AT A GLANCE

This meta-analysis pooled data from 68 RCTs to evaluate both skin and systemic outcomes of psoriasis treatments. Bimekizumab emerged as the most effective with a lower cardiovascular risk profile, while ixekizumab showed strong skin efficacy but a concerning signal for major cardiac events.

A sweeping network meta-analysis of 68 randomized trials (34,414 patients) compared systemic psoriasis treatments not only by skin clearance, but also by cardiovascular and kidney safety. Bimekizumab stood out for its exceptional efficacy in achieving PASI 75 and its association with fewer cardiovascular events, while ixekizumab, despite delivering high PASI 90 response rates, was linked to an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Renal outcomes were similar across therapies, highlighting the need for clinicians to weigh systemic benefits against potential cardiovascular trade-offs in long-term psoriasis management.

"These findings suggest that bimekizumab offers a favorable balance of efficacy and cardiovascular safety, while caution is warranted with ixekizumab due to its potential cardiovascular risks," write the authors. "Further investigation using real-world data and long-term safety monitoring is needed."

Referece: Shi A, Shu Y, Haddad JE, et al. Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes After Systemic Treatment for Plaque Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). Published online July 5, 2025. doi:10.1007/s13555-025-01472-5

DRUG AT A GLANCE
Bimekizumab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits interleukin-17A and interleukin-17F, cytokines involved in the inflammatory cascade of plaque psoriasis. It is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Clinical trials have demonstrated rapid and durable skin clearance, with high rates of PASI 75 and PASI 90 responses. Bimekizumab is administered via subcutaneous injection, typically every four weeks initially, then every eight weeks for maintenance.