Does Skyrizi Treat Plaque Psoriasis?
Yes, Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. It targets interleukin-23 (IL-23), a protein involved in inflammation that drives plaque formation, leading to clearer skin in many patients.[1][2]
How Does Skyrizi Work for Plaque Psoriasis?
Skyrizi blocks IL-23, reducing immune overactivity that causes scaly plaques. Clinical trials showed 75-90% of patients achieved at least 90% clearer skin (PASI 90) after 16 weeks, with maintenance doses every 12 weeks.[1][3]
What About Other Types of Psoriasis?
Skyrizi also treats active psoriatic arthritis, which often includes plaque symptoms, but it's not approved for guttate, pustular, or erythrodermic psoriasis variants.[1][2]
Common Side Effects Patients Report
Upper respiratory infections (14-20%), headache (5-10%), fatigue (6%), and injection site reactions (3-5%) occur most often. Serious risks include infections and rare hypersensitivity.[1][3]
How Does It Compare to Other Psoriasis Drugs?
Skyrizi outperforms older biologics like Humira (adalimumab) in head-to-head trials for skin clearance, with similar efficacy to newer IL-17 inhibitors like Cosentyx but fewer injections (every 12 weeks vs. weekly/monthly).[3][4] It's not a first-line topical like steroids.
Dosing and Who It's For
Two 150 mg subcutaneous injections at week 0, then week 4, followed by 150 mg every 12 weeks. Best for moderate-severe cases unresponsive to topicals; not for mild plaque.[1]
Cost and Access
List price is about $6,000-$7,000 per dose without insurance; patient assistance programs reduce it for eligible users.[5] No generic yet—patent protection extends to 2033.[6]
[1]: FDA Label for Skyrizi
[2]: Skyrizi Prescribing Information
[3]: NEJM Trial on Risankizumab
[4]: Head-to-Head Comparison Study
[5]: GoodRx Pricing Data
[6]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Skyrizi Patents