Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are three chronic autoimmune system disorders that cause inflammation in different parts of the body. They share common immune system dysfunctions and can sometimes occur together.
- Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease where the immune system triggers rapid skin cell production, leading to thick, scaly patches on the skin. These patches (called plaques) can be itchy, painful, and inflamed. About 4.5 million people in the US have psoriasis.
- Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that develops in some people with psoriasis. It causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness and can lead to permanent joint damage if left untreated. About one-quarter to one-third of people with psoriasis can also develop PsA, and it can also occur on its own.
- IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), which both cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. IBD affects approximately one million people in the US, with around 60% of them developing Crohn’s and 40% developing ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly impacts the small intestine and colon.Â
- Ulcerative colitis affects only the inner lining of the colon.
Skyrizi (risankizumab) is a new treatment option for autoimmune system disorders that’s quickly becoming one of the most effective choices for these conditions. This blog discusses the main conditions that Skyrizi has been designed to treat, as well as what Skyrizi is, how it works, and how it compares to other treatments, in plain, easy-to-understand language.
You should be aware that doses of Skyrizi are normally administered to patients with autoimmune system disorders by healthcare providers in their offices. It is not intended for self-administration. Your healthcare provider will decide if this treatment is appropriate based on your specific health needs. The purpose of this blog is to better understand when and why a doctor may prescribe Skyrizi and to enable you to properly understand the benefits that the drug is expected to bring.
The main features of the autoimmune system disorders psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease
| Condition | Age of onset | Main symptoms | Progression |
| Psoriasis | 15 – 35
50 – 60 Men & women equally |
|
Without treatment, mild cases stay limited to small patches. Moderate to severe cases spread and cause widespread inflammation. Can trigger other autoimmune conditions, including IBD and heart disease.
Treatment reduces flare-ups and keeps symptoms manageable. It also prevents permanent skin and joint damage. |
| PsA | 30 – 60
Usually after psoriasis Men & women equally |
|
Without treatment, symptoms worsen over time, leading to joint deformities. Permanent bone and joint damage may occur within a few years.
Treatment reduces pain, swelling, and joint damage, slows down or prevents permanent joint deformities. |
| Crohn’s | 15 and 35
Late onset > 50 Women +/- 55% Men +/- 45% |
|
Without treatment, worsening inflammation leads to narrowing of the intestines (strictures), which can block food from passing. Can cause fistulas, where abnormal tunnels form between different parts of the intestine or other organs. Malnutrition and severe weight loss due to poor absorption of nutrients. Raises the risk of colon cancer over time.
Treatment significantly reduces inflammation and symptoms, and prevents severe complications like strictures and fistulas |
| UC | 15 – 35
50 – 60 Men & women equally |
|
Without treatment, chronic inflammation leads to ulcers in the colon. Higher risk of severe flares, requiring hospitalization. Significantly increases the risk of colon cancer. Severe cases may require surgery to remove the colon.
Treatment reduces inflammation and prevents long-term damage, lowers the risk of severe flares and surgery |
If you’re experiencing symptoms of any of these conditions, talk to a doctor about early treatment options to prevent long-term damage.
Introducing Skyrizi
Skyrizi offers a highly effective, long-lasting way to manage these conditions with fewer side effects and a convenient dosing schedule.
What is Skyrizi?
Skyrizi is an FDA-approved prescription medication designed specifically to treat autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.Â
How does Skyrizi work?
A healthy body responds to injury, trauma, sepsis, and infections with a process known as the inflammatory cascade. It helps the body heal by removing harmful stimuli and restoring tissue function in a complex process that includes the release of cytokines, chemokines, and other mediators. Some people have a defect in their immune system that triggers the inflammatory cascade for no reason, and this results in an autoimmune disease in which, instead of responding to external events, the immune response acts against the body’s own tissues.Â
Two of the most important cytokines that are involved in the inflammatory cascade are interleukin-23 (IL-23) and interleukin-12 (IL-12). Most therapies are designed to modify in some way how those cytokines are triggered so that the unwanted activation of the immune cascade can be blocked or slowed down
Skyrizi is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets a subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23), which is involved in the inflammatory cascade underlying psoriasis, PsA, and IBD. Unlike earlier drugs such as Stelara, which block both IL-12 and IL-23, Skyrizi exclusively inhibits IL-23, preserving the IL-12 pathway, which plays a role in immune defense against infections and malignancies. By blocking IL-23, Skyrizi interrupts the inflammation cascade at its source for patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and IBD, offering a highly targeted and potent treatment option with fewer immune suppression risks.
