Ixekizumab (Taltz)
Lilly
Description
Ixekizumab is an IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity (<3 pM) and specificity to interleukin 17A (both IL-17A and IL-17A/F). Elevated concentrations of IL-17A have been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by promoting keratinocyte proliferation and activation, as well as in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis by driving inflammation leading to erosive bone damage and pathological new bone formation. Neutralisation of IL-17A by ixekizumab inhibits these actions.
Indications
Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy; moderate-to-severe paediatric plaque psoriasis in children from the age of 6 years and with a body weight of at least 25kg and adolescents who are candidates for systemic therapy; alone or in combination with methotrexate treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adults who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug
Contraindications
Serious hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any excipients; clinically important active infections (e.g. active tuberculosis)
Price
80mg prefilled pen, £1125; 80mg prefilled syringe, £1125
More on: Systemic psoriasis treatments