Brodalumab safe, effective in hidradenitis suppurativa

Treatment with subcutaneous brodalumab is well tolerated in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), showing improvement in clinical outcomes and no serious adverse events, according to a recent study.

“Alterations in dose frequency may be required in those with advanced disease, which requires further exploration,” the authors said.

This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and clinical response at weeks 12 and 24 of brodalumab in moderate to severe HS. Ten participants with no history of inflammatory bowel disease were administered brodalumab 210 mg/1.5 mL subcutaneously at weeks 0, 1, and 2 and every 2 weeks thereafter until week 24.

The authors examined participants for adverse events (grade 2 or 3) and clinical response (Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response [HiSCR], Sartorius, International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Scoring System [IHS4]), including ultrasonography and skin biopsies.

All 10 patients completed the study, and none of them reported grade 2/3 adverse events related to the use of brodalumab. Of the participants, 100 percent achieved HiSCR, and 80 percent achieved IHS4 category change at week 12. HiSCR achievement occurred as early as week 2, likely due to the unique blockade of interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17C, and IL-17F by brodalumab.

Furthermore, there were significant improvement in pain, itch, quality of life, and depression.

“HS is an autoinflammatory disorder of keratinization, with dysregulation of T helper type 17 cytokines,” the authors explained. “Brodalumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the IL-17A.”