Specifically, Skyrizi works by reducing inflammation, the underlying cause of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and IBD. Skyrizi helps:
- Clear up the skin in psoriasis
- Reduce joint pain and swelling in PsA
- Improve digestive symptoms in Crohn’s disease and UC
How is Skyrizi given?
- For psoriasis & psoriatic arthritis, doctors administer an injection under the skin once every 12 weeks after two starter doses.
- For Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, treatment starts with IV infusions in a clinic, followed by injections every 8 or 12 weeks.
Unlike some older treatments, which require more frequent injections (weekly or monthly), Skyrizi’s schedule is much easier to manage requiring follow-up doses either bi-monthly or quarterly instead of fortnightly or monthly.
How does Skyrizi compare to other treatments?
To see why Skyrizi is making such an impact, let’s compare it to other commonly used medications for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and IBD.
| Condition | Treatments | Dosage | Effectiveness |
| Psoriasis | Humira, Enbrel
TNF Blockers |
Weekly/Biweekly | Helps about 75% of people, but results fade over time |
| Stelara
IL-12/23 Blocker |
Every 12 weeks | Effective, but not as strong as newer options | |
| Taltz
IL-17 Blockers |
Monthly | Very effective, but increases risk of fungal infections | |
| Skyrizi | Every 8-12 weeks | Most effective. Skyrizi has the best long-term results | |
| What makes Skyrizi special for psoriasis?Â
 ✔ Higher chance of completely clearing the skin than most other treatments  ✔ Long-lasting results, with fewer relapses than older drugs  ✔ Less frequent dosing (only every 12 weeks after the first doses.) |
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| Psoriatic Arthritis | Humira, Enbrel, Cimzia
TNF Blockers |
Weekly/Biweekly | Helps about 60% of people, but its effectiveness can fade |
| Taltz
IL-17 Blockers |
Monthly | Fast relief for joint symptoms but more risk of infections | |
| Stelara
IL-12/23 Blocker |
Every 12 weeks | Good for psoriasis, but slower to relieve joint pain | |
| Skyrizi | Every 12 weeks | Works well for both skin and joint symptoms, fewer infections | |
| What makes Skyrizi special for PsA?Â
 ✔ Greater reduction in joint pain and stiffness  ✔ Longer-lasting effects (fewer flares compared to older drugs)  ✔ Preferred choice for patients who need both skin and joint relief |
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| Crohn’s &Â
Ulcerative Colitis |
Humira, Remicade
TNF Blockers |
Weekly/Biweekly | Works for about 40% of patients, but effects may weaken |
| Stelara
IL-12/23 Blocker |
Every 12 weeks | More effective than TNF blockers, but slower onset | |
| Xeljanz, Rinvoq
JAK Inhibitors |
Daily pill | Effective, but has higher risks (blood clots, infections) | |
| Skyrizi | Every 8-12 weeks | Highest remission rates for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s | |
| What makes Skyrizi special for IBD?Â
 ✔ More people with autoimmune system disorders achieve remission compared to older biologics  ✔ Longer-lasting benefits with fewer relapses  ✔ Doesn’t carry the serious risks of JAK inhibitors (blood clots, infections) |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Skyrizi
How long does it take for Skyrizi to work in autoimmune system disorders?
- Most people with psoriasis see clearer skin within 4 weeks, with full results in 16 weeks.
- Joint pain for people with psoriatic arthritis starts improving within 3-4 months.
- Symptoms for both Crohn’s and UC may start improving in 4-8 weeks, with full remission possible after several months.
Is Skyrizi safer than older biologics like Humira?
Yes. Since Skyrizi only blocks IL-23, it avoids some of the immune suppression risks of older drugs like Humira, which block TNF (a broader immune system protein). This means less risk of infection.
What are the most common side effects?
- Mild respiratory infections (cold-like symptoms)
- Fatigue
- Mild skin reactions at the injection site
- Headache
Does Skyrizi weaken the immune system?
A little, but less than older drugs like TNF inhibitors. It does not increase the risk of cancer or serious infections the way some immunosuppressive drugs do.
Is Skyrizi expensive?
This depends on a number of things. Even if your insurance plan covers Skyrizi for psoriasis, PsA, and IBD, the post deductible (or initial pay) ranges between $6435 and $25741 (which is the full cost of the drug without insurance. The full cost of Skyrizi from IsraelPharm is currently $6900.
