Skyrizi: A Targeted Approach for Psoriasis and Crohn’s Disease
Autoimmune-mediated disorders such as plaque psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and Crohn’s disease (CD) involve an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.1 Although the exact causes of these conditions are not fully understood, they are believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental and microbiome factors. They tend to have periods of flare-ups and remissions and, over time, can cause lasting damage if not treated.2
- PsO causes thick, red, scaly patches on the skin, which can be itchy and painful.
- PsA combines skin symptoms with joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
- CD causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, often leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue.
Finding a treatment that offers long-term disease control with minimal side effects is imperative in managing these conditions.1 Skyrizi may offer a promising new option.2
What Is Skyrizi?
Skyrizi, with risankizumab as its active ingredient, is an advanced biological medicine used to treat adults with3:
- moderate-to-severe PsO, in cases where systemic treatment is required.
- active PsA, when treatment with DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate) has not worked well or has caused side effects.
- moderate-to-severe CD, when previous treatments (biologics or conventional drugs) have not been effective or have caused side effects; and
- ulcerative colitis, when other therapies do not provide relief or cause issues.
- For psoriatic arthritis Skyrizi can be used alone or in combination with other medications.3
How Does Skyrizi Work?
Risankizumab, the active ingredient in Skyrizi, is a monoclonal antibody—a type of lab-made protein that targets specific parts of the immune system. It works by blocking interleukin-23 (IL-23), a protein that plays a central role in triggering the inflammatory response seen in PsO, arthritis, CD and ulcerative colitis.3
This blockage of IL-23 leads to reduced inflammation and helps prevent symptoms associated with these conditions.3 Patients often report less fatigue, and a significant improvement in quality of life.4
How Is Skyrizi Administered? What Are the Recommended Dosages?
Skyrizi should be used under the guidance of a doctor and can be obtained only with a prescription.3 However, once trained, patients may inject Skyrizi themselves if the doctor considers it appropriate.
For PsO and PsA: Skyrizi is available in pre-filled syringes and pens. It is injected under the skin in an area that is clear of psoriasis, usually on the thigh or belly.3
Recommended Dosage5
The recommended dose is 150 mg, given either as two 75 mg pre-filled syringe injections or one 150 mg pre-filled pen or pre-filled syringe injection.
- Initial doses: One injection at weeks 0 and 4.
- Maintenance dose: One injection every 12 weeks thereafter
For Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: Skyrizi is given as an infusion or a drip into a vein.
Recommended Dosage5
The recommended dose is 600 mg, administered by intravenous infusion
- Initial doses: One injection at weeks 0, 4 and 8.
- Maintenance dose: Subcutaneous injection at week 12, and every 8 weeks thereafter
Where and How Should Skyrizi Be Injected?
Skyrizi can be injected in the thigh, abdomen (5cm away from the navel), or upper, outer arm (only by a healthcare professional or caregiver).5
Skin that is bruised, red, tender, hardened or affected by psoriasis should be avoided while injecting.5
Patients can self-inject at home after proper training in using the right technique. It is recommended that they read the “Instructions for Use” provided with the package before administration.5
What Precautions Should Be Followed Before Initiating Treatment With Skyrizi?
Before initiating treatment with Skyrizi, the doctor checks the suitability of the patient for the therapy. This could include, checking for5
- any ongoing infection or a history of recurrent infections,
- tuberculosis,
- recent live vaccination, in which case a wait period of 4 weeks is advised,
- pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- The doctor may also order blood tests to check for underlying infections or TB.5
What Are the Probable Side Effects?
Skyrizi can cause some side effects. Common among those are5:
- Upper respiratory infections (cold-like symptoms)
- Headache
- Injection-site redness or irritation
- Fatigue
Some of the rare side effects may include:
- allergic reactions
- folliculitis
The patient should contact the doctor immediately if they develop symptoms like high fever, persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, or severe skin reactions.5
How to Store and Handle Skyrizi
- Keep Skyrizi refrigerated (2°C–8°C) in its original packaging. Do not freeze.
