Understanding Skyrizi (Risankizumab-rzaa)
Skyrizi, known generically as risankizumab-rzaa, is a biologic medication used for chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Unlike broad systemic drugs, biologics target specific parts of the immune system. Skyrizi is a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein causing inflammation, making it a precise treatment. It's administered by injection to adults with specific conditions.
What is the drug Sky Rizzi used for?
Skyrizi treats several autoimmune disorders characterized by excessive inflammation. A healthcare provider determines if Skyrizi is suitable for a patient's condition and its severity. Its primary uses are for:
Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
For adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may need systemic therapy or phototherapy, Skyrizi is indicated. Studies have shown it significantly improves skin clearance.
Active Psoriatic Arthritis
Skyrizi helps reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). It can be used alone or with non-biologic DMARDs.
Moderately to Severely Active Crohn's Disease
Skyrizi is approved for adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. It reduces inflammation in the digestive tract to alleviate symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis
Approved in June 2024, Skyrizi treats moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. It reduces inflammation in the colon lining, aiming for clinical remission and visible repair.
How Skyrizi Works
Skyrizi targets the interleukin-23 (IL-23) protein. In autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, PsA, Crohn's, and UC, IL-23 is overexpressed and drives inflammation. Risankizumab binds to the p19 subunit of IL-23, blocking its interaction with its receptor and disrupting the inflammatory pathway. This provides more precise control of inflammation than less specific immune suppressants.
Dosage and Administration
Skyrizi administration varies by condition.
For Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
It's given as a subcutaneous injection. After initial doses at Week 0 and Week 4, maintenance doses are every 12 weeks. Patients can learn to self-administer.
For Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Treatment starts with an intravenous (IV) induction at Weeks 0, 4, and 8. Maintenance is via subcutaneous injections every 8 weeks.
Skyrizi vs. Other Biologics
Biologics vary in mechanism, use, and dosing. Here's a comparison of Skyrizi and Humira:
| Feature | Skyrizi (risankizumab) | Humira (adalimumab) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | Blocks IL-23 (p19 subunit) | Blocks TNF-alpha |
| Indications (Adults) | Plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis | Wider range including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis |
| Dosing Frequency | Less frequent; maintenance every 12 weeks (skin/joints) or every 8 weeks (IBD) | Typically every other week for maintenance |
| Pediatric Use | Adults only | Approved for certain conditions in children |
| Efficacy in Psoriasis | Studies show superior skin clearance compared to Humira | Also effective, but may not provide same skin clearance level as Skyrizi in trials |
Side Effects and Important Safety Information
A healthcare provider will check for infections, including TB, before starting Skyrizi. Skyrizi affects the immune system, increasing infection risk.
Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory infections
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- Fungal skin infections
Serious Side Effects
- Serious Allergic Reactions: Swelling of face, tongue, throat; trouble breathing; hives. Seek immediate medical help.
- Serious Infections: Pneumonia, sepsis, TB. Monitor for fever, cough, muscle aches.
- Liver Problems (IBD patients): Blood tests monitored due to liver injury risk. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, jaundice.
- Vaccinations: Avoid live vaccines during Skyrizi treatment.
Conclusion
Skyrizi is a significant targeted treatment for several autoimmune diseases. Its effectiveness and less frequent dosing for some conditions make it an option for patients not responding well to or tolerating other therapies. As a potent biologic, safety must be considered, and consulting a healthcare provider is vital to determine if it's the right choice.
Visit WebMD to learn more about the uses and side effects of Skyrizi.
