Routine Latent TB Testing Not Required With IL-17, IL-23 Inhibitors, Experts Say
Routine testing for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection is not required for patients with psoriasis receiving IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors, according to the recent joint position statement from experts representing the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) and International Psoriasis Council (IPC).
Testing for latent TB infection has been standard practice among patients with psoriasis treated with IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors. However, the experts noted that evidence supporting routine testing in these patients is weak.
Experts from the NPF and IPC reviewed available evidence regarding the risk of latent TB infection progressing to active disease among patients with psoriasis receiving IL-17 or IL-23 blockers. Based on their review, the organizations formulated and approved updated guidance for clinicians.
Overall, 87.5% of members from the NPF Medical Board and IPC approved the new joint position statement, which states that latent TB testing is not required for patients receiving these therapies.
“Psoriasis experts reached consensus that routine testing for latent TB infection is not required in psoriasis patients being treated with IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors,” the authors concluded.
The position statement does, however, identify circumstances in which continued latent TB testing may be considered. These exceptions include patients receiving concomitant immunosuppressive therapy and those living in TB-endemic areas.
The updated guidance challenges a longstanding screening practice for patients receiving IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors while allowing clinicians to account for individual circumstances that may warrant continued testing.
The statement was developed specifically to “provide updated guidance to clinicians” based on the experts’ review of evidence regarding progression from latent TB infection to active disease.
Reference
Blauvelt A, Strober BE, Eakin GS, et al. Joint position statement from the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board and the International Psoriasis Council on routine testing for latent tuberculosis infection prior to and during treatment of psoriasis patients with interleukin 17 or interleukin 23 inhibitors. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2026;94(3):802-809. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2025.11.033
