Taltz

Taltz is the brand name for ixekizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-17A (IL-17A). It is a biologic therapy developed by Eli Lilly and is used to treat several autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including adults with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis.

Ixekizumab binds selectively to IL-17A, blocking its interaction with the IL-17 receptor and thereby reducing the inflammatory signaling that drives symptoms in these conditions.

In the United States and European Union, Taltz is approved for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and active axial spondyloarthritis. It is administered by subcutaneous injection, with dosing regimens that begin with an initial loading dose followed by maintenance injections every two or four weeks depending on indication and response.

Typical administration starts with a loading dose of 160 mg (two 80 mg injections) on day 0, followed by 80 mg every two weeks for several months. For axial spondyloarthritis, the schedule commonly changes to 80 mg every four weeks after the loading phase.

Common adverse events include injection-site reactions and upper respiratory infections. Serious infections, hypersensitivity reactions, and inflammatory bowel disease flares have been reported. Because IL-17A inhibition can predispose to candidiasis, patients are monitored for fungal infections; tuberculosis screening is recommended before starting therapy.

Taltz was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for plaque psoriasis in 2016 and later received approvals for psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. It is one of several IL-17 inhibitors available for inflammatory diseases and is marketed internationally by Eli Lilly.