A patient with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis failed methotrexate and cyclosporine. A biologic targeting IL-17A is initiated. Which of the following is the correct agent-target pairing?

• A Secukinumab — anti-IL-23 p19 subunit
• B Guselkumab — anti-IL-17RA (receptor)
• C Risankizumab — anti-IL-17A
• D Ixekizumab — anti-IL-17A ✓

Explanation

Ixekizumab (and secukinumab) both target IL-17A directly, while bimekizumab targets both IL-17A and IL-17F. Guselkumab and risankizumab target the IL-23 p19 subunit; ustekinumab targets the shared IL-12/23 p40 subunit; brodalumab targets the IL-17RA receptor. The IL-23/IL-17 axis is the central pathogenic pathway in psoriasis. Anti-IL-17 biologics generally show PASI 90 response rates of 60-80% at week 12-16.

Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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