Ixekizumab for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Ixekizumab is in clinical development for the treatment of enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA), which are subtypes juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in one or multiple joints. JIA refers to all forms of chronic childhood arthritis and is categorised depending which part of the body is affected. ERA causes inflammation of the joints and entheses (the sites where tendons, ligaments and other tissues attach to the bones). In children with ERA the feet, hips, spine, and knees are often affected. ERA affecting the spine causes juvenile onset ankylosing spondylitis, a condition associated with serious complications such as spinal fractures and curvature of the spine. JPsA is a type of JIA where children experience arthritis and psoriasis. Psoriasis causes the skin to become red or silvery grey, itchy, scaly, and flaky. It can also affect the nails and eyes. Treatment options specifically developed for ERA and JPsA are currently limited, with fewer options available for paediatric patients.