Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the skin and joints that occurs in diverse ethnic groups worldwide. There is paucity of data on the use of topical and systemic medications in dark-skinned individuals. Unique issues in skin of color (SOC) populations, including increased risk of dyspigmentation (hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation), make studies dedicated to darker skin types essential for treatment of psoriasis in these populations.~This will be a single-center, open-label clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of secukinumab in adults with skin types IV-VI with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. A total of 20 subjects (ages 18+, male and female, BSA ≥10%, PASI Score ≥ 12, IGA mod 2011 score ≥ 3) are expected to complete this study, which will run for a total of up to 28 weeks.~The study consists of two periods: Screening (from 0 to 4 weeks) and open-label treatment period (24 weeks). During the second period, a total of 20 subjects will receive secukinumab 300mg subcutaneously. Those who meet all of the inclusion/exclusion criteria and are enrolled in the study will receive study drug for the entire treatment period.
This will be a single-center, open-label clinical study to determine the efficacy and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis vulgaris in skin of color (SOC) (FST IV-VI). This study will also evaluate the degree of erythema versus hyperpigmentation in psoriasis plaques in SOC (and its change with secukinumab treatment) as well as the effect of secukinumab on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and quality of life in SOC.