Risankizumab Now Available as Single-Dose 150 mg Injection

Risankizumab-rzaa (Skyrizi, AbbVie), an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor, is now available as a single dose, 150 mg injection in the United States as a treatment for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, according to a press release from AbbVie. Previously administered in 2 75 mg injections per dose, risankizumab-rzaa is now delivered as a single dose every 12 weeks following 2 starter doses. It is now the only 4-dose-a-year biologic for psoriasis with options to administer via a single-dose pen or prefilled syringe, the company said.

"We know many people living with psoriasis are looking for flexibility in how they manage their disease," said Patrick Horber, president of US Immunology at AbbVie, in a press release. "That's why we're proud to provide an updated Skyrizi treatment experience that allows for fewer injections of the same Skyrizi that patients and providers have come to know and trust."

Officials with the FDA approved the single 150 mg dose of risankizumab-rzaa in April in response to the results from 3 clinical trials demonstrating the single-dose injection was bioequivalent, with the same efficacy and safety profile as a pair of 75 mg injections per dose. The new 150 mg pen incorporates audible cues to assist patients with the administration process and an indicator to signal when administration is complete.

"Helping my psoriasis patients find an ideal treatment option for them requires not only assessment of the plaques on their skin, but consideration of a treatment experience that fits their lifestyle," said Lindsay Ackerman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Medical Dermatology Specialists, in the release. "The single-dose injection options for Skyrizi 150 mg allow for a maintenance treatment plan of only four injections per year and are a welcome addition to the psoriasis treatment mix."

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin condition that produces thickened, scaling skin caused by the rapid growth of skin cells. It affects approximately 7.5 million patients, with between 80% to 90% having plaque psoriasis.

REFERENCE

SKYRIZI® (risankizumab-rzaa) now available in the U.S. as a single 150 mg injection for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis [news release]. AbbVie; August 9, 2021. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://news.abbvie.com/news/press-releases/skyrizi-risankizumab-rzaa-now-available-in-us-as-single-150-mg-injection-for-adults-with-moderate-to-severe-plaque-psoriasis.htm