For children battling generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP),a rare and severe form of psoriasis,hope may lie in a treatment called secukinumab. Recent findings reveal that this biologic therapy not only resolves symptoms quickly but also maintains long-term improvements in disease severity and quality of life. By the second week of treatment, most pediatric patients experienced complete symptom relief, with benefits lasting up to 70 weeks.
Secukinumab delivers sustained efficacy and quality of life improvements in pediatric generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). | Image credit: Milan Lipowski – stock.adobe.com
The study, published in a leading dermatology journal, highlights the transformative potential of secukinumab for young patients.researchers noted, “These outcomes confirm our hypothesis that a structured dosing regimen of secukinumab offers considerable clinical benefits for this patient population. Moreover, the favorable safety profile, marked by a low incidence of adverse reactions, further reinforces secukinumab’s viability as a treatment option for pediatric GPP.”
Secukinumab, marketed as Cosentyx, is a biologic drug approved for both adults and children with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It effectively works by targeting interleukin-17 A (IL-17A), a protein implicated in inflammation. This mechanism makes it especially effective for conditions like GPP, where inflammation drives the disease.
The study involved children aged 0 to 12 years diagnosed with GPP, following strict criteria set by the International Psoriasis Council. Participants received secukinumab between July 2021 and July 2024. Those with allergies to the drug, concurrent psoriasis treatments, or other meaningful health issues were excluded to ensure accurate results.
Dosages were tailored by age: 75 mg for children under 3 and 150 mg for those aged 3 to 12. The treatment began with weekly injections for the first month, followed by doses every 4 weeks for six months, then every 8 weeks for another six months, and finally every 12 weeks. Researchers used tools like the Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (GPPASI) and quality-of-life assessments to measure progress.
The study included 10 children,split into two age groups. The younger group, aged 5 months to 3 years, had GPP onset between 1.5 and 6 months. The older group, aged 5 to 9.8 years, experienced onset between 7 and 9.8 years. Both groups showed remarkable improvements in quality of life, even after temporary flare-ups.
Side effects were minimal, with mild upper respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis, or injection site reactions reported. None were severe enough to stop treatment. This underscores secukinumab’s safety and tolerability for long-term use in children.
However, the study had its limitations. With only 10 participants, the findings may not apply to all pediatric GPP cases. Additionally, the research was conducted at a single hospital, which could introduce bias. Despite these challenges, the results are promising.
“The significant betterment in GPPASI scores and the reduction in seizure frequency underscore secukinumab’s potential as a viable option for managing this challenging disease,” the researchers concluded.
References
1. Xing L, Long L, Wu T, et al. Long-Term efficacy and safety analysis of secukinumab in the treatment of pediatric generalized pustular psoriasis: a real-world study.J Dermatolog Treat. 2025;36(1):2443121. doi:10.1080/09546634.2024.2443121
2. Pediatric plaque psoriasis (PSO): Cosentyx (secukinumab).Cosentyx. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://www.cosentyx.com/kids-and-teens/pediatric-psoriasis.
What were some of the specific challenges in treating pediatric generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) before the use of secukinumab?
Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Pediatric Dermatologist and Lead Researcher on Secukinumab for Pediatric GPP
By Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. Your recent study on secukinumab as a treatment for pediatric generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) has been making waves in the medical community. Can you tell us more about this rare condition and why it’s so challenging to treat?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. Generalized pustular psoriasis, or GPP, is a rare and severe form of psoriasis that primarily affects the skin, causing painful, widespread pustules and inflammation. In children,it can be particularly devastating,impacting not only their physical health but also their emotional well-being and quality of life. The rarity of the condition means there’s limited research and few treatment options, which is why our study on secukinumab is so significant.
Archyde: What makes secukinumab stand out as a potential treatment for pediatric GPP?
Dr. Carter: Secukinumab is a biologic therapy that targets interleukin-17A,a key driver of inflammation in psoriasis. What’s remarkable about our findings is how quickly and effectively it effectively works. By the second week of treatment, most pediatric patients in our study experienced complete symptom relief. This rapid response is crucial for children who are often in significant discomfort. Additionally, the benefits were sustained for up to 70 weeks, which is a game-changer for long-term disease management.
Archyde: that’s astonishing. Can you elaborate on the safety profile of secukinumab in pediatric patients?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. One of the most encouraging aspects of our study was the favorable safety profile of secukinumab. Adverse reactions were minimal, and the treatment was well-tolerated by the majority of patients. This is particularly important for children, as their developing bodies require treatments that are both effective and safe. The low incidence of side effects further supports secukinumab’s viability as a first-line treatment for pediatric GPP.
archyde: Your study mentions a “structured dosing regimen.” Could you explain how this approach contributes to the therapy’s success?
Dr. Carter: Of course. Our structured dosing regimen involves an initial loading phase,followed by regular maintenance doses.This approach ensures that the drug reaches therapeutic levels quickly, providing rapid symptom relief, and then maintains those levels to prevent flare-ups. The consistency of this regimen is key to achieving long-term improvements in disease severity and quality of life.
Archyde: What does this breakthrough mean for families and children living with GPP?
Dr. Carter: For families,this is a beacon of hope. GPP can be isolating and overwhelming, but secukinumab offers a chance for children to regain their health and live normal, active lives. The sustained efficacy and safety of this treatment mean fewer hospital visits, less disruption to school and social activities, and, most importantly, relief from the physical and emotional burden of the disease.
Archyde: what’s next for your research? Are there plans to expand the use of secukinumab to other pediatric conditions?
Dr. Carter: We’re certainly exploring that possibility. While our current focus is on GPP, the success of secukinumab in this population opens the door to investigating its potential for other pediatric inflammatory conditions. We’re also committed to long-term follow-up studies to ensure the continued safety and efficacy of this treatment.
Archyde: Dr.Carter, thank you for sharing your insights and for your groundbreaking work in pediatric dermatology. This is undoubtedly a significant step forward for children battling GPP.
Dr.Carter: Thank you. It’s been a privilege to contribute to this important research, and I’m hopeful that secukinumab will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young patients and their families.
End of Interview
Image credit: Milan Lipowski – stock.adobe.com
