Risankizumab for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children aged 6-17 years

Risankizumab is in clinical development for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children aged 6 to 17 years. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes flaky patches of skin which form scales. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the immune cells which usually fight infection attack the body’s own tissues instead. The scalp is the most frequent site of onset of psoriasis in children, but the face, groin, armpit and behind the knees can also be affected. The plaques can be itchy or sore, or both. In severe cases, the skin around the joints may crack and bleed. Moderate psoriasis covers between 3%-10% of the body, while severe psoriasis covers more than 10% of the body. The cause of psoriasis is unknown, however certain factors can trigger the symptoms, such as injury, stress, or certain medications. Plaque psoriasis can have a significant negative effect on patients’ quality of life, and treatments can result in serious toxicities.