients with at least one ixekizumab claim were located using the MarketScan databases. Patients were enrolled continuously in the study for at least six months prior to and at least three months after the date of their first ixekizumab claim; they were followed until death, end of enrollment, or end of data. Treatment patterns were assessed, including persistence, switching, and re-initiation. All-cause utilizations and costs of healthcare were reported per-patient-per-month (PPPM).

The final analysis included 801 patients (mean age, 49 years; 55.8% were male) who were followed for a mean (median) 225.7 (201.0) days. Among patients for whom physician specialty on index was available, most (49.4%) were in the care of a dermatologist; 1.1% were seen by a rheumatologist or primary care physician, while 0.9% were seen by other specialists. The most common comorbid conditions were hypertension (27.0%) and hyperlipidemia (22.0%); 18.7% of patients had psoriatic arthritis. Most patients (69.4%) used a biologic therapy, the most common of which was secukinumab (29.5%).

Most patients (87.4%) were considered persistent users with a mean (median) duration of 86 (75) days. Of the remaining patients who discontinued ixekizumab, 11.9% re-initiated and 6.9% switched treatments; mean (median) switching time was 208 (206) days. The mean number of all-cause inpatient admissions PPPM was 0.01, and the mean number of physician office visits PPPM was 0.72. Of the mean total cost PPPM of $8,371, pharmacy consisted of $7,792. Ixekizumab costs were $7,709 and mostly took place during induction; health benefits covered most of ixekizumab costs ($6,810; 96.2%).