Assessing the effects of IL-17 inhibitors on hidden inflammation in psoriasis patients

Efficacy of IL-17 Inhibitors on Subclinical Enthesitis in Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Based on Power Doppler (PD) Ultrasonography (PDUS): a Single-center, Prospective, Exploratory, Open-label Study

Observational The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School · NCT06987292

This study is testing if IL-17 inhibitors can help reduce hidden inflammation in adults with moderate to severe psoriasis who aren't getting enough relief from their current treatments.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Nanjing, Jiangsu and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06987292 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IL-17 inhibitors in treating subclinical enthesitis in adults with moderate to severe psoriasis. Participants will undergo Power Doppler Ultrasonography to identify inflammatory changes at peripheral attachment points. The study is open-label and single-center, focusing on patients whose psoriasis is inadequately controlled by current therapies. The goal is to gather data on the impact of IL-17 inhibitors on hidden inflammation that may not be visible through standard clinical assessments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with chronic plaque-type psoriasis and evidence of subclinical enthesitis.

Not a fit: Patients with a diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis or other known rheumatic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new insights into treating hidden inflammation in psoriasis, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is exploratory, similar studies assessing IL-17 inhibitors have shown promise in related conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult patients ( ≥ 18 years of age) with chronic plaque-type psoriasis
2. Meet one of the following conditions: Psoriasis Area and Severity Index \[PASI\] score \> 6, or scalp involvement, or nail involvement.
3. Inflammatory changes on ultrasound consistent with OMERACT definition at least at one peripheral attachment point at screening, defined as thickening and/or abnormal echogenicity of tendons or ligaments at the site of their insertion into the bone (within 2 mm of the talar cortex), and active Doppler signals that may indicate structural damage such as bone erosion, syndesmophytes/calcifications
4. Psoriasis is inadequately controlled by current topical therapy or phototherapy
5. Able to sign the informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of PsA2 according to CASPAR
2. Any known rheumatic disease, positive rheumatoid factor/anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, prior treatment with anti-rheumatic drugs
3. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids within 12 weeks or 5 half-lives of screening
4. Obesity impeded ultrasound examination
5. Pregnant or lactating women or women with plan for conception 5 months before or after treatment
6. Participated in other clinical trials
7. Concurrent significant medical problems, including but not limited to the following: uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95 mmHg), congestive heart failure (NYHA class III or IV), total white blood cell count \< 2500/μl, or platelets \< 100,000/μl or neutrophils \< 1500/μl or hemoglobin \< 8.5 g/dL at screening.
8. Any liver function abnormality: aspartate aminotransferase (AST) \> 2xULN, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) \> 2xULN, total bilirubin (TBIL) \> 2xULN
9. Abnormal renal function: serum creatinine \> 2.0 mg/dl
10. History of ongoing, chronic or recurrent infectious disease or evidence of tuberculosis infection, defined as a positive PPD skin test or Mycobacterium tuberculosis interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) test.
11. Current or relevant history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection.
12. History of lymphoproliferative disease, or any known malignancy, or history of malignancy of any organ system within the past 5 years
13. Unable or unwilling to undergo repeated venipuncture
14. History of alcohol or drug abuse or evidence of abuse within 6 months prior to baseline
15. History of hypersensitivity to any component of the study drug
16. Did not accept live vaccines within 4 weeks prior to enrollment, do not have plan of vaccination program during the study, and no live vaccines are planned \> 6 months after the last dose of the study (herpes zoster vaccine \> 12 months)

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, Jiangsu and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PsoriasisEnthesitisPsoriasis ArthritisSecukinumab
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.