Real‐World Safety Profile of Spesolimab in Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: Insights From Japan as Part of a Multinational Expanded Access Program ( <scp>EAP</scp> )
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a heterogeneous, systemic neutrophilic inflammatory disease, characterized by chronic symptoms and recurrent flares, which can be potentially life-threatening. Spesolimab, an interleukin-36 receptor antagonist, has been approved to treat GPP flares in many countries including Japan. An expanded access program (EAP) in Japan provided early access to spesolimab for patients aged 18-75 years unable to participate in a clinical trial with no other treatment options. Patients received a single dose of 900 mg intravenous spesolimab for flare treatment, with an optional second dose after 1 week if symptoms persisted. Safety was monitored for 16 weeks post-treatment. Eleven patients (54.5% female; 51 years mean age; 26.7 kg/m<sup>2</sup> mean body mass index) received 23 doses of intravenous spesolimab. Nine patients (81.8%) were diagnosed with GPP for > 5 years. Ten patients (90.9%) had ≥ 1 baseline medical condition. All patients used ≥ 1 concomitant medication prior to or during the spesolimab treatment period, most commonly immunosuppressants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Seven patients (63.6%) experienced treatment-emergent adverse events, all of mild or moderate intensity, including skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, general disorders and administration site conditions. No adverse event led to treatment discontinuation or death. A potential hypersensitivity event (face edema) resolved without intervention and was not considered treatment related. Spesolimab was well tolerated in a heterogeneous patient population with GPP, including those with comorbidities and concomitant medication use. The safety profile of spesolimab aligned with the EFFISAYIL 1 clinical trial results.
Authors
- M. Komine
- Toshiya Takahashi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9742-2282)
- Rafael Sani Simões
- Yuichiro Tsunemi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3590-6489)
- Morihisa Saitoh
- Takuro Kanekura (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3904-5954)
- Nora Pöntynen
- Yayoi Tada
- Nichiren Pillai
- Akimichi Morita
- Xuemei Ding
- Shinichi Imafuku
- Keiichi Yamanaka
Institutions
- Kagoshima University (JP)
- Jichi Medical University (JP)
- Mie University (JP)
- Nagoya City University (JP)
- Fukuoka University Hospital (JP)
- Tohoku University Hospital (JP)
- Saitama Medical University Hospital (JP)
- Boehringer Ingelheim (Japan) (JP)
- Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines) (PH)
- Boehringer Ingelheim (China) (CN)
- Jichi Medical University Hospital (JP)
- Teikyo University (JP)
Publication Details
- Journal
- The Journal of Dermatology
- Published
- 2025-12-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/1346-8138.70122
- Primary Topic
- Psoriasis: Treatment and Pathogenesis
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Amgen
- Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Pfizer
- Sanofi
- Celgene
- Taiho Pharmaceutical
- Torii Pharmaceutical
- Kaken Pharmaceutical
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Eisai
- Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation
- Sun Pharma
- LEO Pharma
- Novartis Pharma
- Eli Lilly Japan
- Sanofi K.K.
- Daiichi Sankyo Europe