Investigate the Cardiovascular Effects of Interleukin-17 Inhibitors
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on September 29th, 2025
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Previous research suggested a possible link between interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitor use in psoriasis and an increased risk of major cardiovascular events, potentially due to the role of IL-17 in collagen production. By lowering IL-17 levels, therapies targeting T-helper 17 cells may destabilize atherosclerotic plaques, increasing the risk of vascular blockage. To investigate this further, a study was funded by the French Society of Dermatology to examine the cardiovascular safety of IL-17 inhibitors.
This case-control study used the French National Health Insurance database and included more than 34,000 patients treated with secukinumab, ixekizumab, or brodalumab. Among them, 59% were treated for psoriasis, 48% for ankylosing spondylitis, and 17% for psoriatic arthritis. Compared with patients on TNF-α inhibitors, initiation of IL-17 inhibitor therapy was not associated with a higher risk of acute coronary syndrome or ischemic stroke. TNF-α inhibitors were chosen, because these agents can be used for psoriasis while not having any impact on cardiovascular health. The authors noted that while IL-17 inhibitors could plausibly carry a short-term cardiovascular risk, their long-term effects may be neutral or even protective.
This case-control study used the French National Health Insurance database and included more than 34,000 patients treated with secukinumab, ixekizumab, or brodalumab. Among them, 59% were treated for psoriasis, 48% for ankylosing spondylitis, and 17% for psoriatic arthritis. Compared with patients on TNF-α inhibitors, initiation of IL-17 inhibitor therapy was not associated with a higher risk of acute coronary syndrome or ischemic stroke. TNF-α inhibitors were chosen, because these agents can be used for psoriasis while not having any impact on cardiovascular health. The authors noted that while IL-17 inhibitors could plausibly carry a short-term cardiovascular risk, their long-term effects may be neutral or even protective.