The Generic Name for Skyrizi: Risankizumab-rzaa
For any brand-name medication, understanding its generic counterpart is crucial for transparency and comprehension of its active ingredients. In the case of Skyrizi, the generic name is risankizumab-rzaa. The suffix “-rzaa” is a unique identifier assigned by the FDA to a specific biologic product, distinguishing it from potential future biosimilars.
Biologics are complex molecules derived from living organisms, unlike traditional small-molecule drugs. This means biosimilars, if developed for risankizumab-rzaa, would be highly similar but not identical copies. Currently, risankizumab-rzaa is exclusively marketed under the brand name Skyrizi.
How Risankizumab Works: A Targeted Approach
Risankizumab is an interleukin-23 (IL-23) antagonist, a class of medications that target a key driver of inflammation in several autoimmune diseases.
What is an IL-23 Antagonist?
Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a protein that significantly contributes to the inflammatory response, particularly in conditions like psoriasis and Crohn's disease where its overproduction is linked to chronic inflammation.
Risankizumab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to the p19 subunit of the IL-23 protein. By blocking this subunit, it prevents IL-23 from interacting with immune cells, thereby interrupting the inflammatory signaling pathway and reducing inflammation and disease symptoms. This targeted mechanism is different from broader immunosuppressants that affect the entire immune system.
Medical Conditions Treated by Risankizumab
Under the brand name Skyrizi, risankizumab is approved by the FDA for the treatment of several chronic inflammatory diseases that benefit from targeting the IL-23 pathway.
Here are the primary conditions treated with Skyrizi:
- Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: For adults suitable for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
- Active Psoriatic Arthritis: In adults, usable alone or with non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Moderate-to-Severe Crohn's Disease: In adults.
- Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis: In adults.
Administration and Dosing
The method and frequency of Skyrizi administration depend on the condition being treated. For psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, it's a subcutaneous injection. For inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis), treatment starts with intravenous infusions in a clinic, followed by at-home subcutaneous injections for maintenance. Patients are trained by a healthcare provider on proper self-injection technique.
Side Effects and Safety Profile
Risankizumab, like all potent medications, has potential side effects. Being an immunosuppressant, it can reduce the body's ability to fight infections. Serious side effects are uncommon. Before starting treatment, patients are typically screened for tuberculosis (TB) and evaluated for liver function.
Common side effects may include:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- Fungal infections (tinea)
Serious side effects requiring medical attention include:
- Serious allergic reactions: Symptoms like facial swelling, hives, or breathing difficulty.
- Serious infections: Signs such as fever, chills, or a persistent cough.
- Liver problems: Symptoms like unexplained rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, or dark urine.
Live vaccines should be avoided while taking Skyrizi due to the increased risk of infection from the vaccine itself. Discuss any planned vaccinations with a doctor before starting treatment.
Comparison with Other Biologics
Skyrizi is among several biologic options for inflammatory conditions. Clinical trials have compared its effectiveness and safety with other drugs, including other IL-23 antagonists and those with different mechanisms. Below is a high-level comparison of Skyrizi with two other common biologics.
| Feature | Skyrizi (risankizumab) | Stelara (ustekinumab) | Cosentyx (secukinumab) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | IL-23 antagonist (blocks p19) | IL-12 and IL-23 antagonist (blocks p40) | IL-17A antagonist |
| Conditions Treated | Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis | Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis | Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis |
| Administration (Psoriasis) | Subcutaneous injection every 12 weeks (after initial doses) | Subcutaneous injection every 12 weeks (after initial doses) | Subcutaneous injection more frequently (e.g., weekly initially) |
| Efficacy in Psoriasis | Demonstrated superior skin clearance compared to Stelara and Secukinumab in certain studies | Effective, but comparative trials show less efficacy than Skyrizi for skin clearance in some studies | Effective, but comparative trials show less efficacy than Skyrizi in some studies, particularly in specific subgroups |
| Manufacturer | AbbVie | Janssen Biotech | Novartis |
Individual responses to biologics can vary, and a healthcare provider will recommend the best treatment based on a patient's specific condition, history, and treatment response. Comparative clinical trials help inform these decisions, with some studies indicating a more favorable benefit/risk profile for risankizumab over certain competitors in specific indications.
Conclusion
To answer the question what is the generic name for Skyrizi?, it is risankizumab-rzaa. This selective IL-23 antagonist is a significant treatment for various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Its targeted action against a key inflammatory protein provides a focused way to manage chronic inflammation. While currently only available under its brand name, knowing the generic name is helpful for understanding treatment options. The decision to use Skyrizi or any other biologic should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess the benefits and risks based on individual health needs.
More detailed information is available in the full prescribing information for risankizumab-rzaa and on authoritative health websites like MedlinePlus.
