← Books, chapters & reports

FROM THE PURSER BOOKSHELF · CHAPTER GUIDE

Skyrizi and homocysteine: the research question

Explore a research question about IL-23 medicines and homocysteine-related inflammation.

Based on teaching by Dan Purser, MD. How we prepare these guides

Educational summary

Why this matters

Explore a research question about IL-23 medicines and homocysteine-related inflammation.

How the pieces connect

Risankizumab, also called Skyrizi, treats specific inflammatory diseases. A possible link to homocysteine has not been established in direct treatment trials.

A proposed new use needs its own evidence

Dr. Purser illustrates how a research hypothesis develops: start with a drug that affects one pathway, identify a possible connection to another condition, then ask whether the connection produces a benefit. Each step is a new question. Success in one inflammatory disease is not proof of benefit for homocysteine regulation. Dr. Purser itself identifies the absence of direct trials, so this discussion is best read as a research question rather than a treatment shown to help people with this condition.

Keep in mind

Skyrizi is prescribed for specific conditions; a possible pathway link is not a reason to use it for high homocysteine. Review medicine decisions with the prescribing specialist.

A question for your next conversation

Is there a trial in the condition being discussed, with the outcome we care about?

BUILD YOUR UNDERSTANDING

A few concepts, made clearer.

MTHFR

Makes an enzyme that helps produce a form of folate used in the processing of homocysteine. Common variants are different from rare variants that cause severe MTHFR deficiency.

Read the full reference

LET YOUR CURIOSITY LEAD

One idea opens another.

Choose a subject to find the related teaching across videos, articles, courses and references.