Effects of tofacitinib on cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular outcomes based on phase III and long-term extension data in patients with plaque psoriasis

BackgroundPsoriasis is a systemic inflammatory condition that is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Tofacitinib is being investigated as a treatment for psoriasis.ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the effects of tofacitinib on CV risk factors and major adverse CV events (MACEs) in patients with plaque psoriasis.MethodsChanges in select CV risk factors and the incidence rate (IR) of MACEs were evaluated in patients who were treated with tofacitinib.ResultsTofacitinib treatment was associated with small, dose-dependent increases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, while the total/HDL cholesterol ratio was unchanged. There were no changes in blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin levels; C-reactive protein levels decreased. The IRs of a MACE were low and similar for both tofacitinib doses. Among 3623 subjects treated with tofacitinib, the total patient-years of exposure was 5204, with a median follow-up of 527 days, and the IR of MACEs was 0.37 (95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.57) patients with events per 100 patient-years.LimitationsThere was relatively short follow-up time for patients who had MACEs.ConclusionsWhile treatment with tofacitinib is associated with a small increase in cholesterol levels, the total/HDL cholesterol ratio does not change, there are no unfavorable changes in several CV risk factors, and the incidence of MACEs is low.