- Let the pen or syringe sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before injection.
- Never use if the solution is cloudy or discolored. Do not shake the pen or syringe.
- Dispose of used syringes or pens in a special container. Do not throw them in household trash.
How Skyrizi is Different from Other Biologics
Unlike older biologics that target tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) like adalimumab or infliximab, Skyrizi specifically blocks IL-23, allowing for more targeted control of inflammation with potentially fewer side effects.3
Some key advantages:
- Longer gap between doses (every 12 weeks) after initial loading in psoriatic arthritis5
- Targeted action that helps with both skin and gut symptoms2
- Can be self-administered at home (after training)5
Accessing Skyrizi in India via the Named Patient Program (NPP)
Skyrizi is not yet widely available in the Indian pharmaceutical market. However, Indian patients can still access this medicine through a special import route called the Named Patient Program (NPP).6
This program allows patients to legally import medicines approved in other countries but not yet launched in India, under medical supervision and regulatory approval.
Step-by-Step: How to Access Skyrizi in India via NPP
1. Doctor Consultation
Speak to a dermatologist, rheumatologist, or gastroenterologist familiar with your condition. They will assess your eligibility for Skyrizi.
2. Medical Documentation
Your doctor will prepare a prescription and a letter explaining why Skyrizi is necessary (e.g., failure of previous treatments).
3. Diagnostic Reports
Include lab tests, imaging, or biopsy results confirming the diagnosis and showing why other treatments didn’t work.
4. Import License
An application is made to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization to obtain permission for import.
5. Assistance from Authorized Partners
Licensed facilitators like Rx4U India can help with documentation, coordination with the manufacturer, and secure delivery of the medicine.
Why Choose Skyrizi?
Skyrizi stands out as a highly targeted, long-acting therapy that treats the underlying cause of inflammation, not just the symptoms. Whether you’re battling persistent plaques, painful joints, or debilitating digestive flare-ups, it offers:
- Proven relief from symptoms
- Fewer doses per year
- A chance to regain your quality of life
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Skyrizi a cure?
A: No, but it helps control chronic symptoms and may significantly reduce flare-ups.3
Q: How soon will I feel better?
A: Many patients notice improvements in 4–12 weeks, but full benefits may take longer.5
Q: Can Skyrizi be used in children?
A: Skyrizi is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.5
Q: Do I need to go to the hospital for each dose?
A: No. After initial doses, patients can self-inject at home with proper training.5
Note:
The information provided is for education purpose only and is subjected to prescribing information of the drug and the guidance of your treating physician. Always consult your health care provider before making any medical decision for starting your treatment.
Disclaimer:
Rx4U procures prescribed medicines directly from manufacturers or authorized distributors. It does not claim ownership of any trademarks and complies with the provisions of the Trademark Act, 1999, particularly Sections 30 and 30(1) concerning ‘Fair Use’. It solely facilitates access to new launches through named patient import.
References:
- Rosenblum MD, Gratz IK, Paw JS, Abbas AK. Treating human autoimmunity: current practice and future prospects. Sci Transl Med. 2012;4(125):125sr1-.
- Pang Y, D'Cunha R, Winzenborg I, Veldman G, Pivorunas V, Wallace K. Risankizumab: mechanism of action, clinical and translational science. Clin Transl Sci. 2024;17(1):e13706.
- European Medicines Agency. Updated June 11, 2025. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/skyrizi
- Kristensen LE, Soliman AM, Papp K, White D, Barcomb L, Lu W, Eldred A, Behrens F. Risankizumab improved health-related quality of life, fatigue, pain and work productivity in psoriatic arthritis: results of keepsake 1. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2023;62(2):629-37.
- Product Information. AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG.
- Patil S. Early access programs: Benefits, challenges, and key considerations for successful implementation. Perspect Clin Res. 2016;7(1):4-8. doi:10.4103/2229-3485.173779
